The General Secretary representing the 6,200 newly posted but currently unpaid teachers, Emmanuel Ofori, has voiced significant reservations regarding the assurance of salary payment provided by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
Mr. Ofori stated that while the Minister assured them that their ten months of outstanding salaries would be paid, the teachers’ own internal analysis suggests they will only receive a maximum of three months of the arrears owed.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Ofori highlighted a lack of official communication concerning the payment schedule.
“Yes, the Minister gave an assurance that we would receive the arrears owed to us, however, there are some inconsistencies we are currently addressing with the Ministry,” Mr. Ofori explained. “From our analysis, we have discovered that we will receive no more than three months of the arrears owed to us. Crucially, we have also not received an official letter from the Ghana Education Service (GES) indicating that Cabinet has approved the necessary financial clearance and that payment is set to be made.”
Emmanuel Ofori emphasised the urgent need for officials to provide a clearer explanation of the payment plan, particularly regarding whether all outstanding arrears will be settled.
“We need to know if the payment of all our outstanding arrears will be made, because those who studied teaching at the Universities are owed ten months, while those from the Training Colleges are owed 14 months,” he stressed. “Based on our calculations, the amount reportedly allocated to pay these arrears is insufficient and will not cover the total back pay and the additional months owed.”
Expressing deep concern, the General Secretary stated the teachers are worried that the government will not pay the full outstanding arrears, referencing a precedent set during the first term of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
He further noted that attempts to engage with the Minister of Education to resolve these issues have so far been unsuccessful.
Housing Crisis for Teachers
Mr. Ofori also highlighted the immediate welfare concerns of the group, stating that many members are facing intense pressure from their landlords regarding outstanding rent, with some even facing the threat of eviction. He concluded with an appeal to property owners: “We are appealing to our landlords to exercise patience. We will pay our rent. It is not our intention to refuse payment, so landlords, please have mercy on us.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
