The Finance Ministry has responded to a petition from Nation Builders Corps (NABCo) trainees regarding their unpaid arrears for the past nine months.
The Ministry clarified that grievances should be directed to the Office of the President since the programme falls under its jurisdiction.
In a letter dated July 11, the Finance Ministry advised the trainees to submit any additional documentation that might support their claims for payment.
The Ministry assured that once these documents are reviewed and validated, the outstanding payments will be processed, emphasizing the importance of following proper channels to address financial issues related to the NABCO programme.
During a campaign tour in the Volta Region on June 2, 2024, Vice President and New Patriotic Party Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia promised to pay the nine-month arrears owed to vulnerable former NABCo trainees. This pledge highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding the programme, which was initially designed to run for three years and was later extended for an additional year.
NABCo aimed to engage 100,000 young graduates, with the government investing approximately GH¢2.2 billion into the policy. Despite this investment, many corps members have complained about the non-payment of allowances. The programme was officially said to have ended in October 2021, but trainees were asked to continue working.
During the presentation of the 2022 budget, the government indicated that the YouStart programme and a Digital Inclusion program would gradually absorb the remaining NABCo trainees, providing alternative pathways for their continued engagement and support.
