The Ghanaian government has identified a payment discrepancy between the Accountant-General's Department, the Finance Ministry, and the Ghana Statistical Service as the main issue preventing the resolution of the ongoing teachers' strike. According to Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, efforts are underway to close the gap and return teachers to the classroom. The strike, which began recently, has disrupted teaching and learning across the country.
The teachers' strike was called after pre-tertiary teachers withdrew their services. Mr. Ofosu stated that President John Mahama has been briefed on the situation and has directed that all necessary actions be taken to resolve the impasse. He emphasized that the government values the contributions of teachers and cannot afford to let the strike continue for an extended period. The government recognizes the importance of teachers as highly valued and respected human resources.
Mr. Ofosu explained that both the Finance Ministry and the Accountant-General's Department claim to have taken the necessary steps on their part. However, a gap exists between what the Accountant-General and the Minister of Finance have done and what the Ghana Statistical Service said. This gap needs to be closed to resolve the issue. The government remains willing to pay teachers once the outstanding differences are resolved.
The payment discrepancy issue involves the list of teachers and their payment details. According to Mr. Ofosu, the Accountant-General has received a list of teachers and is affected by payments. The government is committed to doing what has to be done, except that clarity has to be brought to the process, and all differences ironed out. The priority is to resolve the matter quickly and meet the government's commitment to paying teachers.
Mr. Ofosu mentioned that presidential intervention could be considered if efforts by the relevant ministries and agencies reach a deadlock. However, he believes that the issue currently remains the responsibility of the Education Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the Controller. Efforts are ongoing to address the issue, and he expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved within days, allowing teachers to return to the classroom.
Over 2,000 teachers in Dormaa have complied with the strike. The government is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Mr. Ofosu's comments come after the strike disrupted teaching and learning across the country. The government is committed to finding a solution and returning teachers to the classroom.
The situation is being closely monitored, and the government is working to resolve the payment discrepancy issue. Once resolved, teachers will return to the classroom, and normal academic activities will resume. The government's prompt intervention is aimed at minimizing the impact of the strike on the education sector.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has identified a payment discrepancy as the key issue delaying the resolution of the teachers' strike.
- The government is working to close the gap and return teachers to the classroom.
- Over 2,000 teachers in Dormaa have complied with the strike.
