The government has disbursed an amount of GHS 462 million to settle training allowances owed to 120,000 nursing students nationwide.

The six-month payment is part of the government’s wider effort to assist students in Nursing Training Colleges financially.

A statement released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, July 17, indicated that the new development aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's campaign promise in 2024.

“The Ministry views this development as a significant step in improving the welfare of nursing trainees and sustaining the motivation of future health professionals. It further aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector by ensuring that critical human resources receive the needed support throughout their training,” parts of the statement read.

The Ministry extended its appreciation to President Mahama for facilitating the timely release and distribution of the funds.

It pledged to strengthen its collaboration with nursing schools to uphold the quality of healthcare education countrywide.

“The Ministry extends its appreciation to the president of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his promise to the nurses, as well as all other stakeholders involved in facilitating the timely release and distribution of the funds.”

In 2024, President Mahama encouraged trainee nurses to prioritize securing stable employment over relying on allowances. He highlighted the need for sustainable job opportunities in Ghana’s healthcare sector.

Speaking to trainee nurses on Saturday, Mahama acknowledged their financial difficulties but emphasized that long-term job security is more beneficial than temporary financial support.

He assured them that his administration would focus on job creation within the healthcare industry, ensuring stable and rewarding careers for nurses and other health professionals.

“We know the problems with trainee nurses and that is why when we were in government, we said we were going to substitute your allowance with the students’ loan because we wanted to create more employment for you. What is important for you is not the allowance it is to get a job when you finish school,” he stated.

Adding that “But somebody came and said he will pay the allowances. Unfortunately, it was 419…Come and pay the nurses you owe them almost 30 months of arrears. Some of them have left school without receiving their allowances and some of them are going to leave school again without receiving their allowances.

“…I make you a commitment when I come to the hospitals, we were building that have been abandoned by this government we will continue them.

"When I come to the agenda 111 hospitals, they are building I will continue and finish them so that we can create more space to be able to absorb all of you when you finish school. This election is between Ghana and NPP.”