Members of the Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG) have threatened to vote against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections for neglecting them.
According to the Union, the government, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, has failed to pay them allowances for 19 months, plunging them into hardship and influencing their decision.
This was contained in a press release signed by the President of UTNMG, Agbeti Robert Immortal.
“The government has consistently failed to honor its promises to pay the allowances, and this will not be tolerated this time. Trainees will hold politicians accountable, and the outcome of this year’s election will reflect the government’s neglect of their welfare,” he said.
He indicated that the failure to pay the arrears was a clear case of “economic injustice” and “betrayal of trust,” demanding prompt payment from the government.
While acknowledging NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to maintain and ensure consistent payment of teacher trainee allowances, he stated that “the reality on the ground tells a different story.”
Mr. Immortal raised concerns about the disparity in allowances paid to teacher trainees compared to their counterparts in the health sector, questioning the government’s commitment to fairness and equity.
“Another striking example is in June 2024, when the government released GHC219 million to 104,000 Trainee Nurses and Midwives, while GHC216 million was released to 67,000 Teacher Trainees, who benefit from several government supports, such as absorption of feeding fees, student loans, and a flexible fee payment policy,” he said.
He lamented that the delay in paying allowances has put nursing and midwifery trainees under severe financial hardship, making it difficult to pay their academic and personal bills.
He pointed out that the increase in tuition fees and over 100% hikes in admission fees, with some training institutions charging as much as GH₵9,000, have worsened their situation, as they struggle to pay at least 60% of their fees or risk being denied access to dining and examination halls.
He noted that feeding costs account for about 39% to 48% of the school fees being charged and called for immediate reforms to restructure the fees.
“Trainee Nurses and Midwives are left to struggle with no respite. While some Health Training Institutions demand 100% payment of fees, others require 60%, and failure to comply results in expulsion from dining halls and examination halls.
“The current system perpetuates inequality, with Nursing Assistant Certificate Holders and Diploma Nurses being charged fees higher than their counterparts offering Degree Nursing.”
“This is unacceptable and must be reconsidered. UTNMG proposes reforms to reduce new bills, make feeding optional, reduce library fees, and merge all fees related to computer maintenance, internet usage, and computer laboratory setup,” he said.
The Union called on the government to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure justice and equity in education.
Mr. Immortal also expressed concern about the payment of National Service allowances to personnel in the health sector, noting that the allowances have not been fully paid since January 2023.
He warned that further mistreatment of health trainees and service personnel would place the country’s health sector in jeopardy and could have implications for achieving SDGs 1, 4, 8, and 10.
“The government’s inaction has eroded the trust of trainees, exacerbated their financial burdens, and made health training the preserve of the wealthy minority few.
“There is no denying the fact that the government’s inaction has hindered the achievement of SDGs: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality).”
“These SDGs are impacted by the government’s failure to invest in education, healthcare, and job opportunities, resulting in economic hardship and increased inequalities among trainees. It is time for the government to take responsibility and act now!” he concluded.
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