Trainee nurses and midwives in Ghana have threatened to withhold their support from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections, citing the government’s failure to pay their allowances for 19 months.

The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), in a statement signed by its president, Agbeti Robert Immortal, criticised President Akufo-Addo’s administration for what they describe as “economic injustice” and “betrayal of trust.”

“The government has shown a pattern of unfulfilled promises regarding these allowances, and trainees will make their voices heard in the polls,” Mr. Immortal said. He further called on the government to immediately address the arrears, which he claimed has pushed nursing and midwifery trainees into financial hardship.

Mr. Immortal also expressed concerns over disparities in allowances between health and education sector trainees, questioning the government’s commitment to fairness. He noted that while GH¢219 million was allocated in June 2024 to support 104,000 trainee nurses and midwives, teacher trainees received GH¢216 million for just 67,000 students, who also benefit from additional support such as feeding fees and flexible payment policies.

The UTNMG president highlighted rising tuition fees and increased admission costs, with some institutions charging as much as GH¢9,000, worsening the financial burden on nursing and midwifery trainees. He added that some students face restrictions on accessing dining and exam halls if they cannot pay 60% of these fees upfront.

Mr. Immortal further pointed out the disparity in costs between Nursing Assistant Certificate Holders, Diploma Nurses, and their counterparts pursuing degree programs, calling it an inequality entrenched by the current system.

The UTNMG has urged the government to urgently address these issues to prevent further hardship for trainee nurses and midwives.

Source:TheDotNews