Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has justified his decision to seek Cabinet approval before authorizing the payment of delayed salaries owed to newly recruited health professionals, citing the absence of a budgetary allocation.
This clarification comes amid strong criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who argue that the necessary funds had already been allocated and that the Minister’s actions were unnecessary and politically motivated.
“There’s no need for Cabinet to approve anything again,” said Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee. “The government should admit that the financial clearance expired. They lacked the political will. This mess is of their own making, and they must fix it now. The money was already allocated they should pay.”
Responding to the backlash, Mr. Akandoh explained that without funds readily available within the ministry’s budget, additional approvals were required.
“If health professionals are recruited and there’s a budget line for their salaries, you don’t need to go to Cabinet or even the Finance Ministry,” he said. “But if the funds aren’t available, the ministry must coordinate with the Finance Ministry, and if it’s beyond them, we must escalate it to Cabinet.”
He further noted that the scale of the financial commitment including unpaid arrears and new salary obligations necessitated Cabinet involvement.
The delay in salary payments has sparked public outrage, with thousands of health workers still unpaid months after their recruitment.
