Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Accra, Ghana - In a press conference held on November 29, 2024, a group of former trainees of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) program voiced their deep frustration and disappointment over the government's failure to pay their outstanding arrears.
The former NABCO trainees, who had dedicated their time, skills and energy to serving the nation, claimed they were left with nothing but broken promises and unfulfilled expectations. Despite repeated assurances from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, their arrears remain unpaid, leaving many unable to afford basic necessities like rent, food and healthcare.
The Patron for the group Nana Barimah Asamoah, who read a biblical verse from Deuteronomy 24:15, accused the government, particularly Dr. Bawumia, of lacking concern for their welfare and exploiting their vulnerability to win the 2020 elections. He claimed that 67,000 trainees worked for nine months in 2022 without pay, and the arrears have remained unpaid for two years, demonstrating the government's "insensitivity and wickedness."
The former trainees appealed to influential personalities, such as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the National Imam, the Speaker of Parliament, and religious leaders, to lend their voices and compel the government to pay the vulnerable NABCO trainees facing severe hardships.
The group also expressed their support for the proposed 24-hour economy and National Apprenticeship Program, which they believe could transform the economy and reduce youth unemployment, unlike the NABCO program, which they described as a "knee-jerk votes buying policy without any solid foundation."
As the 2024 elections approach, the former NABCO trainees have called on the next administration to implement these visionary policies to unlock a brighter future for Ghanaian youths.