The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Mahama’s government to uphold its campaign promise of maintaining nursing and teacher trainee allowances, warning that any attempt to cancel them would amount to deception.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Youth Organizer, Salam Mustapha, and copied to Mynewsgh.com, the group expressed disappointment in the government’s alleged move to scrap the allowances, barely a month after assuming office.
“Just one month into office, President John Mahama’s government is showing signs of being a scam on the good people of Ghana and especially students. Knowing Mahama’s track record, we knew he would renege on his campaign promises, but shocking to us is how soon it has begun,” the statement read.
The Youth Wing criticised what it described as a blatant contradiction of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s pledge during the 2024 election campaign to ensure prompt payments of the allowances.
According to the statement, students voted massively for the NDC based on this promise, only to be met with what they now see as betrayal.
The government has argued that the decision to replace the allowances with an improved student loan facility is aimed at ensuring a fairer distribution of financial support across all tertiary institutions.
However, the NPP Youth Wing dismissed this justification, asserting that nursing and teacher training institutions remain colleges and not universities, making the proposed policy shift illogical.
Additionally, the statement condemned comments allegedly made by social commentator Kevin Taylor, whom it accused of ridiculing trainees in defence of the policy change. It further demanded an apology from President Mahama and urged his government to restrain Taylor from making what it described as disparaging remarks.
“This indignation to the students is reprehensible, and we demand an apology from President John Mahama and his government. We also urge the students of the colleges of education and nursing training schools to rise up in defence of their dignity,” the statement continued.
The NPP Youth Wing assured trainees of its support, vowing to stand by them in their fight to retain the allowances.
“Say no to political scam! Say no to political bullying! Say no to politics of mendacity!” the statement concluded.
