The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized President John Mahama’s administration over alleged plans to cancel nursing and teacher trainee allowances.
In a statement released on Monday, the youth wing described the move as a betrayal of campaign promises made during the 2024 elections.
The statement, signed by the NPP’s National Youth Organizer, Salam Mustapha, accused the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of deception, calling the alleged cancellation a “scam on the good people of Ghana, especially students.”
“We are gobsmacked to notice the intention to cancel teacher and nursing training allowances in flagrant contrast to their promise to rather be prompt on payments during the 2024 elections campaign,” the statement read.
The NPP youth wing demanded that the government reconsider the decision and maintain the allowances, emphasizing that the financial support is crucial for students in training institutions. It also questioned why nursing and teacher training schools remain colleges instead of being granted university status.
The statement further condemned what it described as an attempt by the government to silence critics by using media platforms allegedly aligned with the NDC. It accused a government-affiliated commentator, Kevin Taylor, of launching attacks on students who have spoken out against the policy shift.
“This intimidation of students is reprehensible, and we demand an apology from President Mahama and his government,” the statement continued.
The NPP youth wing vowed to stand by affected students and resist any attempt to cancel the allowances, warning that such a move would negatively impact the welfare of trainees across the country.
This development adds to the ongoing political tensions between the NPP and NDC, particularly on policies affecting education and youth welfare. The issue of trainee allowances has been a contentious topic in Ghanaian politics, with both parties taking opposing stances over the years.
While the government has not officially confirmed the cancellation of these allowances, the NPP youth wing’s statement signals a strong pushback from the opposition, setting the stage for further debate in the coming weeks.
Soudce: www.kumasimail.com
