The Coalition of Nation Builders Corps (NABCo) has called on government to apologize to NABCo trainees for the “cheap propaganda” at the 66th Independence parade, insisting that none of its members were present at the celebrations.

According to the Coalition, its attention has been drawn to pictures circulating on social media with some young men and women wearing traditional clothes to represent NABCO Trainees during the 66th independence parade in Volta Region, Ho. However, it among other things, noted that no “eligible and rational” NABCO trainee in this devastated working condition will have the “appetite” to be paraded to march under this scorchy sun to celebrate Ghana’s Independence.

NABCO explained that its trainees after four solid years on the scheme are still dependent on families and credit facilities, hence no way they will have the penchant to celebrate Ghana’s liberation.

“We are by this release distancing ourselves from the said images as we are reliably informed that none of our members were present in a traditional cloth at the 66th Independence parade.”
Coalition of Nation Builders Corps

The Coalition lamented that its members are going through inhuman treatment and for history sake, people may see celebration of Independence Day as an important occasion, but realistically the celebration is “needless” to NABCO trainees in this time of severe hardships and cruel economy.

It explained that critical investigation after the program indicates that, the young men and women who were in traditional cloth were NPP party faithful who were compelled to represent NABCO Trainees.

“We want to use this medium to urge the general public, stakeholders and the media who are sympathizing with us and adding voice to our plea for payment of all arrears engulfed the scheme to disregard the propaganda driven agenda to paint a very juicy picture about the programme.

“How can personnel who have been in arrears for over nine months be delighted to march under the sun; to achieve what aim? If we ever wanted to participate in the march, it would have been a march against deception and a demand for our salary arrears and sustainable livelihood.”
Coalition of Nation Builders Corps

NPP supporters portrayed as NABCo personnel

Justifying its stance, NABCo stated that critical and analytical look at the pictures clearly show a well-organized group of minors paraded to match to deceive and create a smokescreen that the NABCO programme is in activation. However, it emphasized that the fact remains the NABCO scheme collapsed right after 2020 elections.

“The Coalition will in no time do a proper March to register our disgruntlement to insensitive President Akufo-Addo who wants to ride on the reputation of vulnerable former NABCO beneficiaries to score political points.”
Coalition of Nation Builders Corps

Meanwhile, the Coalition has demanded an unqualified apology from the government to the beneficiaries of the programme.

Despite the celebration of the country’s Independence Day being blighted with some key stakeholders calling for government to focus on fixing the economy instead, President Akufo-Addo has revealed that his government is doing everything possible to address the current challenges confronting the nation.

Delivering a speech at Ho during the 66th Independence Day celebrations, the President called on Ghanaians to be united and not allow the challenges to divide them. He stated that despite the many challenges, his government has ensured the supply of basic commodities to prevent the crisis from escalating.

President Akufo-Addo noted that he is very much aware of the current difficulties confronting the nation. As such, he assured that the government is working hard to resolve them.