Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged nursing trainees to focus on securing jobs after school rather than putting their hopes on allowances.

Speaking to the nursing trainees on August 10, 2024, former President John Dramani Mahama stated that there is a need to acquire sustainable job opportunities in the health sector, considering the myriad of economic challenges that the youth face.

Mr. Mahama acknowledged their financial challenges while in school but was quick to add that long-term employment is more beneficial than temporary allowances, which only last a few days.

He further reassured them of his next government’s preparedness to prioritize the building of health facilities in order to have more nurses employed.

John Dramani Mahama said, “We know the problems with trainee nurses, and that’s why, when we were in government, we proposed replacing your allowances with student loans.

"Our goal was to create more employment opportunities for you. What matters most is securing a job after you finish school, not just the allowance.”

Former President John Mahama condemned the NPP government for failing to deliver on its mandate, citing the non-payment of trainees' allowances for over 30 months.

Mr. Mahama said, “But somebody came and said he will pay the allowances. Unfortunately, it was 419…come and pay the nurses, you owe them almost 30 months of arrears. Some of them have left school without receiving their allowances and some of them are going to leave school again without receiving their allowances."

“…I make you a commitment when I come, what has been abandoned by this government we will continue. When I come to the agenda 111 hospitals they are building, I will continue and finish them so that we can create more space to be able to absorb all of you when you finish school. This election is between Ghana and NPP.”