Newly posted teachers under the Ghana Education Service (GES) have vowed to sustain their picketing at the Service’s headquarters until their staff identification numbers are issued and their 14 months’ salary arrears are fully paid.
Speaking in an interview on ABC in the Morning, Ronald Amartey, Deputy Leader of the Concerned Newly Posted Staff of GES, described the situation as deeply distressing, revealing that the prolonged delay in payment has taken both financial and psychological tolls on affected teachers.
“The past 14 months have really been difficult for my colleagues and I,” Mr. Amartey said.
According to him, beyond the financial strain, the situation has significantly affected their mental well-being.
“Psychologically, this has had a heavy toll on us,” he stressed, explaining that many of the teachers are struggling to meet basic needs, including accommodation and transportation to work.
Mr. Amartey acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, stating that the Minister has been supportive in addressing their concerns. However, he alleged that some individuals within the system are undermining attempts to resolve the matter.
“The Education Minister has been helpful, but some persons are sabotaging his efforts,” he claimed, without naming those he believes are responsible.
The aggrieved teachers recently embarked on a picketing exercise at the headquarters of the Ghana Education Service in Accra to demand immediate payment of their arrears and the issuance of their staff IDs, which they say are necessary for salary processing.
Mr. Amartey further revealed that during the picketing, an executive of the National Association of Teachers (NAT) appeared at the premises and advised them to disperse.
“A NAT executive showed up at GES headquarters and told us to go home,” he recounted, but he insisted that the group would maintain pressure until their demands are met.
“We will continue to picket at the GES Headquarters till we receive our staff ID and our 14 months’ salary,” he declared.
