The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been accused of ignoring the Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), and its members have threatened to vote against it in the next elections.

The Union claims that for 19 months, the government, led by President Akufo-Addo, has not paid them their allowances, putting them in a difficult situation and influencing their choice.

Agbeti Robert Immortal, President of UTNMG, signed a press statement containing this information.

"This time, the government's repeated failure to fulfill its obligations to pay the allowances will not be accepted. The results of this year's election will demonstrate how the government has neglected the welfare of trainees, who will hold politicians responsible," he stated.

He demanded that the government pay the arrears immediately, stating that it was an obvious instance of "economic injustice" and "betrayal of trust."

He said that "the reality on the ground tells a different story," despite NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's pledge to uphold and guarantee the regular payment of teacher trainee allowances.

Mr. Immortal questioned the government's commitment to justice and equity, voicing worries over the difference in allowances granted to teacher candidates against their colleagues in the health sector.

“Another striking example is in June 2024, when the government released GHC219 million to 104,000 Trainee Nurses and Midwives, while GHC216 million was released to 67,000 Teacher Trainees, who benefit from several government supports, such as absorption of feeding fees, student loans, and a flexible fee payment policy,” he said.

He bemoaned the fact that nursing and midwifery students are facing extreme financial hardship as a result of the allowances' delayed payment, which makes it hard for them to cover their personal and academic expenses.

He said that their condition has gotten worse due to tuition cost increases and admission fee hikes of over 100%, with some training institutes charging as much as GH₵9,000. They are now unable to pay at least 60% of their fees or risk being turned away from meal and exam facilities. He advocated for quick adjustments to restructure the fees, pointing out that between 39% and 48% of the school fees are paid for food.

Nurses and midwives in training are left to struggle without any relief. Some health training institutions require 60% payment of tuition, while others demand 100%. Noncompliance leads to ejection from exam and meal halls. "The current system maintains inequity by charging nursing assistant certificate holders and diploma nurses more than their degree-granting counterparts."

"This needs to be reexamined because it is unacceptable. He stated that UTNMG is proposing measures to lower new bills, make feeding optional, lower library costs, and combine all expenses associated with computer lab setup, internet usage, and maintenance. In order to resolve these problems and guarantee justice and equity in education, the Union urged the government to act right away.

Mr. Immortal also voiced concerns regarding the National Service allowances that have not been paid in full since January 2023 to health sector employees. Further abuse of health trainees and service people, he cautioned, would jeopardize the nation's health sector and potentially affect the achievement of SDGs 1, 4, 8, and 10. Because of the government's inaction, health training is now only available to a privileged few, which has damaged trainees' trust and increased their financial responsibilities.

The accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality)—has undoubtedly been hampered by the government's inaction. "The government's lack of investment in healthcare, education, and employment opportunities has an influence on these SDGs, leading to financial hardship and a rise in inequality among trainees. The government must accept responsibility and take immediate action, he said.

https://www.adomonline.com/2024-election-nursing-and-midwifery-trainees-threaten-to-vote-against-npp/