Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made a significant announcement that has generated excitement among nurses in Ghana. While addressing students at the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training Institute in Accra on October 23, Dr. Prempeh pledged that if Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia becomes president in 2025, nurses will be able to import vehicles with engine capacities of less than 1.8 liters duty-free.
This promise is part of the NPP’s efforts to appreciate and support the vital role nurses play in healthcare delivery across the country. Dr. Prempeh, also known as Napo, emphasized that a Bawumia-led government would introduce policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of nurses.
He acknowledged the critical contribution nurses make to the healthcare system and assured them that the NPP recognizes and values their hard work.
Dr. Prempeh reiterated the NPP’s commitment to continuing the nursing trainee allowance policy, which was introduced by the current administration. He cautioned that this allowance would be scrapped if the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Mahama returned to power. Napo urged nurses to reject the NDC, stating that they do not believe in the nursing trainee allowance and would make life harder for nurses.
In addition to the duty-free vehicle importation and continuation of the nursing trainee allowance, Dr. Prempeh highlighted the NPP government’s ongoing efforts to complete the Agenda 111 hospital projects.
These projects aim to boost healthcare infrastructure and create employment opportunities for nurses and other healthcare workers. The completion of these projects will significantly improve healthcare delivery in Ghana and provide nurses with better working conditions.
Napo’s announcement has been well-received by nursing trainees and professionals, who see it as a demonstration of the NPP’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s healthcare workers.
The duty-free vehicle importation policy, in particular, is expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by nurses, allowing them to focus on their critical work.
As the 2024 elections approach, Dr. Prempeh’s pledge has become a key talking point, with many Ghanaians expressing optimism about the potential benefits of a Bawumia-led administration.
The NPP’s focus on healthcare and education has resonated with many voters, who see these sectors as critical to the country’s development.
The opposition NDC has criticized the NPP’s policies, arguing that they are unsustainable and would place an undue burden on the country’s finances. However, Dr. Prempeh and the NPP remain confident that their policies will drive growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the overall well-being of Ghanaians.
As the debate surrounding the NPP’s policies continues, one thing is clear: Dr. Prempeh’s announcement has sparked excitement among nurses and reinforced the NPP’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s healthcare workers.
