The Ghana Education Service (GES) has called on government agencies involved in paying teachers to stop blaming each other and focus on resolving payment delays before a Monday deadline. Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, said the situation affects about 58,000 teachers and that agencies must work together to meet the deadline.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Fenyi said the delay was unfortunate because teacher unions treat the Ministry of Education, GES, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department as one entity during negotiations. “So for some of us, it was quite unfortunate that even internally within government, blame games began,” he said. “But that will not even be the ultimate issue. The ultimate issue is that, at this point, we should be less about the blame game. Teachers need their money.”
The Education Minister recently met with teachers’ unions and assured them that the payments would be addressed. Fenyi said the Minister directed GES to work with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to provide the necessary documentation, including promotion letters for the affected teachers.
According to Fenyi, GES has until 4 p.m. next Monday to submit all required documents. This deadline concerns about 58,000 teaching staff. When including non-teaching staff, the total number of affected personnel rises to about 80,000.
Fenyi said GES headquarters staff were working around the clock to meet the deadline. “You should hear some good news by close of day tomorrow,” he told Joy News. He added that GES had met previous deadlines under pressure and was committed to ensuring teachers receive their payments so they can return to the classroom.
The GES spokesman also stressed the importance of protecting the academic calendar. “Don’t forget, I also mentioned that we have stabilised the calendar, and it is a good step for the Ghana Education Service, and we wouldn’t want to disrupt that calendar,” Fenyi said.
The payment delays have caused anxiety among teachers, with unions pressing for quick action. The government’s response aims to end the back-and-forth among agencies and focus on delivering the salaries owed. Fenyi’s remarks suggest the GES wants to avoid further disruption to teaching and learning, emphasising cooperation between departments as the clock ticks toward next Monday’s deadline.
According to Joy Online.
