Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Roger Wills has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the systems governing teachers’ salaries, promotions, transfers and pension-related payments.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on The Verdict on Starr FM, Mr Wills said the challenges confronting teachers go beyond their current demands and reflect systemic problems requiring lasting solutions.
He said although steps had been taken to address some of the concerns affecting teachers, more needed to be done to ensure effective coordination between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department in processing payments and implementing agreements.
“I think the whole system has to be overhauled.”
According to him, administrative and human errors sometimes result in teachers failing to receive financial benefits attached to promotions, transfers and other changes in their employment status.
He said similar challenges could persist even after teachers retire, particularly in relation to arrears and other payments due to them.
“There is a human error somewhere. There is a problem somewhere that needs to be fixed.”
Mr Wills said addressing the situation required a more decisive approach to the management of public institutions to prevent administrative failures from continuing to affect teachers who had fulfilled their responsibilities.
He noted that measures were being taken to address some of the concerns, including efforts to improve coordination among the relevant institutions.
Mr Wills, however, stressed that the focus should be on establishing a system capable of preventing similar challenges from recurring.
“For the solution to stand in perpetuity, we don’t want to bring a one-time solution. Short-term, no. We have to deal with this systemic issue.”
He also emphasised the need to improve the welfare of teachers, noting that their contribution to Ghana’s development made it important to address challenges affecting their working and living conditions.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
