President John Dramani Mahama has given the green light for the payment of nursing trainee allowances, set to take effect retroactively from January 2025.
Addressing enthusiastic students at the Kintampo Nursing Training College during his Thank You Tour of the Bono East Region, the President confirmed that the long-anticipated allowances will soon be disbursed. He emphasized that the delay was necessary to establish a more efficient payment system through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, aligning trainee payments with the national payroll.
“You’ll not only receive your monthly allowances, but also the full arrears from January,” he assured.
This move marks a notable shift from the NDC’s initial campaign stance, as the first fiscal policy document under the new government, presented in March 2025, reinstated the trainee allowance program in full.
Focus on Stability and Development
Mahama further praised the General Transport Workers’ Union (GPRTU) and commercial drivers for responding to economic improvements by reducing transport fares, a move he said supports nationwide efforts to ease the cost of living.
“With the cedi gaining strength, I’m grateful to transport operators for passing the benefit on to the people,” he noted.
The President also reiterated his commitment to driving economic transformation in the Bono East and other regions through value addition in agriculture. He highlighted the government’s plan to industrialize local produce, especially cashew and tree crops, as part of the broader “Big Push” development agenda.
Ring Roads, Accountability, and Regional Empowerment
On infrastructure, Mahama revealed that construction preparations have started for a 54km outer ring road in Techiman, as part of a nationwide project targeting major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and Sunyani.
He also addressed the use of the District Assemblies Common Fund, disclosing that 80% of the fund will now go directly to the regions to enable bottom-up development. Strict accountability will be enforced.
“MMDCEs will be evaluated annually based on how effectively they use these funds. It’s no longer business as usual,” Mahama said.
This firm stance underscores the administration’s focus on decentralized governance, performance-driven leadership, and sustainable development.
