A group of newly employed mental health nurses working at Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Pantang Psychiatric Hospital, and Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital have officially petitioned the National Chairman of the Mental Health Nurses Group (MHNG) over the non-payment of their salaries for several months.
According to the petition, the affected nurses fall into two categories—those who were formally employed on 6th January 2025 and 5th May 2025. Despite having worked for seven months and three months respectively, none of them have received a salary since their appointment.
The nurses explained that they have made multiple follow-ups with their facility heads, the Mental Health Authority (MHA), and the Ministry of Health (MOH), but the issue remains unresolved.
At the facility level and the MHA, they were told that the problem was due to the Ministry of Health not granting clearance for salaries to be processed. However, in a meeting between the MOH and leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) on 29th July 2025, the Chief Director of the Ministry disclosed that the MOH had not received any financial clearance application from the Mental Health Authority, unlike other agencies such as the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The revelation suggested that the MHA had been reluctant to seek clearance for its new employees, causing the delay in salary payments.
On 11th August 2025, some of the affected nurses visited the MHA to further press for answers. They reported that the Director of Human Resource at MHA refused to believe their claims, even when presented with evidence that their counterparts at Ridge Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital had already been paid.
The nurses described this response as troubling, noting that it seemed as though “no one is concerned about whether we are paid or not.” The Director, however, assured them he would follow up.
While bureaucratic processes drag on, the nurses stressed that the reality is dire—they are working without pay and struggling to survive. Many of them find it increasingly difficult to report to duty, given the financial constraints.
The petitioners, led by Enock Yankah (Accra Psychiatric Hospital) and Sam Benjamin (Pantang Psychiatric Hospital), called on the leadership of MHNG to urgently intervene and ensure that their plight is addressed.
Mental health care in Ghana already faces numerous challenges, including understaffing, stigma, and limited resources. The non-payment of salaries to nurses who have dedicated themselves to serving in psychiatric facilities further undermines the sector.
These nurses are on the frontlines of mental health service delivery, and delays in their compensation not only affect their livelihoods but also risk discouraging others from entering or staying in the profession.
The petition has been copied to the hospital directors, heads of nursing, and local GRNMA chairpersons at the three psychiatric hospitals, in hopes of galvanizing swift action.
As the matter unfolds, it raises critical questions about the prioritization of mental health in Ghana’s health system and whether the welfare of professionals in the field is being taken seriously.
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