President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Thank You Tour across Ghana has been marked by significant pronouncements, particularly regarding the reinstatement and regular disbursement of allowances for nursing trainees. Addressing a gathering in Nalerigu, the North East Region, President Mahama assured trainees of a newly established automated system designed to ensure timely and consistent monthly payments. This system, he explained, is structured to deliver allowances directly to trainees every month without delay, a move met with enthusiastic applause. The President further clarified that the 2025 budget, effective from January, has already allocated funds for these payments. Consequently, trainees can expect not only to receive their stipends starting in July but also to be reimbursed for the arrears accumulated from January to June. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to supporting nursing trainees and recognizing their crucial role in the nation’s healthcare system.
The Thank You Tour itself serves as a platform for President Mahama to express his gratitude to the Ghanaian populace for their overwhelming support in the December 7, 2024, general election, which secured his re-election on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket. Beyond expressing gratitude, the tour provides an opportunity for the President to reiterate his commitment to various developmental initiatives across the country. The restoration of nursing trainee allowances is a prominent example of this commitment, showcasing the government’s responsiveness to the needs of its citizens and its dedication to investing in the future of healthcare.
President Mahama’s address in Nalerigu also highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing education. He announced plans to upgrade the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery to a degree-awarding institution, a move reflecting a broader strategy to modernize health training colleges nationwide. This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of advanced education in producing highly qualified healthcare professionals, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare services for all Ghanaians. The President emphasized the transformative power of education, describing it as “the nation’s greatest equalizer” and underlining its vital role in driving regional and national progress. He stressed that no region can thrive if its youth are denied access to quality education, highlighting the government’s commitment to equitable educational opportunities for all.
Furthermore, President Mahama addressed the issue of stalled infrastructure projects at the Gambaga College of Education, reassuring the community of the government’s commitment to their completion. He revealed that, following his directive, the GETFund Administrator had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the halted projects. Based on this assessment, the President confirmed that construction is expected to resume in the third quarter of the year, marking a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s promise to enhance educational facilities in the region.
The President’s visit to Nalerigu and his engagement with the community exemplify his broader approach of reconnecting with Ghanaians, reaffirming his commitment to developmental promises, and expressing his personal gratitude for the renewed trust placed in his leadership. The restoration of nursing trainee allowances, the upgrading of the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery, and the resumption of construction at the Gambaga College of Education all serve as concrete examples of the government’s dedication to investing in human capital and infrastructure, ultimately contributing to national development.
President Mahama’s Thank You Tour signifies more than just an expression of gratitude; it represents a renewed commitment to the Ghanaian people. By addressing key concerns, such as the reinstatement of nursing trainee allowances, and by outlining plans for educational advancement and infrastructural development, President Mahama demonstrates his administration’s dedication to tangible action and measurable progress. The tour underscores the government’s commitment to listening to the needs of its citizens and translating those needs into concrete policies and initiatives, thereby fostering a stronger and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
