The Coalition of NABCO Trainees has made an urgent appeal to the National Peace Council, requesting its immediate intervention in the ongoing crisis surrounding unpaid allowance arrears. Since 2021, trainees under the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme have been waiting for their payments, leading to mounting frustration and hardship among the thousands of young people involved.
The Coalition, representing the affected trainees, has voiced deep concerns over the prolonged delays, which have severely impacted their lives and livelihoods.
In a move to escalate their grievances, the Coalition has announced plans for a large-scale demonstration at the forecourt of Jubilee House. The protest is set to take place a week before the upcoming elections, should their demands continue to go unmet. This planned demonstration highlights the seriousness of the situation, as the trainees seek a resolution to their long-standing issue. The Coalition hopes that the National Peace Council’s involvement will help mediate the crisis and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
The formal petition submitted by the Coalition, addressed to Members of the National Peace Council, detailed the profound effect that the unpaid allowances have had on the trainees. The petition also outlined the potential consequences for national security if the issue remains unresolved. With their incomes disrupted for nearly three years, many trainees have struggled to meet their basic needs, and the financial strain has taken a toll on both their morale and well-being.
The Coalition’s frustration stems from what they describe as the government’s lack of responsiveness to their concerns. Despite several petitions sent to the Office of the President and relevant ministries, the situation has not been addressed, forcing the trainees to take their grievances to the next level. The Coalition believes that all formal avenues for resolution have been exhausted, and they are now relying on the National Peace Council to step in and facilitate a dialogue between the trainees and the government.
In their appeal, the Coalition stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability during the election period and urged the Peace Council to engage with the President on this issue. They believe that if the allowance arrears are not paid soon, the situation could lead to unrest, which would be detrimental to the country’s political stability at such a crucial time. The Coalition is hopeful that the Peace Council, known for its role in fostering dialogue and preventing conflict, will take swift action to address their concerns.
David Peterson, the organiser of the NABCO trainees, signed the petition alongside other key representatives, including Nana Tachie Eric, Deborah Enam Sogbey, and Nana Berimah Asamoah. In their collective statement, they expressed their belief that the Peace Council’s involvement could significantly contribute to safeguarding national security and ensuring a peaceful election period.
The petition highlights that the trainees’ patience is running out and that immediate government action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation. For the past few years, the affected trainees have shown considerable restraint, hoping that their allowances would eventually be paid. However, the lack of progress has led to growing discontent among the group. As the election draws near, the Coalition fears that the continued delay in resolving the arrears could spark public unrest, especially given the economic pressures facing many of the trainees.
The Coalition’s planned demonstration serves as a final warning to the government that the trainees are no longer willing to wait in silence. With the election period being a time of heightened sensitivity, the Coalition’s call for swift action is both a plea for justice and a reminder of the potential consequences of inaction. They are urging the government to address their concerns before the protest is carried out, as the demonstration could further exacerbate tensions during an already charged political climate.
The Coalition has made it clear that they do not wish to disrupt the upcoming elections but are being forced into this position due to the government’s failure to address their legitimate grievances. They are calling on the government to prioritise the settlement of the arrears and to show goodwill by engaging in dialogue with the affected trainees before the situation escalates.
In conclusion, the Coalition of NABCO Trainees has issued a strong call to the National Peace Council, hoping that its intervention will lead to a resolution of the unpaid allowances crisis. The trainees, who have faced financial hardships for nearly three years, are now at the end of their patience and are prepared to take further action if necessary. By seeking the Peace Council’s involvement, the Coalition aims to resolve the issue peacefully and avoid any disruptions during the election period. The government’s response in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the situation will be peacefully resolved or if the planned demonstration will go ahead.
