Trainees of the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) embarked on a peaceful demonstration on the 18th of August, 2022 through the principal streets of Accra to demand the immediate payment of their allowances, which are in arrears for ten (10) months.
This comes up after the leaders of their association, NABCO Trainees Association of Ghana (NABTAG), presided by Dennis Opoku Katakyie made several calls on government to the effect of getting their allowances paid, covering the extended period for their engagement on the scheme but to no avail.
The demonstrators carried placards, some of which read “we may not live to see the economy bounce back,” “When are you paying our 10 months arrears Mr President? NaBCo trainees are hungry” “Job experience without livelihood is useless,” and “give us permanent jobs.”
The four-hour demonstration started at the well-known Obra Spot through Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Adabraka, through to the Central Business District (CBD), Liberia Road and finally converging at the Independence Square, where their petition was presented.
Addressing the media after the demonstration, the National President of NaBCo NABTAG, Dennis Opoku Katakyie, said the fundamental objective of the NaBCo scheme was to ensure the survival of the unemployed Ghanaian youth while they are given the opportunity to gain experience, however, the current situation is not favorable.
“It is unfair to us that after being given extension for almost a year now, we have not been paid. In addition to that, we have not been told anything concerning our permanent employment transition. These were the premises for which the demonstration was held,” he indicated.
Mr Dennis Katakyie appealed to the government to consider the re-absorption of the trainees into the public sector and the immediate disbursement of the outstanding stipends.
Receiving the petition, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the presidency, Mr Emmanuel Bossman, said the Vice President will be given the petition letter and respond in time to the concerns raised.
He further appealed to government not to close the NABCO initiative; but create the avenue for another cohort to be enrolled. This, he explained, will help other graduates looking for such opportunity to be considered.
