A Senior Lecturer and a Senior Research Fellow at the Kumasi Technical Institute, Dr Smart Sarpong , has said that the possibility of the International Monitory Fund (IMF) conditionality affecting the nursing and teacher trainee allowance is high.
He said this on a phone interview with Kwaku Dawuro on Movement In The Morning Show on Tuesday, 27th September, 2022.
Dr. Sarpong speaking on IMF conditionality said that ‘’we have a hint on the policies that might be affected by the IMF conditionality. I am not surprised NABCO has come to an end because if the policy goes before the IMF board, they would have stopped it. NABCO was a 3 year policy, but government decided to go beyond the time frame to serve as a financial support system. Free SHS policy will not be a problem because the IMF directors have affirmed their support for this particular policy , due to it contributions towards a better future. I have heard some people saying IMF conditionality will affect the flagship social policy- its never true. Measuring the educational policies in the entire sub Sahara Africa, Ghana has been applauded by the IMF for implementing such a great policy- it will not be cancelled out”.
However he stated the teacher and nursing trainee allowance might be affected.
”The possibility of the nursing and teacher training allowance being ruled out is high- I don’t think government will be able to continue with the policy under IMF. The outstanding arrears was recently paid off and that might be the last payment. Colleagues of Education are now under Tertiary education so the nurses and teachers can look at taking student loan to support their education. All nursing and teacher training Institutions should be upgraded to a University diploma or degree so it will be easier taking off policy”, he stated.
He advised the nurses and teachers under training to look at other source of supporting their education.
”You cannot eat your cake and have it, if you want a higher education certificate you should be ready to look for money to support yourself. Accessing student loan is now moderate due to the reforms at the Student Loan Trust Fund. I will not be surprise if IMF puts a halt to the nursing and teacher training allowance”, he added.
What Is IMF Conditionality?
When a country borrows from the IMF, its government agrees to adjust its economic policies to overcome the problems that led it to seek financial aid. These policy adjustments are conditions for IMF loans and serve to ensure that the country will be able to repay the IMF. This system of conditionality is designed to promote national ownership of strong and effective policies.
Video below…