The Kumasi branch of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers in Ghana (CCT Gh.) has set a deadline of April 30 for the government and finance ministry to settle their mutual funds and welfare dues.
In a press release dated March 10, 2024, the coalition issued a strong call to the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) of Ghana, demanding the timely release of the funds and dues.
Emphasis was laid on the critical importance of these funds for its member’s financial security and well-being, lamenting the struggles its members are facing owing to the government’s “continuous delay in releasing our mutual funds and welfare dues deductions.”
“We…wish to unequivocally express our deepest displeasure about the blatant disregard for the welfare of our members as a result of continuous delay in releasing our mutual funds and welfare dues deductions.”
After also condemning the government’s haircut programme for intentionally leaving “many teachers facing financial uncertainties,” the Coalition thus urged the government and the finance ministry to address their concerns promptly, emphasizing that further delays would result in potential repercussions.
“We are strongly urging the Financial Minister to prioritize the well-being of our dedicated teachers by immediately releasing the withheld mutual funds and welfare dues accrued barely six months to our Fund Managers and the Leadership for the needful things to be done for peace to prevail in the education system.”
“We don’t want to cause any labour unrest to get impact on our lovely students who are already suffering.Thus, we are giving the Government and the Minister up to next month ending if these accrued funds and dues are not released hmm, we shall advise ourselves accordingly.”
Read the statement below.
Speaking in a live interview with Univers News, Chairman of the Coalition, Godfred Mcthetheh Ansah further expounded on the detrimental impact of government delays in releasing loans and mutual funds, highlighting some potential hardships that the Coalition’s teachers may endure.
“The government has been taking these loans, and it’s not releasing these loans and the mutual funds to us on time. So many of our teachers are suffering because when they apply for loans it takes four to five months before getting the loans… because of that, most of the teachers are complaining…”
In highlighting the urgency of the situation, the chairman expressed concern on how continued government inaction could lead to drastic measures. He emphasized the readiness of the teachers, particularly those within the Asanti region, to take action if necessary, citing potential courses of action protest to address the issue.
“So if by the close of that month, the government doesn’t release those monies, we know what to do. Because we have the children at hand, and as we have them at hand, we know what to do and we will see who will suffer. It could be a strike, it could be a demonstration, it could be a whole lot. So when the time comes, we will know what to do.”
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Story by: Nsoh Ezekiel | univers.ug.edu.gh
