Tamale, March 14, 2025 – Casual workers and laborers at the Northern Regional Hospital have staged a strike, citing five months of unpaid salaries and long-standing demands for regularization.
The striking workers, primarily cleaners and data entry staff, say they have been serving as casual employees for over 15 years without being granted permanent status.
According to them, hospital management has repeatedly assured them of regularization but failed to fulfill those promises.
Speaking to the media, some of the aggrieved workers accused the hospital authorities of exploiting their vulnerable status.
They also raised concerns about their deteriorating health, with some suffering from conditions such as stroke and poor eyesight due to the strenuous nature of their jobs.
Additionally, they lamented the lack of protective gear, which exposes them to health risks while carrying out their duties.
Beyond salary arrears and job insecurity, the workers also decried the unavailability of essential cleaning supplies, such as detergents and disinfectants.
They claimed that despite repeated complaints, management has consistently responded with excuses about financial constraints.
“For years, we have been working under poor conditions with the hope that things will improve, but it has only gotten worse. We can no longer continue under these circumstances,” said Abukari Hanana, the spokesperson for the striking workers.
The laborers and casual staff have vowed to remain on strike until their salaries are paid and their demands for better working conditions are met. Hospital management has yet to officially respond to the strike action.
Story By: Abubakar Jamaldeen