Members of Ghana’s Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives (UTNMG) have accused the government’s New Patriotic Party of abandoning them.
As a result, they have threatened to vote against the party in the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
They are vehemently claiming that the government has refused to pay them allowances for 19 months, forcing them into hardship and prompting their choice.
Agbeti Robert Immortal, President of the Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives in Ghana, signed a news statement containing this information.
“The government has demonstrated their consistent failed promises to pay the allowance, and that won’t be accommodated 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 said in the statement that the failure to pay the arrears is a clear case of “economic injustice” and “betrayal of trust.”
He added that although Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had promised to maintain and pay the allowance, “the reality on the ground tells a different story.”
“Another striking event in June 2024, the government released GHC219 million to 104,000 trainee nurses and midwives, while GHC216 million was released to 67,000 teacher trainees who have several supports from the government, such as absorption of their feeding fees, student loans, and flexible fee payment policy,” he said.
He indicated that the delay in paying the allowances has plagued the nursing and midwife trainees into financial hardship, making it difficult to foot their academic and personal bills.
He said the increment of tuition fees and over 100% increment in admission, with training institutions charging as much as GH₵9,000, worsened their situation as they had to struggle to pay 60% or risk being denied access to dining and examination halls.
He added that the feeding costs constitute about 39% to 48% of the school fees being charged and called for the immediate formulation of a reform 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, few demand 60%, of which 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 demands reconsideration. UTNMG proposes reforms to reduce new bills, make feeding optional, reduce library fees, and merge all fees related to computer maintenance, Internet user fees, and computer laboratory setup fees.”.
“The union calls on the government to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure justice and equity in education,” he said.
“The government’s inaction has battered the trust of the trainees, exacerbated the financial burden on them, and made health training the reserve of the rich minority few.
“There is no denying the fact that the government’s inactions have defeated the attainment of SDG Goals: 1; No Poverty, SDG Goal 4; Quality Education, SDG Goal 8; Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG Goal 10; Reduce Inequality.”
“These SDGs are impacted by the government’s inactions, which have led to a lack of investment 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!” the statement concluded..
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana