UPNMG calls for urgent attention from government, employers and relevant stakeholders to review existing remuneration and welfare arrangements to reflect the economic realities facing nurses and midwives.

Published 8 Nov 2026, 16:19 GMT

2 min read

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:002:00

Playback speed

A new survey by the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) involving 1,406 nurses and midwives in Ghana has brought to light serious financial pressures among respondents, with nearly 95% saying their salaries are insufficient to meet their financial needs.

The findings raise important questions about the financial wellbeing of healthcare professionals who play a vital role in delivering health services across the country.

The study, Financial Strain Among Nurses and Midwives in Northern and Southern Ghana: A Cross-sectional Survey published in the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting, found that 94.7% of respondents considered their salaries insufficient. It also found that 85.6% reported taking loans, while 83.3% said they experienced financial difficulties always or frequently.

The financial pressure extends beyond day-to-day expenses. 80% of respondents identified family responsibilities as a financial burden, while 74.4% cited rent and housing costs. In addition, 87.5% identified the cost of living as a major financial pressure.

These figures paint a troubling picture of healthcare professionals working under financial constraints while carrying significant responsibilities at work and at home.

Loan dependence raises further concern

The finding that 85.6% of respondents reported taking loans deserves particular attention. When salaries are unable to meet financial needs, borrowing can become one of the ways workers manage household expenses and other obligations.

The survey also found that 47.6% of respondents borrowed money from friends or family, while 64.9% reported using budgeting or cost-cutting measures to manage their financial circumstances.

What next?

UPNMG believes these findings should prompt employers, government and relevant stakeholders to examine whether existing remuneration and welfare arrangements adequately reflect the economic realities confronting nurses and midwives.

Laud NarteyLaud Nartey is a current affairs editor with the MG News team at Media General, serving TV3 Ghana, 3News, Onua TV and more platforms.

95% of Ghanaian nurses &amp; midwives say their salaries are insufficient – UPNMG Study

Suggested for you

More Stories

Police repel cattle rustlers, recover 39 cows in Kaduna

Anambra begins reconstruction of failed roads ahead of Christmas

‎Labour demands immediate start to new Minimum Wage talks

Bagbin Promises Online Access to Ghana Parliament Records for Journalists by Year-End

Lagos arrests dismissed operative for impersonation, extortion

Foreign Affairs Ministry refers 2 interdicted officers to police over illegal passport scheme

Discussion

95% of Ghanaian nurses & midwives say their salaries are insufficient – UPNMG Study