95% of Ghanaian Nurses & Midwives Say Salaries Are Insufficient

Keynotes

94.7% of nurses and midwives surveyed say their salaries are insufficient to meet their financial needs.

85.6% rely on loans, while 83.3% experience financial difficulties frequently.

87.5% cite the rising cost of living as a major financial burden, with family responsibilities (80%) and rent and housing costs (74.4%) adding to the pressure.

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.

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.