The Ministry of Health has denied allegations of extortion from unemployed nurses and midwives seeking job placements.
It has warned trainee nurses against dealing with anonymous individuals or supposed officials who claim they can help with their financial clearance at the Ministry.
Unemployed nurses and midwives have frequently criticized the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance for not granting financial clearance needed for permanent employment.
They have organized multiple demonstrations and protests at the Health Ministry, accusing officials of demanding bribes for job placements.
In response, Isaac Offei Baah, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, dismissed these claims in an interview with Onua News.
He emphasized that no Ministry official is involved in such activities and warned that any nurse who pays money to anyone for job placement does so at their own risk.
“The Ministry distances itself from these practices, that whoever collects money from you, make sure to request for a receipt from the Ministry. If you are not able to get that receipt you don’t come and say that the Ministry of Health is charging,” he said.
There are rumors that people are paying GHC10,000 and GHC8,000 to get hired. Mr. Baah questioned why anyone would think the Ministry would ask for more money from people who have already paid for their education.
Regarding the 2024 recruitment portal, Mr. Baah said the Ministry plans to hire 15,200 nurses and midwives with various qualifications.
Since the portal opened on August 5, 2024, many people have tried to access it, which has slowed down the system.
He asked nurses to be patient as the Ministry works to fix these issues and ensure everyone who qualifies gets recruited.
He also encouraged nurses to accept their assigned regions or districts to help reduce the portal’s traffic.
Lastly, he stressed that the recruitment process is not connected to the December 7 elections.
