A governance expert, Dr John Osae Kwarpong, said the allowance must be sustained but there should be a cap on admission, while two others urged the political class to discuss the subject outside politics.

“In my view, to keep incentivising students to pursue careers in teaching and nursing, the allowance must be maintained. However, to make it financially sustainable, there must be a cap on admissions. It is the price that has to be paid for making this policy choice,” Dr Osae-Kwapong told the Daily Graphic.

A Political Science lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Gilbert Arhinful Aidoo, added that “a balanced approach could involve maintaining the allowance”, but suggested the implementation of “reforms to ensure sustainability” of the policy.

A fellow political scientist and governance expert, Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa, however, insisted that the focus should be on providing the infrastructure to accommodate graduates from the teaching and nursing training institutions rather than concentrating on the training allowances.

Context

Allowances for teacher and nursing trainees have become a major political subject following the different approaches advocated by the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2016 elections.

At the time, then President John Dramani Mahama said the NDC would prefer to absorb teacher and nursing trainees onto the student loan scheme in order to expand admissions, but the NPP incorporated the restoration of the teacher and nursing trainee allowances into the party’s 2016 manifesto.

Although the party eventually restored the allowances, the NPP government has struggled to deliver on schedule, with some former students suggesting that they completed their entire training cycles without receiving the relevant allowances.

Indeed, during a campaign programme in the Bono Region on May 13, this year, a final-year nursing student confronted the Vice-President and flag bearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, that he had never received a training allowance all throughout her stay in nursing college.

Within days, the  government released funds to settle some aspect of the allowances in arrears as promised by the Vice-President.

But with the difficulty in keeping pace with the monthly stipends for the students, the subject has refused to die in the campaign messaging towards the 2024 polls.

The teacher trainees population alone is 67,412 in all 46 public colleges of education. The teacher trainee allowance has been GH¢400 per month since 2017.

The President of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana, Soale Razak, said their members received only GH¢149 because the remaining GH¢251 was used to cover feeding in all public colleges of education.

He said the allowance covered only the number of days students spent on campus.

“Currently, the allowance is being paid for only eight months out of the 12 calendar months, while in 2023, the allowance was paid for only six months out of the 12 calendar months, Mr Soale said.

For this year, he said, “we have received allowances for only two months, and this was to cover the four months arrears of our first semester which we completed in April, 2024”.

Arguments

“The cancelation of these allowances, as per the NDC when they were in government, was to remove the cap on admissions to these training institutions, and migrate the students on to a loan scheme. It was a politically costly policy choice even though it made sense,” Dr Osae-Kwapong said.

“The NPP promised to restore it if elected, and for which they were politically rewarded. They followed through with their promise, and restored the allowances once elected, except it has come with considerable payment delays.

This raises the question of whether the allowances are financially sustainable,” he added.

Dr Osae-Kwapong said to keep incentivising students to pursue careers in teaching and nursing, the allowances must be maintained but advocated a cap on admissions to make it financially sustainable.

Critical need

Dr Darkwa said instead of haggling over the allowances, there was “a critical need to prioritise reforms about the allowances for nurses and teacher trainees, among other pertinent issues”.

The academic emphasised that it was essential to balance the provision of financial support for nurses and teacher trainees during their education to facilitate their transition into gainful employment  after graduation.

“Failing to do so would be counterproductive, as it would leave these professionals without employment opportunities and lacking the essential tools required to perform their jobs effectively,” he added.

Important decision

Mr Arhinful said whether to maintain the allowance or not was a decision that should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of its impact on education quality, workforce stability and fiscal sustainability.

“The maintenance or removal of nursing and teacher training allowances in Ghana is a significant political issue. They serve as incentives for students to pursue these professions, provide financial relief and ensure quality of services,” he stated.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Despite the government’s promise to pay these allowances, the GNMTA asserts that the payment schedule has not been fully adhered to.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 25, the Association acknowledged partial payments made to some of its members. First, second, and third-year trainees have received allowances for 5, 6, and 5 months respectively.

However, they noted that the 2022 batch, who were supposed to receive their arrears on May 23, along with the 2023 and other batches, have not yet received these payments.

