The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG) has announced its intention to vote against the ruling New Patriotic Party in the upcoming elections due to neglect.

In a press statement signed by the Union’s President, Agbeti Robert Immortal, the group expressed frustration over the government’s failure to pay their allowances for the past 19 months.

As a result, the Union has decided to withhold its support from the NPP, citing the hardship faced by its members.

“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”.
Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG)

The statement further described the failure to pay the arrears as a clear case of “economic injustice” and a “betrayal of trust,” with the Union demanding immediate payment from the government.

While acknowledging Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to ensure consistent payment of trainee allowances, the Union pointed out that “the reality on the ground tells a different story.”

Additionally, UTNMG raised concerns about the unequal allowances paid to teacher trainees compared to their counterparts in the health sector, questioning the government’s commitment to fairness and equity.

“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”.
Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG)

UTNMG expressed concern that the delay in allowance payments has pushed nursing and midwifery trainees into financial hardship, making it challenging to cover both academic and personal expenses.

The Union pointed out that the increase in tuition fees and a more than 100% rise in admission costs, with some training institutions charging up to GH₵9,000, has exacerbated the situation.

According to the Union, trainees have been forced to pay at least 60% of these fees or face the risk of being denied access to dining and examination halls.

UTNMG Demands Fee Restructuring Amid Financial Struggles

Furthermore, the Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana, highlighted that feeding costs make up approximately 39% to 48% of the school fees and called for urgent reforms to restructure the fee structure.

The Union emphasized in its statement that Trainee Nurses and Midwives are left to endure significant financial struggles with no relief in sight.

The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives Ghana UTNMG

UTNMG also noted that while some Health Training Institutions require full payment of fees, others demand at least 60%, with failure to comply resulting in exclusion from dining 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”.
Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG)

In response, the Union is urging the government to take swift action to resolve these issues and ensure justice and equity in education.

UTNMG also expressed concern over the non-payment of the National Service allowance to health sector personnel, noting that the allowances have not been fully paid since January 2023.

The Union warned that continued neglect of health trainees and service personnel could destabilize the country’s health sector, with potential negative impacts on the achievement of SDGs 1, 4, 8, and 10.

“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”.
Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG)

UTNMG stated that it is clear the government’s inaction has hindered the achievement of SDG Goal 1 (No Poverty), SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education), SDG Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality).

The Union emphasized that these goals are negatively affected by the government’s failure to invest in education, healthcare, and job opportunities, leading to economic hardship and growing inequalities among trainees. “It is time for the government to take responsibility and act now!”