Dissatisfaction at govt's 'adhoc' salary policy

Tamale, August 16, GNA - The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Ghana, says while government's efforts at improving the salaries of health professionals is commendable, it is worried about the adhoc manner in which salary policies for workers is being implemented in the country.

The Association therefore called on the government to urgently review the salaries of teachers with immediate effect to "let off the steam that has built up in the kettle of social justice". Mr. Kwami Alorvi, President of NAGRAT made the remarks at the 6th National Delegates' Congress of the Association in Tamale on Tuesday. It was on the theme: "Teacher motivation - Key to quality education delivery in Ghana".

Mr Alorvi said any delay in improving the salaries of teachers could inflame agitations currently simmering among the rank and file of teachers.

He also called on the government to implement, without delay, the new scheme of service for teachers approved by the Ministry, especially the adjustment of the Assistant Director Grade and above. "We are aware that the former Minister of Education, Science and Sports has forwarded the approved scheme of service to the Ministry of Finance since February 2006 and any delay in implementing it may lead to an industrial action," he warned. He urged the government to issue a white paper on the report of the Bediako Presidential Commission on Pension to pave way for the immediate implementation of a new pension scheme for workers.

Mr Alorvi noted that the delay in its implementation was causing hardship to workers who would retire under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pension scheme.

He appealed to the Ghana Education Service to streamline the promotion of teachers, pointing out that the undue delay in promotions and non-payment of arrears accrued after being put on a new scale were de-motivating teachers.