
In a significant policy announcement, President John Dramani Mahama has declared that the Controller and Accountant General’s Department will now directly disburse allowances to nursing and teacher trainees. This move ensures that trainees will receive their allowances simultaneously with public sector workers’ monthly salaries, eliminating delays that have plagued the system in the past.
Speaking during a thank-you tour in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, on Saturday, March 22, President Mahama emphasized that the new measure is designed to provide timely and consistent financial support to trainees. “This is good news for nursing and teacher trainees. Their allowances will now be paid directly by the Controller and Accountant General as part of the budget’s compensation items. This will permanently resolve the issue of delays, ensuring that trainees receive their allowances at the same time public sector workers receive their salaries,” he stated.
The issue of trainee allowances has been a contentious topic in Ghanaian politics, particularly during the 2016 election campaign. The previous administration, led by President Akufo-Addo, had pledged to address the delays but failed to fulfill its promise, leaving trainees with months of unpaid arrears. President Mahama’s announcement signals a renewed commitment to resolving this long-standing challenge.
Education Reforms: Addressing the Textbook Shortage
President Mahama also addressed the critical issue of textbook shortages in basic schools, a problem that has hindered effective learning for years. He criticized the previous administration for changing the curriculum without providing the necessary textbooks, leaving students and teachers without essential resources.
“The no-textbook phenomenon will end this year,” he declared. “Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, who is leading this initiative, has assured us that the textbooks will be printed locally by Ghanaian printers. This will not only ensure that our students have the materials they need but also keep the financial resources within the country, supporting local businesses.”
Healthcare Upgrades in the Northern Region
In addition to education reforms, President Mahama unveiled plans to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in the Northern Region. He announced that the old Tamale Central Hospital and the Tamale Municipal Hospital, formerly known as the Works Hospital at Zubile, will undergo significant upgrades. These improvements aim to alleviate the pressure on the Tamale Teaching Hospital and enhance healthcare delivery across the region.
“We intend to upgrade the old Tamale Central Hospital and the Tamale Municipal Hospital to ease the burden on the Tamale Teaching Hospital,” he explained. “This will improve healthcare services for the people of the Northern Region, ensuring they have access to quality medical care.”
Investments in Agriculture and Irrigation Development
President Mahama also highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity through irrigation development. He emphasized that investing in irrigation infrastructure is critical to supporting farmers, increasing food security, and driving economic growth in rural areas.
“Our government is prioritizing irrigation development to empower farmers and enhance agricultural output. This will not only improve livelihoods but also contribute to the overall development of the country,” he said.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com