Photo of NABCO Trainees at the Inauguration Ceremony at Independence Square
With just days to the election, frustrated Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) trainees have come out swinging against Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of dangling false payment promises to secure votes. The trainees, who claim they haven’t received their allowances for months, are now venting their anger at what they call a calculated move to exploit their hopes.
In their latest outrage, trainees revealed they were instructed to travel long distances to upload nine months’ worth of timesheets, expecting their overdue arrears to finally be paid. But the exercise, they allege, has turned out to be a wild goose chase.
“The NABCO Secretariat and Dr Bawumia have suddenly made a U-turn after making us believe the arrears would be paid,” fumed one trainee, who travelled over 100 kilometres to comply with the directive.
The growing discontent among NABCO workers has amplified calls for accountability, with former President John Mahama chiming in to denounce Dr Bawumia’s handling of the matter.
“Dr. Bawumia must show honesty in dealing with NABCO trainees. Giving false hope and hollow promises won’t cut it,” Mahama declared during a rally. He urged Ghanaians to demand concrete proof of the government’s ability to pay these allowances before accepting any new pledges.
The controversy surrounding the unpaid NABCO allowances has turned into political ammunition for opposition parties. Critics have slammed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what they describe as eight years of broken promises, with the plight of NABCO trainees now symbolizing the party’s alleged failure to deliver on commitments.
“The NPP keeps dangling carrots only to snatch them away,” said an opposition MP. “NABCO trainees are the latest victims of their deception, and Ghanaians need to wake up before they fall for it again.”
With the elections drawing near, the NABCO payment crisis is poised to become a litmus test for voter confidence in the NPP government. Many trainees say their willingness to cast their ballot for the ruling party hinges on resolving this issue.
“This isn’t just about money; it’s about trust,” one trainee remarked. “How can we vote for a government that has failed to honour its promises to us?”
The situation underscores broader concerns about the sustainability of NABCO, a flagship program touted by the NPP as a solution to graduate unemployment. Introduced in 2018, the scheme aimed to provide temporary employment to over 100,000 graduates. However, its implementation has faced numerous hurdles, including delayed payments and accusations of politicization.
As the poll countdown intensifies, all eyes are on the government to see whether it can quell the growing discontent among NABCO trainees. For now, their anger and frustration serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in making – and keeping – promises.
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