The Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees’ Association (GNMTA) has raised alarm over prolonged delays in posting graduate nurses and midwives, warning that the backlog is eroding confidence among trainees and threatening the future supply of health professionals in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the second edition of the ASHBA Inter-College Quiz Competition, Abankwa Takyiakwa, President of the Ashanti-Bono Ahafo Zone of GNMTA, said many graduates remain unemployed for months after completing their training.
The extended wait, he noted, is creating uncertainty and discouraging current students who question whether their years of study will lead to immediate employment.
“Timely posting is essential to maintaining interest in nursing and midwifery programs and to addressing staffing gaps in hospitals and clinics,” Takyiakwa said.
“When graduates sit at home for months, it weakens morale and raises doubts about the value of the training.”
The association also flagged persistent delays in the payment of trainee allowances.
According to Takyiakwa, only a small number of students have received their allowances, leaving the majority to rely on family support to cover basic expenses. He argued that the unpaid allowances undermine government’s stated commitment to retain and motivate health trainees.
“Resolving these concerns would reassure trainees that their education and service will be matched with opportunities and support after graduation,” he added.
The concerns come as the ASHBA Inter-College Quiz Competition continues to spotlight academic excellence among nursing and midwifery trainees in the region.
This year’s competition saw Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Berekum emerge as winners, defeating Kwapong Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College, and S.D.A Kwadaso Nursing and Midwifery Training College.
Shadrack Owusu Osei, coach of the Holy Family quiz team, attributed the victory to students’ discipline, consistent preparation, and determination.
He used the occasion to appeal to government for investment in the college’s infrastructure, saying improved facilities would enhance teaching, practical training, and overall student performance in both academic and co-curricular activities.
Osei Solomon Mensah, Coordinating Secretary of the Bono and Ahafo chapter and Chair of the Quiz Competition Committee, said the annual event is designed to strengthen critical thinking, academic excellence, and collaboration among trainees across the region.
He revealed that the competition is currently financed solely through student dues and called on the Ministry of Health and other health sector stakeholders to provide sponsorship and logistical support to ensure its sustainability and expand participation to more training institutions.
GNMTA’s remarks add to growing calls for urgent government action to address bottlenecks in the posting and welfare of health trainees, as Ghana continues to grapple with staffing shortages in key health facilities nationwide.
