Newly Posted Teachers Protest Over Seven-Month Salary Arrears

Story by Fada Amakye from Top Radio

Hundreds of newly posted teachers from Colleges of Education and universities have taken to the streets to demand the payment of their seven-month salary arrears. The Coalition of Unpaid Newly Posted Teachers, comprising over 6,000 members, claims they have not received salaries since their employment, placing a heavy burden on their families, especially parents who sponsored their education.

The teachers, including visually impaired instructors, shared their difficulties working without pay, highlighting inconsistencies in responses from government officials. Some have gone 13 months without salaries, while others lack staff IDs, a requirement for payment. The protesters are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to direct the Minister of Finance, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to expedite the issuance of their clearance and ensure prompt payment.

The government has responded to the protest, assuring the teachers of swift action to resolve their plight. Presidential staffer Bridget Otoo and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu have pledged to work closely with the Finance Ministry to fast-track the necessary processes. Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has also assured the teachers that their grievances will be resolved within 30 days.

The protest, which began at Obra Spot and continued to the Jubilee House, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Finance, ended at Independence Square. The teachers have given the government a deadline of 30 days to resolve their issues, failing which they will resume their protests.