John Dramani Mahama
John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stark challenge to the government, demanding the immediate payment of 30 months’ worth of allowances owed to trainee nurses across Ghana.
Addressing a vibrant crowd during a recent campaign stop, Mahama blasted the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for prioritizing allowances over addressing the broader issue of nurse unemployment. “All of us are waiting for December 7,” Mahama declared, referring to the upcoming elections. “We are well aware of the challenges facing trainee nurses, and that’s why, when we were in power, we proposed replacing your allowances with student loans to create more job opportunities.”
Mahama took a swipe at the NPP’s approach, accusing them of making empty promises. “What’s crucial is securing employment after graduation,” he continued. “But what happened? They promised to pay allowances, and it turned out to be a scam. In Techiman, a trainee nurse had to remind them of their broken promise. Three years into training allowances remain unpaid. They have ignored your plight. Come and settle the nearly 30 months of overdue allowances!”
The former president further criticized the government’s timing on nurse recruitment. “They delay hiring for years, but come election time, suddenly there’s financial clearance for recruitment. Which batches are they planning to employ now?” Mahama questioned. “We need a system where you are assured of a job upon completion of your training. When I am elected, I promise to complete the hospital projects abandoned by this government, including the Agenda 111 hospitals. We will create the necessary infrastructure to accommodate and employ our trained nurses.”
Mahama underscored the stakes of the upcoming election, framing it as a choice between progress and stagnation. “This election is about choosing between Ghana’s future and the NPP,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for change and commitment to improving conditions for the nation’s healthcare professionals.
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