The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has issued a strong warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), threatening to vote against them in the upcoming elections due to unpaid allowances and what they describe as neglect by the government. The Union claims that President Akufo-Addo’s administration has failed to provide their allowances for the past 19 months, leaving many trainees in severe financial hardship.
In a press release signed by UTNMG President, Agbeti Robert Immortal, the Union expressed frustration over what they call “consistent failed promises” by the government to pay trainee allowances. “This time, trainees will hold politicians accountable, and the election outcome will reflect the government’s neglect of our welfare,” Mr. Immortal stated, condemning the delay as “economic injustice” and a “betrayal of trust.”
Mr. Immortal also criticized NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s promises to ensure the regular payment of allowances to teacher trainees, pointing out that the financial reality faced by nursing and midwifery trainees tells a different story. He raised concerns about the disparity in the government’s treatment of teacher trainees versus health trainees, questioning the commitment to equity.
He highlighted a June 2024 incident in which the government allocated GHC219 million to 104,000 trainee nurses and midwives, while GHC216 million went to 67,000 teacher trainees who already receive additional financial support such as subsidized feeding costs, access to student loans, and flexible fee payment policies. “This discrepancy raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to fairness and equity,” he remarked.
Financial Hardships and Rising Costs
The Union claims that the delay in allowances has caused significant financial hardship for trainees, who are struggling to meet both academic and personal expenses. This situation has been worsened by an increase in tuition fees and other charges, with some institutions demanding up to GH₵9,000 per student. Mr. Immortal noted that many students are forced to pay at least 60% of their fees to avoid being barred from dining and examination halls.
“Some Health Training Institutions demand full payment of fees, while others require at least 60% up front. Failure to comply results in expulsion from dining and examination halls,” Mr. Immortal explained, adding that feeding fees constitute up to 48% of the total school fees. He called for a restructuring of these costs and proposed reforms to make feeding optional and reduce fees related to library and computer services.
The Union also highlighted disparities in fees for Nursing Assistant Certificate Holders, Diploma Nurses, and Degree Nurses, with lower-level trainees often charged higher fees than their degree counterparts. “This inequality is unacceptable and must be addressed. We propose reforms to merge all fees related to computer maintenance, internet use, and lab setup,” Mr. Immortal suggested.
Concerns Over National Service Allowances and SDGs Impact
The Union further expressed concern about delays in the National Service allowances for personnel in the health sector, which have been only partially paid since January 2023. Mr. Immortal warned that this neglect could have long-term consequences for Ghana’s health sector and may hinder the country’s ability to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).
“The government’s inaction has shattered the trainees’ trust, worsened their financial burdens, and turned health training into a privilege for the rich minority. This failure undermines SDG goals and has led to greater economic hardship and inequality among trainees,” he asserted.
The Union urged the government to take immediate steps to address these issues and ensure fairness and equity in the treatment of all trainees. Mr. Immortal concluded, “It is time for the government to act responsibly and fulfill its commitments to Ghana’s trainee nurses and midwives, for the sake of the nation’s health sector and the future of our healthcare professionals.
