Bawumia: GH¢177m approved to clear nursing training allowance arrears.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia assures that the government will settle all outstanding debts owed to nursing trainees by the end of this week, bringing relief to the trainees and resolving the long-standing issue.

The Ministry of Finance has given the green light for the release of GH¢177 million to be distributed among trainee nurses nationwide, according to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

During a meeting with nurses and midwives in Accra, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced that the long-awaited nursing training allowances will be disbursed this Thursday. He revealed that the Controller will transfer GH¢177 million to the Ministry of Health on Thursday, and he has instructed Dr. Okoe-Boye, the Deputy Minister of Health, to ensure a swift transfer of the funds to the accounts of nursing trainees.

This means that the trainees will finally receive their allowances, which have been delayed for some time. Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the payment will be made without delay, saying ‘it will drop’ into the trainees’ accounts.

Additionally, the Vice President took the opportunity to clarify his previous comments about supporting churches if he becomes President. He explained that his statement was taken out of context and meant that the government would continue to support faith-based organizations, including churches, in their development efforts, such as building schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities.

He reassured that the government’s support would be based on the principles of inclusivity and respect for all religious beliefs.

During a meeting with religious leaders (Clergy) in the North East Region, as part of his nationwide tour, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia addressed the recent controversy surrounding his statement on supporting churches if he becomes President. He acknowledged that his words may have been misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and concerns among various stakeholders.

Dr. Bawumia took the opportunity to clarify his statement, explaining that his intention was to emphasize the importance of faith-based organizations, including churches, in national development. He reassured the Clergy and the wider public that his administration’s support would be inclusive and respectful of all religious beliefs, without favoritism or discrimination.

In essence, the Vice President was seeking to clear up any misconceptions and reiterate his commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and cooperation in the country’s development journey. By engaging with the Clergy and other religious leaders, Dr. Bawumia aimed to build trust, understanding, and partnerships that would foster a more united and prosperous society for all Ghanaians.

Dr. Bawumia explained that his statement was made within the context that the church and other faith-based institutions have done a lot for the country including the building of schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities, and deserved to be helped to do more.

“Look at the number of hospitals the churches have built. Look at the number of universities the churches have built and the faith-based organizations have built. Look at the number of people the churches and faith-based organizations take care of on a daily basis. Can you imagine, just take a thought for a moment that you wake up tomorrow and all the schools, universities, and hospitals the churches have built disappear. They just disappear. How would Ghana be like? Ghana will collapse. Isn’t it? We will not survive in this sort of situation because there will be chaos”

The statement in question, which was perceived as incentivizing, was made by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during a meeting with religious leaders (clergy) in the Bono East region on Friday, May 10. At the meeting, Dr. Bawumia’s remarks were taken to imply that churches would receive financial support if he becomes President, leading to a wave of reactions and interpretations.”