A collective of unassigned environmental health professionals in Ghana has announced plans to organize a demonstration on May 12, citing delays in their recruitment process and highlighting years of inaction despite numerous discussions with relevant authorities.
The Unposted Environmental Health Officers and Assistants Association of Ghana stated that its members have been waiting for postings and financial clearance since 2021, cautioning that their patience is wearing thin.
In a statement issued on May 4, 2026, the association noted that an assurance given by the Ministry of Local Government on December 15, 2025, to present their concerns to Cabinet has not resulted in any feedback.
“It has now been nearly five months without any communication, and this silence is profoundly troubling considering the public health issues Ghana is currently facing,” the statement remarked.
The group also voiced its dissatisfaction regarding what it perceives as unequal treatment in public sector recruitment, referencing recent clearances provided to other sectors.
“We have been informed that the Ministry of Local Government attributes the delays to constraints from the Ministry of Finance, claiming that the fiscal budget is too restricted to provide us with financial clearance.
However, we are disappointed to observe that financial clearance has been granted for the recruitment of 20,000 teachers and 16,000 nurses. This inequality is intolerable and has incited anger among our members,” it stated.
The association cautioned that it will move forward with a planned protest at the Ministry of Local Government if no action is taken.
“In light of this, we will conduct a demonstration on May 12, 2026, at the Ministry of Local Government to demand answers and accountability,” it added, emphasizing that members will continue to advocate for their employment if the situation remains unresolved.
The group contends that deploying environmental health officers is essential at a time when the nation is grappling with persistent sanitation and public health challenges, urging the government to take prompt action.