The GNMTA highlighted that the 2017-2020, 2018-2021, 2019-2022, and 2020-2023 batches have yet to receive any portion of their allowances.

The Association described this situation as unacceptable and called for immediate attention.

The GNMTA further called on the Ministry of Health, the government, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly to resolve this matter.

They stressed the importance of disbursing the allowances without further delay to alleviate the financial strain and demoralisation among trainees who rely on these funds for their sustenance and academic needs.

The Association also urged all Ghanaians to amplify their concerns to ensure that this pressing issue receives the attention it deserves.

They emphasized that the future of Ghana’s healthcare system depends on the well-being and support of its trainees, and timely payment of allowances is a critical component of this support.

Read the full statement below:

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He believes this delay is negatively impacting the morale of these officers and requested the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, be summoned to address Parliament on the matter.

Mr George highlighted the issue while contributing to the presentation of the upcoming week’s business statement by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

He stated, “There is a critical issue that is affecting the morale of bodyguards assigned to MPs in the house. The issue of current mistreatment is because when the signal came for them to be transferred from their various units to the parliamentary protection unit, that signal came with a certain benefit of 30% allowance to be paid to them.”

He further added, “It appears that the majority of our police are not receiving that and is affecting the well-being of bodyguards. So if the Interior Minister can be brought to come and explain to us what that is, we will be grateful,” he said.

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They have hinted food shortages are likely to hit the colleges soon as a result of non-payment of allowances.

According to the National President, Jonathan Dzunu, trainees from January 2022 to date have not received any allowance and that has immensely affected them.

He made the disclosure while addressing his colleagues at the 26th General Assembly of TTAG at St. Francis College of Education, Hohoe.

Mr Dzunu emphasised the allowances paid with feeding grants as a component for the various colleges of education are aimed at easing the huge financial burden on teacher trainees.

However, their delays have made life uncomfortable for them, especially level 400 students who will be exiting the schools soon.

He added that level 100 students who have completed their first semester and the first half of their second semester have also not been paid.

“The level 200 and 300 students have equally done the first semester and heading towards the second semester yet a penny is not paid them as allowance.

“Looking at the current economic hardship in the country, you can imagine the difficulty students are going through, life on campus without allowance has become very unbearable for us,” he lamented.

Mr Dzunu further revealed the school principals have been faced with tough situations as suppliers are not ready to give out food items due to debts owed.

“Let me hasten to add that we are perfectly aware of the current economic and financial crisis in the nation. Nonetheless, the innocent teacher trainee should not be used as a sacrificial lamb.

“If this is not adhered to, it will be tantamount to a poultry farmer whose chicken is stolen by a hawk and again throws eggs at the hawk forgetting that both come from the same poultry; Meanwhile, quality teacher education can help turn the economic fortunes of this nation,” he cautioned.

Though he commended the Akufo-Addo led government for the restoration of the allowance, he added the challenges must be looked at and addressed.

“It is our view that the colossal delay in payment of allowances is going to send the clock backwards and the little successes chalked as a result of the implementation of the teacher trainee allowance whittled away taking into consideration the historical antecedent that led to the implementation of the allowance scheme and the positive effect it has had on teacher education in particular and basic education in general over the years,” he noted.

Organised Labour and the Trades Union Congress have in the past week hinted at embarking on strike should government refuse to heed their demands.

Amidst these complaints and demands, a section of Ghanaians have raised concerns over the seemingly “fat salaries and allowances” of management of some State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Ghana

Already the Finance Ministry had revealed that SOEs were causing huge financial losses to the country to the tune of about ¢6bn.

Yet, leaders of State-Owned Enterprises do not only take gargantuan salaries but also enjoy a wide range of allowances.

JoyNews’ Samson Anyenini on Newsfile Saturday identified some of the allowances these individuals enjoy:

1. Holiday facilities, both internal and external holidays, for not more than six persons, not more than three rooms, and for not more than five nights per year in Ghana or elsewhere, exclusive of annual.

2. Retirement package is calculated at 12% of the gross salary which is to be set aside by the employer.

3. Parting gift includes one top-of-the-range multimedia laptop of your choice with accessories.

4. If you have been at post for more than two years, you get an additional gift valued at 50% of one month’s gross salary.

