The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged trainee nurses and midwives to resist what she referred to as temporary inducements offered by the current government.
Speaking during her tour of the Western Region, specifically in the Ellembele Constituency, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the trainees to focus on long-term goals and prioritize sustainable development over short-term promises made for political gain.
As part of phase two of her campaign in the Western Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang addressed the healthcare trainees directly, reminding them of the importance of making informed decisions about their future.
She emphasized that short-term promises, often designed to win votes during election cycles, should not sway them from their long-term aspirations. According to her, real progress requires careful planning and commitment, and the future of Ghana’s healthcare system depends on these individuals making decisions that prioritize sustainable growth and improvement.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang used the occasion to reflect on the NDC’s previous efforts to improve the healthcare sector. She took a critical stance against the current government, accusing it of failing to deliver on healthcare promises.
According to her, the current administration has allowed Ghana’s healthcare system to deteriorate, which has negatively impacted citizens, particularly those in need of medical attention. She noted that the state of healthcare under the current leadership was emblematic of broader systemic failures that have left the country in economic distress.
“You know we will not stand here and make false promises,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said during her address. She acknowledged the harsh realities of Ghana’s current economic situation, stating, “We all know that we have a broken economy, and we all know that things are tough. We all know that for the first time, Ghana is not paying its debt, and yet we cannot even meet our domestic needs.” Her words highlighted the gravity of the country’s financial situation and emphasized the need for collective action to address the challenges facing Ghana.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also touched on the issue of national debt, pointing out that Ghana’s inability to meet its financial obligations was indicative of deeper economic troubles. She warned that these challenges would not be easily resolved and that only a united effort from all Ghanaians would be able to restore the country’s economy to a state of stability.
“We are in serious trouble, and it is only all of us together, having recognized that we are in difficulty, can work slowly towards the norms that we are used to and make things even better,” she added.
Her speech was also critical of the government’s spending priorities, questioning why funds were being used for political inducements instead of addressing critical infrastructure needs. She mentioned the uncompleted male hostel at the institution and the lack of accommodation for lecturers, suggesting that these should be higher on the government’s agenda. “This is the time for people to bring money around, forgetting that there is an uncompleted male hostel. Why are they not using the money to finish that? Have they forgotten that the lecturers do not have places to stay? Have they forgotten that you need a skills lab?” she asked.
The former Minister of Education made it clear that the trainee nurses and midwives have an important role to play in the future of healthcare in Ghana, and it was their responsibility to vote wisely. She called on them to think critically about the promises being made and to not be swayed by offers that may seem appealing in the short term but lack the substance needed to bring lasting change. “You are a healthcare provider and you want to progress, and know where your vote should go. Don’t listen to the temporary inducement,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang advised.
Her remarks resonated with many of the students in attendance, as they continue to face challenges related to inadequate resources and facilities. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s call for long-term thinking was seen as a reminder that real progress requires commitment to addressing structural issues in the country’s healthcare and education sectors. The uncompleted male hostel, the absence of accommodation for lecturers, and the lack of a skills lab were just a few examples of the ongoing challenges that need urgent attention.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s tour of the Western Region has been focused on engaging with key stakeholders in healthcare, education, and other sectors, with the aim of highlighting the NDC’s vision for sustainable development. Her emphasis on long-term planning and her critique of the current government’s performance in healthcare reflect the broader goals of her campaign. As the Vice Presidential Candidate, her message is aimed at mobilizing support for the NDC’s platform, which promises to address the systemic challenges facing the country through comprehensive reforms and policy initiatives.
In conclusion, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s warning to trainee nurses and midwives about the dangers of succumbing to temporary government inducements highlights the importance of long-term planning for Ghana’s healthcare future.
Her call for the students to prioritize their future and vote wisely serves as a reminder of the critical role they play in shaping the country’s healthcare system. As she continues her campaign, her message of sustainable development and the need for collective action will likely resonate with many Ghanaians seeking real and lasting change.
