Healthcare services across Ghana are set for a severe disruption as the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) has declared a nationwide withd
Healthcare services across Ghana are set for a severe disruption as the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) has declared a nationwide withdrawal of services, commencing next Tuesday, in an escalation of their dispute with the government over unpaid salaries and stalled postings.
In a hard-hitting statement released on Thursday and signed by its President, Dr. Louisa Afia Nkrumah, and General Secretary, Dr. Rhoda Wun-nam Amadu, the Association revealed the depth of the crisis, stating that “more than 200 junior doctors have worked for between 10 and 14 months without pay.”
The Association further revealed that salaries for several medical officers, previously listed on the government payroll, have been abruptly suspended without any explanation.
Compounding the issue, the JDA stated that “over 800 medical officers have been awaiting posting for the past 16 months,” leaving a significant number of qualified medical personnel in professional limbo.
The decision to strike follows a breakdown in negotiations. The Association lamented that “despite repeated engagements with the authorities and goodwill shown towards the government, no solutions have been offered.”
The industrial action will be executed in a phased manner. The JDA has directed its members to withdraw all outpatient services from Tuesday, October 7, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. The strike will then intensify significantly from Friday, October 10, when doctors will “withdraw emergency services… until further notice.”
In a directive outlining the scope of the withdrawal, the Association stated that “inpatients will continue to be managed until discharge, but no new cases will be admitted.”
Placing the blame squarely on the authorities, the JDA warned that “the continued exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated.” It concluded that “the responsibility for any disruption of healthcare services lies squarely with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ghana,” urging immediate action to avert a full-blown healthcare crisis.