Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), made a compelling case to students at the Korle-Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College and other health institutions in Accra, urging them to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 elections. During his address on October 23, 2024, Dr. Prempeh emphasized the NPP’s significant accomplishments in the health sector while presenting Dr. Bawumia’s vision as a continuation of these successes. He articulated that the future of healthcare delivery in Ghana hinges on the students’ voting choices and their alignment with the NPP’s agenda.
A central theme in Dr. Prempeh’s remarks was the restoration of the nursing trainee allowance, which had been abolished by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under the leadership of John Mahama. He underscored the importance of this allowance to nursing trainees, arguing that even if there are delays, having an allowance reinstated is far preferable to its outright cancellation, as was the case during Mahama’s administration. Dr. Prempeh pointedly reminded students that while Mahama’s administration stifled their financial support, the NPP has made concerted efforts to rectify this wrong and has shown a commitment to not only restoring financial aid but also addressing any underlying challenges related to payment delays.
In addition to the restoration of the trainee allowance, Dr. Prempeh highlighted the flagship Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct over 100 hospitals nationwide. He assured the trainees that many of these healthcare facilities are either nearing completion or already operational, which is expected to provide a significant employment influx for nursing graduates. He contrasted this progress with Mahama’s failed promises regarding hospital construction, asserting that the current government is proving that it is indeed feasible to allocate resources effectively for both trainee allowances and infrastructure advancements in the health sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Prempeh stressed the importance of recognizing the NPP’s numerous achievements in healthcare and how these progressions are vital for the future of the nursing profession in Ghana. By voting for Dr. Bawumia and NPP parliamentary candidates, he argued, students would be protecting the gains made thus far, ensuring that the improvements in healthcare delivery continue, and securing their own career opportunities. He reiterated that a vote for the NPP was a vote for progress, stability, and increased investments in health infrastructure.
Dr. Prempeh also addressed the concerns surrounding compensation for healthcare workers, particularly the previous three-month pay policy initiated by the NDC, which he described as impractical for sustainable remuneration. His statements sought to reinforce the narrative that under the NPP administration, there is a clear and actionable commitment to not only rectifying past grievances but also fostering an environment where health professionals can thrive both personally and professionally.
In conclusion, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s call to action for the students at Korle-Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College was imbued with a message of hope and accountability. He urged them to consider their past experiences and the substantial changes implemented by the NPP in the health sector, highlighting that the right decisions in the upcoming elections can greatly influence their future and the broader wellbeing of the nation’s healthcare system. The implications of their vote extend beyond personal gain, representing a pivotal choice in securing quality healthcare and professional opportunities for themselves and future generations of nursing professionals in Ghana.
