Trainee Nurses, Midwives threaten to vote against NPP over 19-month unpaid allowances

Accra, Ghana - Nov 14, 2024 - The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG) has vowed to vote against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in upcoming elections, citing 19 months of unpaid allowances.

UTNMG President Agbeti Robert Immortal condemned the government's "economic injustice" and "betrayal of trust,'' in a statement .

The union demands prompt payment of arrears, criticizing the disparity in allowances between teacher trainees and health sector trainees. Trainees face financial hardship, struggling to pay tuition fees, which have increased by over 100%.

The union proposes reforms to restructure fees and ensure fairness.

Immortal also raised concerns about unpaid National Service allowances since January 2023, warning of implications for the health sector and attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“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.

“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 stated.

“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 Goal: 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!”, he added.

Source: Florence Kyei/ Lead News Online