5. If you have been at post for two to four years you get an additional gift valued at one month’s gross salary.

6. If you have been at post for over 4 years you get an additional gift valued at two months’ gross salary, the official saloon vehicle that you have been using will remain yours or you can procure at a discount of 50%.

There are also end of service benefits for these state-owned enterprise managers:

1. Four months gross salary at the point of disengagement for every calendar year.

2. Benefit of a housing loan of about ¢6000.

3. Home enhancement loan of about ¢2000.

4. Travel per diem of $1500

5. Salary increases to be at 20%

6. Medical care for spouse and children up to 21 years onwards

7. Mandatory full medical examination yearly abroad

8. Free medical care after retirement for spouse and children up to 21 years.

9. Allowance for a replacement for eye lenses ¢1000 yearly

There is also an out-of-station allowance where accommodation and meals will be provided, an inconvenience allowance of ¢500 per day.

Others are funeral grants and donations.

Special allowance including, household allowance.

Utility subsidy, Responsibility allowance- ¢1500 a month

Entertainment allowance- ¢1500 a month

Satellite TV connection on DStv ¢500 a month

Security guards 2 personnel at night 1 during the day.

An Official vehicle

Vehicle loan

Executive saloon car

Driver Vehicle Maintenance Allowance ¢1000 per month

Clothing allowance of GH¢10,000 etc.

Inconvenience Allowance GH¢500 per day

Meanwhile, many have argued that if the salaries and allowances of these managers are reduced, more unemployed people can also be employed.

The workers are kicking against the undue delay in the ongoing negotiation of the conditions of service for members of the Health Service Workers Union.

For the past two years, a conclusion is yet to be made on the amount of allowance each member is expected to receive.

They have threatened to go on strike if the government fails to implement the allowances negotiated.

Public Relations Officer of the union, who is also Administrator at the Sehwi Juaboso Government Hospital, Eric Appiah, told Adom News that they began negotiations before some sister unions, yet they are the last to benefit from the agenda.

He added that the union’s wish is not to disrupt the smooth delivery of health services and peaceful industrial atmosphere but the incessant disregard by the government has pushed them to the wall.

The Union is requesting for allowances on fuel, accommodation, uniform, book and research, extra risk, and continuous professional development.

They urged the government must, as a matter of urgency, convene and conclude the negations on their allowances lest they proceed on an indefinite strike.

Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Mrs Samira Bawuria, via a statement, declined an offer to be paid salaries and also returned accumulated allowances from 2017.

A portion of Mrs Akufo-Addo’s statement read: “Public discussion has been laced with negative opinion, which she finds distasteful, seeking to portray her as a vernal, self-serving and self-centered woman, who does not care about the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian” and on that basis, she made the refund decision.

Chief Biney, speaking on Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam, described the explanation as disappointing and shameful, considering the fact that she still benefits from other non-monetary allowances.

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“Anything that has to do with allowance, they said they are not interested… As I speak to you now, the First Lady still uses office the state has provided, vehicles, security. Ghanaians still pay for the cost of her two-way travels. So if she is angry Ghanaians have reacted to her allowance and hence she has refunded it, will she still use the office, travel security and will she still take per diem Ghanaians are paying for or not?,” Chief Biney quizzed.

He added that the refunds were made from a place of anger, defending that the concerns raised on their position as Article 71 holders, which makes them equivalent to Ministers of State and other government appointees, are legitimate.

Chief Biney reiterated that it will take a referendum for the presidential spouses to attain the position that will make it lawful to receive the said salaries.

Watch video below:

According to him, he doesn’t comprehend why NPP gurus such as John Boadu, the party’s General Secretary will ask Mrs Mahama to refund her allowances while it’s evident she isn’t the only former First Lady living in the country.

In a Facebook post, Kwame A Plus said no one asked First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Second Lady Samira Bawumia to return their allowances after days of backlash, hence it’s not apt to ask Mrs Mahama to emulate the act.

Additionally, A Plus said the attack on Mrs Mahama goes a long way to prove that his husband, former President Mahama is the one they are after.

