Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the Upper East Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for failing to address the growing unemployment among trainee nurses, teachers, and doctors.
In an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Salifu responded to the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) previous claims that the NDC had left trainees without jobs. He argued that the NPP’s accusations were exaggerated, pointing out that while only one batch of trainees was left unposted under the previous government, the current administration has left three batches of nurses without placements. “Because of elections, this government wrote a letter about three months ago, saying they were clearing some people to be posted. As we speak, those batches of nurses followed up with the ministry, asking, ‘You gave us the opportunity, we logged into the portal thinking we’d receive appointment letters, but nothing has come. What is happening?’”
Mr. Salifu also addressed the issue of unpaid allowances, noting that many trainees have yet to receive their full allowances, with some having received only a fraction of what they were owed. He emphasized that delays in posting and allowance payments not only create a financial burden but also hinder the professional development of healthcare and education trainees, particularly in fields like nursing where practical experience is essential. “When a student finishes school and sits at home for a year or two without doing anything, they forget what they’ve learned. These are practical fields, especially in nursing.”
He further criticized the vice president’s claim of creating jobs, including a promise to create 2.6 million jobs, pointing out that if the administration were indeed generating employment, unemployment rates would be decreasing, not rising. “If he is recruiting more people, then unemployment should be going down. But it’s actually going up. The two don’t add up.”
Mr. Salifu vowed that if the NDC returned to power, it would prioritize the immediate recruitment of nursing and teacher trainees. The party also pledged to incentivize postings to rural areas by offering an additional 20% of basic salary for nurses and teachers willing to serve in underserved regions. “What we will do is prioritize the immediate recruitment of nursing and teacher trainees. And with teachers, remember we said that apart from the licensure examination and national service, they’ll go straight into recruitment,” he said. “Nurses and teachers who agree to postings in rural areas will receive an additional 20 percent of their basic salary.”
Additionally, the NDC promised to construct teacher accommodations alongside new school buildings to improve conditions for educators working in remote areas. “We’ll ensure that every school block we build includes teachers’ quarters,” he added.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
