Maleek Basintale, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and deputy communications director for the party, has sparked widespread reactions following a bold promise made during his recent visit to the Agogo Nursing Training College. Basintale announced the NDC’s commitment to increasing nursing trainees’ allowances by 30% should the party be voted into power in the next general elections.
This announcement, while welcomed by some, has also drawn skepticism and raised numerous questions among Ghanaians, particularly due to the NDC’s controversial stance on nursing trainee allowances during their previous tenure in office. The discussions surrounding the promise have been marked by a mix of hope, doubt, and outright criticism.
During his visit, Basintale engaged with nursing trainees, discussing the NDC’s policies and their plans for education and healthcare should they return to government. He emphasized that this allowance increment is part of the party’s broader agenda to support students in health training institutions and improve the conditions of service for healthcare professionals across the country.
However, the promise has not been without contention. Many netizens have taken to social media to express their concerns, questioning the sincerity and feasibility of this pledge. The reactions have laid bare the divided opinions on the matter, with some recalling the NDC’s decision in 2016 to suspend the very same allowances—a move that caused significant backlash at the time.
**Mixed Reactions From the Public**
Basintale’s announcement has reignited debates about the NDC’s policy consistency. Some supporters have hailed the move as a step in the right direction, highlighting the importance of supporting nursing trainees, who play a critical role in the country’s healthcare system. Others, however, have expressed doubts about the NDC’s intentions and ability to deliver on the promise.
One user commented, “Really? You want to continue with that trainee allowance? Tell me it's a joke, please. Why would you continue such a policy? If so, then we could as well keep NPP and Bawumia there to continue. NDC has no business coming into office if all they seek is to copy the NPP’s way.”
Another questioned the party’s stance on the matter, writing, “30% increase in trainee allowance? Please explain this part to me. Are you people getting rid of it and replacing it with loans as JM was saying, or are you going to increase it as you are saying here? I don’t get it.”
Some netizens also expressed concern over the current state of the economy and whether such promises are feasible. A critical comment read, “The same allowances your government canceled even when the economy wasn’t bad like it is today? With the scrapping of taxes and looking at the terrible state of the economy now, can you deliver this promise?”
**The NDC’s History With Nursing Trainee Allowances**
The skepticism from many quarters stems largely from the NDC’s previous handling of the nursing trainee allowance policy. During their tenure in 2016, the NDC suspended the payment of allowances, arguing that the funds could be better utilized to expand healthcare infrastructure and training facilities.
The decision was met with resistance from trainees, who relied on these funds to support their education. The policy was reversed by the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government when they took office, a move that has been widely applauded by beneficiaries.
Given this history, Basintale’s announcement has been perceived by some as an attempt to win votes rather than a genuine commitment to the welfare of nursing trainees. Critics argue that the NDC must address their past actions before making such promises.
**Supporters See Hope in the Promise**
Despite the criticisms, Basintale’s announcement has also garnered support from some quarters. Proponents argue that the proposed 30% increment demonstrates the NDC’s willingness to learn from past mistakes and adapt their policies to meet the needs of Ghanaians.
For these supporters, the promise is seen as a sign of the NDC’s renewed focus on prioritizing healthcare and education. They believe the increment could provide much-needed relief to nursing trainees, who often struggle to cover the costs of their education and living expenses.
**A Heated Debate Ahead of the Elections**
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the next general elections, the issue of nursing trainee allowances is likely to remain a hot topic. Both the NPP and the NDC have used the policy as a key campaign point in recent years, reflecting its importance to voters.
For the NDC, the challenge will be to convince Ghanaians that they are serious about delivering on their promise. They will need to address concerns about policy inconsistency and demonstrate how the proposed increment fits into their broader economic plans.
Meanwhile, the NPP will likely use the NDC’s history with the allowances as a point of attack, questioning their credibility and ability to deliver on such promises.
**Looking Forward**
Maleek Basintale’s promise of a 30% increase in nursing trainee allowances has undoubtedly stirred emotions and sparked debate. Whether this pledge will translate into votes for the NDC remains to be seen.
For many Ghanaians, the issue goes beyond politics—it’s about trust, consistency, and the future of the country’s healthcare system. As the nation gears up for the next election, the discussions around this promise will continue to shape opinions and influence decisions at the ballot box.
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