“Four Years of Broken Promises: How the NPP Has Left Ghana’s Nurses to Suffer- Bright Botchway writes

As a youth activist, feminist advocate, and entrepreneur, I feel compelled to address the ongoing crisis facing Ghana’s trained nursing professionals. It is unconscionable that, after four years of waiting, thousands of qualified nurses remain unposted, languishing at home, while the healthcare system in Ghana struggles under immense pressure. In a country where access to healthcare is already uneven and limited, the failure to employ trained nurses is not just an issue of neglect—it is a national crisis. Despite the clear demand for healthcare workers, the NPP government has inexplicably delayed posting these nurses, leaving 80% of them unemployed and without direction.

What makes this situation even more troubling is the overt politicization of the recruitment process. Reports that the NPP government is prioritizing its TESCOM members over other equally qualified professionals highlight the growing trend of cronyism. The notion that political loyalty could be valued over merit in the healthcare sector is a dangerous and corrupt precedent that threatens the core principles of democracy and fairness. How can a government tasked with serving the people choose to reward political affiliates at the expense of trained professionals? This approach does not just deepen political divisions—it erodes the very fabric of Ghanaian society by suggesting that opportunities in the public sector are only accessible to those who align with the ruling party.

Equally concerning is the financial burden placed on these unemployed nurses. Every year, these professionals are required to renew their licenses, paying substantial fees to maintain their eligibility. Yet, without jobs, many are forced to struggle financially, paying money into a system that offers them no opportunity in return. This is a clear exploitation of the youth, who are already grappling with high unemployment rates. It begs the question: why should these nurses, who are willing and eager to work, be penalized for the government’s inefficiency?

This failure to act is not just an economic injustice but also a public health disaster. Ghana’s healthcare system is overstretched, especially in rural areas where access to basic healthcare is scarce. Many communities remain underserved, and without these nurses being posted, the system is at risk of collapsing under the weight of demand. The lack of healthcare professionals directly impacts the most vulnerable populations—particularly women and children—who rely on these services. The government’s neglect is therefore not just a bureaucratic oversight but a human rights issue, as it denies citizens their right to adequate healthcare.

From a feminist perspective, the impact of this neglect is acutely felt by women. Nursing, as a profession, is dominated by women in Ghana, many of whom are young and just beginning their professional journeys. These women, who have sacrificed years of study and training, now find themselves jobless, without the means to support themselves or their families. The gendered impact of this issue cannot be overlooked. The government’s failure to post nurses is, in effect, perpetuating gender inequality by keeping these women economically marginalized. It is a blatant contradiction to any claims the government may make about advancing gender equality or promoting the empowerment of women.

The injustice is further compounded by the message this sends to the youth of Ghana. In a country where unemployment is already a major concern, especially among young people, the government’s decision to favor political loyalties over merit is both disheartening and dangerous. This trend tells the youth that their education and qualifications are less valuable than their political affiliations, eroding the belief in a fair and just society where hard work and dedication are rewarded. It is a betrayal of the next generation’s hopes and dreams, and it is breeding a deep disillusionment with the political process.

As youth activists, feminists, and concerned citizens, we must demand action. The government must take immediate steps to post these nurses and relieve them of the financial burden of annual license renewals until they are employed. More importantly, the recruitment process in the public sector must be depoliticized to ensure that opportunities are awarded based on merit, not political alignment. Ghana’s future depends on its ability to harness the talents of its young professionals, not on its ability to perpetuate political patronage.

The government’s continued failure to address this issue will have far-reaching consequences. As a nation, we cannot afford to lose the trust of our youth, nor can we afford to allow political cronyism to determine the quality of healthcare available to our citizens. It is time for accountability. The NPP government must stop playing politics with the future of Ghana’s healthcare system and start taking concrete steps to ensure that every qualified nurse is given the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s well-being. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of Ghana.

We must continue to raise our voices, demanding fairness, meritocracy, and justice. The future of Ghana depends on it.