In a long piece on his Facebook page, A Plus further queried why the NPP will go after only Mrs Mahama when other former First Ladies such as Nana Agyemang Konadu Rawlings and Madam Theresa Kufuor among others were equally paid allowances.

Ghanaians know!! They are wise!! These tricks won’t work!!! If you don’t allow the wise people in your party to come back to communicate sense to the citizens, you’ll lose more in 2024, he said in the post.

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Read the full statement below:

Why attack Lordina and leave out former First Ladies? – A Plus

After giving everything including free water and electricity to Ghanaians, they voted massively against the NPP. The reason is that the citizens knew the electricity and water were a trick. That is why they voted against them.

Sadly, the many wise people who speak sense on behalf of the party have been sidelined by a bunch of people who take the wrong bus to school daily ? Even the mentally disturbed person at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital knows that they are dumb!!!

Nobody has asked the former and current first lady to return ALLOWANCES paid them. Kwame Nkrumah’s and Dr Hilla Liman’s families have always been taken care of by current and previous governments. Akufo-Addo has taken care of Nana Konadu big time. We all accept that they deserve some allowances.

What people are against is to make them Article 71 holders and give them back pay and ex-gratia.

Fortunately, the current first lady who is my personal person herself has rejected it. I love her, her sister planned my wedding. I’m very close to her family. I’m biased towards them, I won’t lie, but I was disappointed when I heard the news and I’m happy she made me proud.

Suddenly, these mof*s in NPP have come together to ask Lordina Mahama to return allowances (not salary) she received yet they are not asking Nana Konadu who has benefited from Nsawam to Cantonments to return allowances because the target is John Mahama.

Ghanaians know!! They are wise!! These tricks won’t work!!! If you don’t allow the wise people in your party to come back to communicate sense to the citizens, you’ll lose more in 2024.

NPP had the men!!! Now they have a boy’s brigade and are led by dadabee ??? who can’t slap them to stop fooling!!!

You can spend your day here insulting. I’m going to chill in Porto Rico. Will send you photos ok ??????.

The association, in a statement released on Monday, said its members are owed allowances and arrears spanning over eight to 13 months despite several complaints.

The statement noted that most parents and guardians have stopped paying their wards’ fees because they believe the allowances can cater for them.

A situation they bemoaned has posed threats and a lot of difficulties to the academic works of trainees.

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Even though they have lauded the efforts of the government in restoring the allowances which former President Mahama cancelled, they have appealed to the government to come to their aid and rescue them from the dire situation.

Read the full statement below:

This was announced by President Akufo-Addo in an address to the nation as he announced government’s incentives to frontline workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“Government has decided that all health workers will not pay taxes on their emoluments for the next three months that is April, May and June with a 50% allowance on their March to June salary with the March allowance to be paid together with April’s,” the president announced.

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He added that the health workers will from Monday also enjoy free rides to and from work on Ayalolo buses.

Ghana has so far recorded 214 cases of the coronavirus disease with five deaths.

The Greater Accra Region has most cases of 189 followed by the Ashanti Region which has so far recorded 12 cases, Northern Region, 10; Upper West Region, one; Eastern Region one and the Upper East Region one.

Most of the cases, according to the Ghana Health Service, were detected from routine and enhanced surveillance activities.

In an interview with Adomonline.com on Monday, October 28, Robert Abraham, a ranch supervisor at the Koforidua branch of the Forestry Commission, said the government had been unfair to them.

He said some of his colleagues had older arrears due them, which were yet to be paid.

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“No allowances have been paid to us and some of my colleagues have seven, eight and even 10 months arrears to be paid to them,” he said.

According to him, the allowances to be paid them in their appointment letters, was GH¢ 1,200.00 for supervisors with degree and GH¢ 800.00 for supervisors with diploma.

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He said, sadly however, the equalisation of the project with Nation Builders Corps (NaBCO) resulted in the slashing of their allowances from GH¢ 1,200.00 to GH¢ 700.00 because those enrolled on NaBCO have the same qualification as the workers of the Forestry Commission.

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“We just want our money, we are giving the government up to Friday to pay us our monies. If they want to cancel our appointments, they should pay us all our monies and lay us off,” they said.

Source: Adomonline.com | Nana Aba Mensah | Fuaad Dodoo