Civil Servants appeal for restoration of 'Cap 30'

Accra June 17, GNA- The Civil Servants Association of Ghana (CSAG) on Thursday renewed its call on government to start discussions on the restoration of the Cap 30 pension scheme for its members who go on retirement.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, Alhaji Yakubu Ziblim, president, of the Association said tension was high in the industrial front because government was refusing to address the issue. Alhaji Ziblim said the association had explored and exhausted several avenues to resolve the matter but "all the efforts have not been fruitful. When one travels this length in search of a peaceful resolution without success, you are compelled to take actions which may not be palatable to both parties".

He said the association would refer the matter to its National Executive Council for a decision to be taken if government refused to act on the matter within one week.

Alhaji Ziblim said the association was disappointed at Government's position on the matter since most government officials were making contradictory statements on the restoration of Cap 30.

He said it was a common knowledge that civil servants receive the lowest salaries in the entire public service adding, "our consolation was in the pension, which was a motivation to perform well."

The president noted that the demand for the restoration of the pension scheme to its members was just and legitimate adding," the increasing level of destitution among retired civil servants creates conditions of desperation, reduces commitment and induces the temptation to be corrupt."

Alhaji Ziblim stated that until the introduction of the Social Security Scheme, Civil Servants as well as the Army, the Police and Fire Service, enjoyed the Cap 30.

He said the enactments, which placed some public servants on pension Cap 30 and denied others did not only contravene the constitution but "a breach of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions which Ghana was a signatory".

"We believe that this is the time to halt the injustice and insanity that has convulsed the award of pensions in the public sector", he said.

Mr. Smart Chigabatia, Executive Secretary of the association said the restoration of Cap 30, would not be a drain on the government budget, adding, "Government must sit down with us so that the matter is resolved".