Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured leaders of three major unions in the tertiary education sector that the government is taking prompt steps to disburse the 2025 Book and Research Allowance.
Dr Forson made the commitment during a meeting with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) on Tuesday.
The unions had formally submitted a request for the release of the allowance.
“I assured them that the allowance has been fully captured in the 2025 Budget, and I have since initiated the necessary processes in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure its release,” the Minister stated in a Facebook post shortly after the engagement.
READ: UTAG, TUTAG, CETAG Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Book, Research Allowances
He also praised the unions for proposing the creation of a dedicated Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance. According to him, the initiative—once implemented—would enhance coordination and dialogue between the Ministry and labour groups.
Dr Forson further briefed the union leaders on ongoing payroll reforms, particularly an audit being conducted by the Auditor-General.
“Preliminary findings indicate a significant presence of ghost names on the payroll,” he noted, explaining that tackling the issue could generate “substantial savings for the public purse.”
He appealed for the unions’ support in cleaning the payroll, describing it as a move not only towards fiscal responsibility but also one that would restore integrity and fairness in public sector compensation.
READ: GUTA Leadership Mounts Spirited Defence for Pricing of Its Members
“We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to build a sustainable, equitable, and accountable public service,” he said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
