Dr. Kwasi Nyame Baafi, a lecturer at GIMPA and Technical Advisor to the former Vice President, has urged the government to pay arrears of the national service allowance to the beneficiaries.
The 32nd Annual Delegates Congress of the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) held by ASHBA Zone were characterised by a heated political debate between the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
A smear address by the Sunyani East MP, Hon. Seid Mubarak, and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Vincent Antwi Agyei, leaders of the NDC in the constituency, received a quick rebutal from the New Patriotic Party.
Dr. Kwasi Nyame Baafi, a lecturer at GIMPA and Technical Advisor to the former Vice President, was a vehement opposed to some assertions made by Hon. Vincent Antwi Agyei and Hon. Seid Mubarak who claimed that the NDC does not make empty promises like the NPP, sparking dismay in what was intended to be a non-partisan gathering.
The congress, held at the GRNMA Hotel in Sunyani, was themed “Empowering the Next Generation Through Strategic Leadership Development and Policy Advocacy for Nursing and Midwifery Excellence” bringing together political actors, academia, and health workers.
The chairman of the program, Dr. Nyame Baafi gave a shock to the two party leaders, emphasizing the major achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led administration, citing the reinstatement of some policies cancelled by the NDC government before leaving office in 2017.
He criticized the MP and MCE’s attempt to politicize the platform and highlighted impactful contributions made by the previous NPP administration.
According to Nyame Baafi, the procurement of District Road Improvement Machines by the NPP government through the Ministry of Local Government marks a significant approach for road construction with direct supervision by the various MMDCEs.
Dr. Bawumia’s technical advisor pointed out that the NDC inhumanely cancelled the Nursing Trainee allowance in 2014, contributing to severe hardship for trainees and discouraging others from enrolling in training colleges.
He said the NPP government, after assuming office in 2017, restored the allowance, a key promise former President Nana Akufo-Addo had pledged to reintroduce.
The chairman of the event revealed that, comparatively, the disbursement of allowances to beneficiaries under the NPP was prompt, noting that the NDC government owes four months’ arrears amid sweet assurances before the 2024 elections.
Dr. Nyame Baafi urged the government to pay arrears of the national service allowance to the beneficiaries to enable them to overcome hardship.
His call earned a rousing cheer from the disappointed trainees anticipating swift payment.
He encouraged nurse and midwife trainees to focus on building strong leadership values and demanding accountability from all leaders, regardless of their political alignment.
Dr. Nyame Baafi concluded by making a generous cash donation to the Association, affirming his commitment to empowering and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari