Concerned Newly Posted Staff of Ghana Education Service have challenged a recent statement by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), insisting that salary arrears previously reflected on their payment records have been removed without explanation.
In a press statement issued on behalf of affected teachers, the group described as inaccurate the CAGD’s claim that reports of deleted arrears are false. According to the teachers, the arrears in question were initially captured on their Payment Vouchers (PVs) but are no longer visible.
“The arrears in question were previously reflected on our Payment Vouchers. These arrears are no longer visible on the PVs, and no official communication has been issued to affected teachers explaining this development,” the statement said.
The teachers noted that attempts to engage relevant authorities on how and when the outstanding payments would be made have yielded no results. They argue that the delay has left many of them in severe financial distress.
“This prolonged delay has placed many teachers in severe financial difficulty, leaving us sinking in debt and unable to carry out our duties effectively,” the statement added.
The group also referenced a public assurance by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who reportedly announced that Cabinet had approved GHS 1.1 billion in October for the payment of outstanding salaries and arrears owed to teachers. According to the teachers, the Minister indicated that both salaries and arrears would be settled.
In light of this announcement, the teachers are demanding clarity on several issues, including the current status of the Cabinet-approved GHS 1.1 billion, the reason the arrears have disappeared from their payroll records, and which institution authorized or effected the changes.
They questioned whether the removal of the arrears was due to a system adjustment, an administrative review, or a policy directive, and asked when they should expect payment.
“Our intention is not to spread misinformation, but to reconcile the discrepancy between the public announcement of Cabinet approval for payment and the current absence of arrears on our official payroll records,” the statement emphasized.
The aggrieved teachers have called on the appropriate authorities to provide a clear and transparent explanation to restore confidence and assure them that their entitlements remain secure.
They further warned that if the arrears are not paid by the end of February, they will embark on a demonstration to demand payment of what they describe as their rightful salary arrears.
