The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has issued a stark warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), threatening to vote against it in the upcoming elections due to unpaid allowances that have lasted 19 months.
The Union expressed frustration, stating that the prolonged arrears have led to severe hardship among trainees, compelling them to reconsider their electoral choices.
According to a press release signed by UTNMG President Agbeti Robert Immortal, the government’s repeated failure to fulfill promises to pay the allowances demonstrates “economic injustice” and “betrayal of trust.”
Immortal stated, “The government has consistently failed to honor its promises, and this time, trainees are prepared to hold politicians accountable.”
While Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President, also vying for Presidency under the NPP’s flagbearership, has pledged to ensure regular payments to teacher trainees, Immortal argued that the current reality shows a troubling disparity.
In June 2024, the government allocated GHC219 million to 104,000 Trainee Nurses and Midwives compared to GHC216 million for 67,000 Teacher Trainees, who also benefit from government-supported amenities like feeding subsidies, student loans, and flexible fee payment options.
UTNMG criticized these inconsistencies, questioning the government’s commitment to equity.
The Union also raised concerns over increasing tuition and admission fees, which have reportedly risen by over 100%, with some health training institutions charging up to GH₵9,000 per semester.
These costs, coupled with expensive feeding fees that constitute up to 48% of total school charges, are further straining trainees financially. Immortal noted that some institutions demand full fee payment upfront, risking denial of essential services, like dining and exam access, for students unable to comply.
The UTNMG proposed reforms to alleviate these financial pressures, calling for optional feeding, reduced library fees, and the merging of miscellaneous costs, such as internet and computer lab fees. They also demanded immediate government action to address these issues.
Mr. Immortal highlighted the ongoing payment delays for health sector National Service personnel, who have not been fully compensated since January 2023, calling the situation a direct threat to the nation’s healthcare system and to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 8, and 10. He added that this “economic hardship” has limited health training access to affluent families, undermining the goal of reducing inequality.
In a final appeal, Immortal urged the government to act responsibly, emphasizing the potential implications for the NPP in the upcoming elections if these grievances remain unaddressed.
