We’ve cleared arrears – Health Minister on trainee allowances

President Nana Akufo-Addo’s assign on Health disclosed Thursday that, the government has cleared allowance arrears owed trainee nurses from 2018.

“Sometime last year by December we owed but all that has been cleared” Kwaku Agyeman Manu revealed at a “Meet the Press” session.

Putting icing on the cake, the Minister said the Health Ministry has got a warrant so they are getting releases that will pay allowances to the trainees to cover January through to March 2019.

This, he announced is a fulfillment of the promise made to the trainees by the President during the 2016 electioneering period.

Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) promised to restore the allowances after the then John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government scrapped it.

The restoration of the allowances was welcomed by the trainees in flamboyant style.

However, analysts and political opponents have advised the government to “eat the humble pie” and drop the decision to pay trainee allowances.

This, they said, is an unnecessary burden on the state purse. Monies which some educationists say could be invested in boosting the quality of education.

The government is, however, adamant.

What else did the Minister say?

Minister announced that some nurses who have picketed the Ministry over non-engagement have been employed, Joy News’ Ernest Kojo reported.

“These days when you come there [Health Ministry] you won’t see them in red bands, they are all in the field working,” Mr. Kwaku Manu said.

He also announced the launch of an electronic platform to facilitate faster placement and recruiting of staff.