Casual workers at the Northern Regional Hospital, also known as Tamale Central Hospital, have begun a sit-down strike to protest five months of unpaid salaries.
Speaking on Channel One News on Monday, March 23, the Secretary of the orderlies, Adam Sulemana Baba, explained that the workers would not return to work until their outstanding salaries are paid in full.
“We have been here for almost 15 years as casual workers, and we have a problem with our salaries. We have worked for almost five months without pay, and that is why we embarked on this strike. We even went to management during the Ramadan fasting period to explain our situation,” he said.
Despite the ongoing strike, reports indicate that sanitation at the hospital has deteriorated significantly. Several wards and washrooms are in poor condition, raising serious concerns among patients and health workers. Overflowing bins and a strong stench have been observed in areas including the Children’s Ward, Male Ward, Maternity Ward, and other parts of the facility.
The striking workers say the prolonged delay in salary payments has made it extremely difficult for them to meet their basic needs, leaving them with no choice but to take industrial action.