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Sanitation conditions at the Northern Regional Hospital, popularly known as Tamale Central Hospital, have deteriorated sharply following a sit-down strike by casual workers over five months of unpaid salaries.
The industrial action has disrupted routine operations across the facility, with key wards including the Children’s Ward, Male Ward, and Maternity Ward experiencing declining hygiene standards. Overflowing waste bins, unclean washrooms, and strong offensive odours now pose a growing risk to patients and healthcare personnel.
In response to the worsening situation, the Medical Director, Dr. Richard Attorney, led an emergency clean-up exercise within the hospital. He acknowledged the legitimacy of the workers’ concerns, confirming that the strike stems from unpaid salary arrears. According to him, management intervened immediately to reduce health risks and maintain basic sanitation while efforts are made to resolve the impasse.
Dr. Attorney noted that he personally joined a staff member to undertake cleaning duties as a temporary measure and assured that hospital management would re-engage the aggrieved workers to find a lasting solution.
However, the leader of the striking workers, Afar Haruna, insists the industrial action will continue until all outstanding salaries are paid in full. He disclosed that many of the affected workers have served the hospital for nearly 15 years but continue to face persistent delays in salary payments.
A Public Relations Officer speaking on behalf of the workers said several attempts to engage hospital management had yielded no results. He stressed that the group remains resolute and will not return to work until their five-month salary arrears are settled.
The workers, each earning a monthly salary of GHS 500, say the prolonged delay has made it difficult to support their families, leaving them with no option but to withdraw their services.
The situation continues to raise serious concerns about patient safety and the overall quality of healthcare delivery at one of the Northern Region’s key referral facilities.
Source: Ghana/channel247online.com/PhilemonAdiebuga
Yaw Boagyan
