Nursing Trainees to Receive Allowances Starting January 2025

Government to Begin Nursing Trainee Allowance Payments from January 2025

Nursing trainees across the country will soon receive their long-awaited allowances, as the government prepares to begin payments retroactively from January 2025. 

The announcement was made by President John Dramani Mahama during his Thank You Tour in the Bono East Region, where he addressed students of the Kintampo Nursing Training College.

President Mahama assured the students that the Ministry of Finance has already made financial provisions to cover the allowances. He added that the government is finalizing a system in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to ensure smooth and consistent disbursement of the funds. Under the new arrangement, trainees will receive their monthly allowances alongside public sector salary payments, including all arrears from January.

The President emphasized that the restoration and regular payment of nursing trainee allowances is part of his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. He acknowledged the important role that nurses play in national development and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to prioritize their welfare throughout their training.

In a related development, President Mahama commended transport unions across the country for their recent decision to reduce fares. He noted that this act of goodwill has eased the financial burden on many Ghanaians, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges. He urged other sectors to follow the example of the transport unions by contributing positively to national recovery efforts.

President Mahama also took the opportunity to outline the government's ongoing efforts to industrialize key sectors of the economy. He made special mention of the cashew industry, highlighting it as a priority area for investment and value addition, particularly in regions where cashew farming is already well-established. According to him, boosting cashew production and processing will not only increase export revenue but also create sustainable jobs for young people.

Infrastructure development, he said, remains a top priority for the government. Plans are in motion for the construction of outer ring roads in key cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Sunyani, and Techiman. These projects, he explained, are intended to ease traffic congestion, support urban expansion, and stimulate economic activity in the regions.

Touching on local governance, President Mahama announced that 80% of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund will be allocated directly to the regions. He explained that this shift will allow for more region-specific development and faster execution of local projects. Importantly, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will now be assessed based on how effectively they utilize these funds, with performance indicators focused on accountability, transparency, and impact.

The announcement was well-received by nursing trainees and other stakeholders, many of whom have long advocated for the reinstatement of regular allowance payments. As government finalizes the necessary systems, the trainees are hopeful that the promised support will arrive on time and help ease the financial pressures associated with their education.