A moment of political tension marked the 32nd Annual Delegates Congress of the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) – ASHBA Zone, when Dr Kwasi Nyame Baafi, lecturer at GIMPA and Technical Advisor to the former Vice President, firmly responded to remarks made by the Sunyani East MP, Hon Seid Mubarak and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Vincent Antwi Agyei, known members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The congress, held at the GRNMA Hotel in Asufufu, Sunyani, was under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation Through Strategic Leadership Development and Policy Advocacy for Nursing and Midwifery Excellence.”

During their remarks, Hon. Vincent Antwi Agyei and Hon Seid Mubarak claimed that the NDC does not make empty promises like the NPP, sparking discomfort in what was intended to be a non-partisan gathering. Dr Nyame Baafi, who chaired the event, did not hesitate to respond.

He criticized the MP and MCE’s attempt to politicize the platform and highlighted impactful contributions made by the previous NPP administration. Dr. Baafi pointed out that the NPP government, through the Ministry of Local Government, procured road construction equipment under the DRIP initiative, which now directly supports the work of MMDCEs like Hon. Agyei. 

He emphasized that this was a valuable asset handed over by the NPP government to the current administration.

Dr. Baafi also addressed key policy differences, particularly on the issue of nurse trainee allowances. He reminded the audience that the NDC Government cancelled the trainee nurse allowance in 2014, a move that caused distress to many health trainees. In contrast, the NPP government restored the allowance in 2017, fulfilling a major campaign promise.

He further stated that almost four months into NDCs current term, the trainee nurse allowance is yet to be paid, despite campaign assurances.

His remarks struck a chord with the audience, earning rounds of applause. He encouraged nurse and midwife trainees to focus on building strong leadership values and to demand accountability from all leaders, regardless of their political alignment.

Dr. Nyame Baafi concluded by making a generous cash donation to the Association, affirming his commitment to the empowerment and development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Nkwantabisa