By: Celestine Avi
President John Mahama has reassured nursing trainees that their long-awaited allowances, popularly referred to as “Alawa,” will be fully paid, including arrears dating back to January.
Addressing students and staff at the Kintampo College of Health and Wellbeing as part of his “Thank You” Tour of the Bono East Region, President Mahama explained that a new payment system is being put in place to streamline the disbursement of the allowances through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.
Arrears Budgeted for, Payment to Start Soon
“On the issue of Alawa, let me assure you that the minister has made adequate provision in the budget for the payment of allowances,” the President said to loud cheers from the students.
“And the allowances will be paid from January, and so you’ll get the arrears. When we pay the allowances, you’ll receive the arrears,” he added.
New System to Ensure Timely, Regular Payments
The President attributed the delay to the implementation of a new system designed to align trainee allowance payments with public sector salary disbursements.
“What has delayed it is that the Minister is putting in a system so that you’ll be paid through the Controller and Accountant General. So that every month when workers receive their salaries, trainees will also receive their allowances,” he explained.
President John Mahama emphasised that the new arrangement will ensure timely and consistent payments going forward.
“So when that is done, you’ll receive your allowances every month. And they will pay you the arrears from January until the time you start receiving the allowances,” he said.
