President Mahama has confirmed that the Government will begin payment of nursing trainee allowances starting from January 2025, with full arrears to be honoured. The announcement marks a significant policy shift from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), which previously campaigned against the reintroduction of trainee allowances.
President John Dramani Mahama made the pledge during a Thank You Tour in the Bono East Region, where he addressed students at the Kintampo Nursing Training College.
Speaking directly to an enthusiastic crowd of nursing trainees, many of whom had long demanded clarity on the status of their allowance, President Mahama reassured them of the government’s commitment.
“Let me assure you that the minister has made adequate provision in the budget for the payment of allowances. And the allowances will be paid from January, so you’ll get the arrears,” the President announced.
He explained that the delay in disbursement was due to efforts to integrate the payment system with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to ensure regular monthly payments.
“So that every month when workers receive their salaries, trainees will also receive their allowances,” he added. “They will pay you the arrears from January until the time you start receiving the allowances.”
The move comes despite initial opposition from within the NDC to restore the allowance system, a stance which had sparked debate during the 2024 election campaign. However, the decision was officially revised in the government’s first fiscal policy document presented to Parliament in March this year.
President Mahama also used the occasion to express appreciation for recent economic improvements, particularly the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, and urged citizens to continue supporting national recovery efforts.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by trainee nurses, many of whom have faced financial difficulties in the absence of the allowance. The next few months will be key in determining how swiftly and efficiently the government can implement the new system and deliver on its renewed promise.
