Beneficiaries of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) have urged Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia to expedite the payment of their outstanding arrears for work completed under the program.
In a phone interview on Uniiq Breakfast Drive, Nana Takyi, the National P.R.O of NABCO, highlighted the severe hardships faced by beneficiaries who have been left without permanent employment.
“We are in a state of shock, starvation, and despair,” Takyi stated, emphasizing the dire circumstances of many beneficiaries who were laid off.
According to Takyi, the government has owed most beneficiaries arrears ranging from fifteen to eighteen months since 2021.
He recalled a recent visit by the Vice President to the Volta Region, during which Dr. Bawumia assured that the arrears would be paid, albeit without specifying a timeline.
Takyi stressed that timely payment would enable beneficiaries to stabilize their livelihoods and boost their businesses.
Approximately fifty-five thousand NABCO beneficiaries are awaiting these payments, based on Takyi’s checks with the NABCO headquarters.
The beneficiaries have given the Vice President a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns, warning that failure to respond will result in a massive demonstration.
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Meanwhile, as the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia draws near, a shadow of concern looms over the Black Princesses, Ghana’s under-20 women’s football team. Despite their remarkable performance in the qualifiers, the team is owed a total of USD 6,000 in bonuses for three qualifying matches. The issue has now reached the Ministry of Youth and Sports, raising questions about the fulfilment of these financial promises before the team heads to the global stage.
The anticipation for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to kick off on August 31 and conclude on September 22, 2024, has been met with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The Black Princesses, who are set to represent Ghana, have had their preparations overshadowed by the unresolved bonus payments. The players remain hopeful that the relevant authorities will rectify the situation promptly, allowing them to focus entirely on the tournament.
Their recent triumph at the African Games in March 2024, where they clinched the gold medal in women’s football, adds more weight to their demands. The victory was not only a testament to their hard work and dedication but also an uplifting moment of national pride. However, the current financial issue threatens to dampen their morale as they prepare for another significant challenge on the world stage.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has come under scrutiny as fans demand answers regarding the delay in disbursing the owed bonuses. The Ministry’s silence on the matter has fueled speculation and frustration among the players and their supporters. Many believe that swift action is necessary, not just as a morale booster but also as a gesture of appreciation for the team’s achievements and dedication.
As the Black Princesses continue their rigorous training, the plea for their bonuses to be paid has grown louder. The resolution of this issue is critical not only for the players’ morale but also for maintaining the goodwill and support of Ghanaians. As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to see if they can address these concerns promptly and ensure that the Black Princesses take the field in Colombia with renewed vigour and focus.
