The Ghana Education Service (GES) has set a deadline of October 5 to resolve the ongoing payment dispute affecting teachers. According to Head of Public Relations at GES, Daniel Fenyi, the Service is working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to address the issue and ensure teachers receive their money. The dispute has been ongoing, with teacher unions seeking resolution.
Mr. Fenyi stated that the focus should now be on resolving the matter rather than assigning blame. He stressed that teachers need their money and that the Service is working collaboratively with the teacher unions and other stakeholders. The Education Minister met with teacher unions and gave them assurances over the matter, directing GES to work with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department on necessary documentation.
The documentation required includes input forms, promotion letters, and other necessary documents. Mr. Fenyi clarified that the figures being discussed cover both teaching and non-teaching staff, with approximately 59 to 60,000 teaching staff affected. GES had initially considered processing the affected teachers through automatic placement, but the Controller and Accountant General’s Department insisted on the input forms.
Mr. Fenyi assured teachers that GES would meet the deadline, stating that they have met previous deadlines and will continue working around the clock to prioritize teachers' welfare. He stressed that the Service would not want the current situation to disrupt the academic calendar, which has been stabilized. The deadline of 4 p.m. on October 5 was confirmed, with Mr. Fenyi clarifying that it was not for September 28.
The GES is working closely with the teacher unions and other stakeholders to resolve the matter. Mr. Fenyi said that the Service regards the Ministry of Education, GES, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department as a single government team during negotiations. He expressed disappointment that blame games had started within government over the payment issue.
The Education Minister’s meeting with teacher unions was seen as a positive step towards resolving the matter. Mr. Fenyi said that the minister directed GES to work with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department on the necessary documentation and provide input forms and documentation as required. The GES is committed to finding a solution to the payment dispute.
The GES and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to resolve the payment dispute before the deadline. Key parties involved are collaborating to ensure that teachers receive their payments. The situation is being closely monitored to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.
Key points
- The Ghana Education Service sets October 5 as deadline for resolving teachers' payment dispute.
- Approximately 59 to 60,000 teaching staff are affected by the payment dispute.
- The GES is working collaboratively with teacher unions and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
