By Jesse Ampah Owusu
Accra, Dec. 16, GNA – The Association of Unposted Environmental Health Officers and Assistants on Monday picketed at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs over delayed postings.
The action followed an earlier protest at the Ministry of Finance to demand financial clearance for postings.
Mr. Fred Atinga Awine, General Secretary of the Association, said members had not received postings since 2021 despite assurances from successive governments.
He said the situation had compelled them to formally register their frustrations and grievances, and to call on the Government to address the matter.
“This persistent delay not only disregards our efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations, but also undermines the nation’s capacity to respond to growing public health challenges, including recurrent outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and other preventable diseases,” he added.
Mr. Awine said the Association demanded immediate financial clearance and postings for all environmental health graduates from 2021 to 2025, as well as payment of backlog allowances owed to students and graduates of the Schools of Environmental Health.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the recent payment of three months’ allowance to students currently on campus, we insist that all outstanding arrears be settled without further delay, as this remains a commitment the government made to support us through our training,” he added.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said plans had been made to recruit 2,316 out of over 3,000 environmental health graduates from 2021, but they could not be captured in the 2026 budget.
He said he would present their petition to the Cabinet to ensure inclusion in next year’s budget for recruitment.
“Next week Tuesday, December 23 we will be going to cabinet. The president himself will hear your voice, and he will read your letter. And if that one works, even though you are not in the 2026 budget, a case can be made for you,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey