The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Mahama’s government to fulfill its campaign promise to maintain nursing and teacher trainee allowances, warning that any move to cancel them would be an act of deceit.
In a statement signed by the NPP National Youth Organizer, Salam Mustapha, and copied to Mynewsgh.com, the group expressed its dismay over reports that the government intends to scrap the allowances just a month into office.
“Within only one month, President Mahama’s government is already proving to be a scam on Ghanaians, especially students. Given Mahama’s history, we expected broken promises, but what shocks us is how quickly it’s unfolding,” the statement declared.
The NPP Youth Wing criticized what it called a blatant contradiction of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s 2024 campaign promise to ensure the prompt payment of nursing and teacher trainee allowances.
According to the statement, students voted overwhelmingly for the NDC based on this commitment, only to feel betrayed by the government’s current actions.
The government has defended its decision to replace the allowances with an enhanced student loan scheme, claiming it will promote a fairer distribution of financial support across all tertiary institutions.
The NPP Youth Wing, however, rejected this explanation, arguing that nursing and teacher training institutions are colleges, not universities, making the policy shift impractical and unjustified.
The statement also condemned remarks allegedly made by social commentator Kevin Taylor, accusing him of mocking trainees in an attempt to defend the policy change. The NPP Youth Wing demanded an apology from President John Mahama and called on his government to restrain Taylor from making what it described as disparaging comments.
“This disrespect towards students is unacceptable. We demand a public apology from President Mahama and his government. We also encourage students of colleges of education and nursing training schools to rise and defend their dignity,” the statement urged.
The NPP Youth Wing reaffirmed its unwavering support for the trainees, vowing to stand by them in their fight to retain the allowances.
“Say no to political scams! Say no to political bullying! Say no to politics of deception!” the statement concluded.
