The Coalition of Students of the Schools of Hygiene is demanding immediate payment of their two-year unpaid trainee allowance, which has been owed since January 2023. The students are also seeking payment of a full year’s allowance for the 2021 Ho School of Hygiene certificate batch, who have not received any payment.
According to the Coalition’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Awuku, the students have been engaging with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to resolve the issue. However, the Ministry has attributed the delay to a lack of financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, leaving the students in a state of uncertainty.
The students are facing significant challenges, including potential long-term unemployment, due to the delay in payment of their allowances. Awuku emphasized that the students are calling for posting for batches yet to be deployed, as they are eager to begin their careers.
Despite their efforts, the students are threatening to hold a demonstration if their demands are not met, citing rising tempers among trainees across the country. The Coalition is urging stakeholders to address the issue promptly, as the students are constitutionally eligible to receive their trainee allowances.
Awuku expressed frustration that technicalities are being used to deny the students their allowances, leaving them without payment for two years. The students are determined to take action, including a massive demonstration at the presidency and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, if their demands are not met.
