A section of nursing trainees in the Keta and Anloga areas of the Volta Region have welcomed the government’s decision to continue the payment of trainee allowances, describing it as a relief amid earlier concerns about its cancellation.

The students expressed gratitude and optimism, stating that the allowances played a crucial role in sustaining their education by covering essential expenses such as books, accommodation, fees and feeding.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassel Ato Forson, made the announcement on Tuesday, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

He disclosed that the government had allocated about GHȼ480 million for the continuation of the nursing trainee allowance scheme.

The announcement comes after months of speculation that the government might scrap the policy due to financial constraints.

The confirmation has, therefore, provided much needed reassurance to student nurses who depend on the allowance for their studies.

During an engagement with some nursing trainees living and studying at the Keta Nurses and Midwifery College, on Wednesday, the students expressed immense joy over the development.

“We were living in fear, thinking our allowances would be scrapped, but thanks to President John Mahama for reconsidering his decision, it is the allowance that cushions us as we study in school, some of us use it to pay our fees,” Yvonne a student remarked.

Another trainee also highlighted the significance of the allowance, stating, “Our livelihood mostly depends on the little allowance we receive as students. It helps us afford books, accommodation, and feeding as well. If it were taken away, many of us would struggle to remain in school, and fewer people would pursue nursing as a career,” Gloria a student said.

Despite welcoming the decision, some students called for a review of the allowance amount, citing the rising cost of living in the country.

“We appreciate the government’s decision to maintain the allowance, but we also appeal for an increase to at least GHȼ1,000 per month to reflect the current economic realities,” a student urged.

When some professional nurses at Anloga District were engaged, they commended the allowance policy, saying it played very crucial roles during their school day, stating how some of them had to solely rely on it for their stationeries, and other needs for their entire period in school.

Nursing trainee allowances were first introduced in the early 1960s to support students pursuing careers in healthcare. However, the policy has been subject to several suspensions and reinstatements under different administrations in recent times.

The recent commitment by the government signals its intent to prioritise healthcare education and ensure that financial difficulties do not hinder students from completing their training.

Stakeholders, including health professionals, student unions, and advocacy groups, are expected to engage the government in discussions about potential adjustments to the allowance scheme in the coming months.