Editorial: Paying Teacher, Nursing Trainee Allowances – The Way To Go

According to myjoyonline report, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government would pay the teacher and nursing trainees’ allowances through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD). He said this would ensure that the allowances would be paid regularly to the students, just like the CAGD paid salaries to government workers. He said this was to eliminate the delays associated with the payment of the allowances to the beneficiary students.

President Mahama made the announcement when he addressed a durbar at the Jubilee Park in Tamale, as part of his “Thank You Tour” of the Northern Region, following his victory at the Presidential Elections in December. The President reiterated some of the activities proposed in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government, saying resources had been allocated to provide free sanitary pads for girls in schools to ensure they remained in school during their menstrual periods. He also gave assurance of completing the Eastern Corridor Road amongst others, to improve transportation services in the country.

First of all, we commend the President for stepping up to ensure that teachers and nursing trainees receive their allowances without delay. Ensuring that teacher and nursing trainees receive their allowances on time has long been a challenge in the country. This decision acknowledges the financial struggles of trainees and seeks to provide a more efficient and reliable payment system.

The issue of delayed or non-payment of trainee allowances has been a source of distress for students pursuing careers in teaching and nursing. Many of these students come from low-income backgrounds and depend on these stipends for tuition, accommodation, and other essential expenses. Over the years, bureaucratic bottlenecks, budgetary constraints and inefficiencies in the disbursement process have compounded the problem. Some students have gone months without receiving their allowances, forcing them into financial hardship.

This policy shift also reflects a broader commitment by the government to fulfill its promises to Ghanaians. Beyond the allowances, President Mahama has reiterated commitments such as providing free sanitary pads to schoolgirls. These initiatives indicate a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens and focused on improving living conditions.

While the decision to streamline trainee allowance payments is laudable, it is essential to ensure that implementation is smooth and sustainable. The government must enforce strict timelines for disbursement to prevent future delays. Transparency and accountability must also be prioritised to prevent potential mismanagement or corruption. A dedicated oversight body should be established to monitor the process and address any concerns that may arise. Additionally, as economic conditions change, there should be periodic reviews of allowance amounts to ensure they remain adequate for trainees’ needs.

The President’s decision is a step in the right direction and deserves commendation. However, this should not be an isolated effort. The government must maintain the momentum in fulfilling all its promises, ensuring that education and healthcare sectors receive the necessary support. For instance, promises to abolish the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy),the 10% betting tax and cancellation of the Emissions tax and COVID-19 levy must also be fulfilled. This way, Ghanaians will reap the benefits of the democratic contract that they have entered into with government for four years tunure.

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