The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG) has pleaded with the government through the Ministry of Health to extend the validation exercise for the payments of health trainee allowances.

The Union explains that the June 20, 2025 deadline for the exercise was too limited hence trainees would not be able to acquire and provide all the required documents and details.

The recent directive requires trainees to provide SSNIT numbers, bank account numbers and Ghana Card details within the timeframe.

“The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG) humbly appeals to the government, through the Ministry of Health, to reconsider the validation exercise for trainee allowances”, stated a communique signed by National UTNMG President, Agbeti Immortal and UTNMG General Secretary, Alavi Robert.

The Union argued that the majority of the beneficiaries of the trainee allowances do not have the requested details, especially the SSNIT number and hence need more time to apply and acquire it to tender for the registration.

“The old system only required E-switch accounts. Many students lack the required documents such as Ghana Card, SSNT number and Bank account”, it stated.

The leadership of the trainee nurses and midwives also appealed to the government to include the 2024 batch of trainees in the verification exercise. They are currently owed 15 months' allowance.

“This 2024 batch is currently undertaking their mandated national service on an empty stomach till the end of their 52 weeks of service to the nation. This condition of service is non-negotiable.”

“Because the amount owed them by the government is colossal, the short-notice exercise will have severe consequences on our members, particularly during this vacation period, exacerbating the financial hardships they are facing already”, lamented the Union.

The Union also “urges the government to reconsider the January 2026 declaration on trainee allowance payments, considering the rising cost of living (GH¢1,800.00 for two square meals daily).

“This precarious situation will only subject us to financial hemorrhage and nosebleeds with no respite.

“We believe that with empathy and understanding, the government can find a solution that supports our members. We look forward to a favourable response”, it said.