I urge President John Mahama, the Minister of Education, and the NDC national leadership to tread carefully when handling the issue of trainee allowances. The cancellation of these allowances played a significant role in the party’s defeat in the 2016 elections. During the 2024 campaign, we assured Ghanaians that we would not cancel the trainee allowance. So why are we now sending conflicting signals after winning power? This raises serious credibility concerns.
I understand that some NDC officials who are provoking Ghanaians with their stance on the trainee allowance did not actively engage in grassroots campaigning. Many of them simply follow presidential candidates, move from one TV or radio station to another, and engage in political talk. However, winning elections goes beyond media appearances. It requires real groundwork—the effort to convince ordinary citizens to step out of their homes and vote. The true game-changers are those who mobilize the grassroots to rally behind presidential candidates, parliamentary aspirants, and party executives during campaign tours.
*A Balanced Approach: Allowances and Enhanced Student Loans*
My firm position is that the President should not cancel the trainee allowance. However, the government should also introduce an enhanced Student Loan Trust Fund as an alternative. This would give students the option to choose between the two financial support systems.
*Trainee Allowance:* For those who prefer direct financial support.
*Enhanced Student Loan:* For those who need more substantial financial assistance with flexible repayment terms.
To ensure fairness and sustainability, no student should be allowed to benefit from both schemes simultaneously. Instead, they should have the freedom to select the option that best suits their financial needs.
*A Natural Transition, Not a Forced Policy Change*
We all acknowledge that the current trainee allowance is insufficient to cover students’ full expenses.Currently, the allowance is set at GHS 400, out of which GHS 300 is deducted by school authorities, leaving trainees with just GHS 100. Over time, the enhanced student loan option will likely gain more traction due to its flexibility and higher financial support. This means the trainee allowance will fade out gradually based on low demand, rather than being forcefully scrapped by the government.
The NDC must not allow itself to be branded as the party that always cancels trainee allowances. By implementing a dual-option system, we can address students’ financial needs while maintaining the party’s credibility and trust among voters.
Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past—let’s govern wisely and strategically.
Author:
Ebi Shagi
0248879204
Ebenezer Asiedu,(PhD. Candidate)
0248879204
