Whenurvey conducted by King Amoah our chief reporter from Kumasi.
In a nation where healthcare is a significant priority and the challenges of training the next generation of nurses continue to rise, students from various nursing training institutions in Ghana are voicing their concerns regarding the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise made by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The students are rallying for answers as they seek clarity on the disbursement of training allowances which have been a cornerstone of their financial support during their rigorous academic journeys.
In 2016, Dr. Bawumia, then the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pledged to restore nurses training allowances that had been discontinued in 2012.
This commitment resonated deeply within nursing institutions, as many students depend heavily on these allowances to manage their educational and living expenses.
The promise aimed not only to support the students financially but also to attract a larger pool of candidates into the nursing profession, thereby addressing the nation’s pressing healthcare needs.
However, years after that ambitious promise, many students find themselves questioning when the allowances will finally materialize.
As the healthcare sector grapples with staffing shortages and increasing patient demands, the enduring uncertainty surrounding the payments raises concerns about the government’s commitment to the nursing profession.
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of several nursing training colleges has taken the lead in emphasizing their plight.
“We have been patient, but how long must we wait for an assurance that was made to us?” asked Mary Mensah, an SRC president from a prominent nursing training college in Accra.
“With the rising cost of living, many of us are struggling to make ends meet.
We need clarity from the Vice President’s office about the timeline for these allowances.”
The growing discontent among students can be attributed to the increasing financial burden they face in a time of economic instability. With tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other living expenses climbing, the urgency of reinstating the allowances is felt more than ever.
Our survey indicates that many students have had to resort to part-time jobs, diverting precious time and focus away from their studies.
