New Patriotic Party (NPP) Organisational Committee Chairman Anthony Karbo has challenged the government’s claim that Ghana’s economy is performing well, questioning why outstanding payments and other concerns raised by teachers remain unresolved.
Mr Karbo argued that the benefits of economic improvement should be reflected in workers’ earnings and the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, October 8, he said the ongoing nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions raised questions about the government’s economic assessment.
“If the economy is doing well, the fruits of the doing well economy should reflect in the pockets of the teachers,” he said.
The strike, which began on September 25, centres on several concerns, including promotion arrears, salary placement, negotiations over a new Collective Agreement and the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
Mr Karbo said the difficulties facing teachers extended beyond unpaid arrears, pointing to delays in recruitment, allowances and payments linked to promotions.
He also criticised the delay in implementing the proposed 20 per cent allowance for teachers serving in deprived areas, arguing that the government had not adequately addressed the concerns.
The comments come amid efforts by the government and education authorities to resolve the dispute. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had earlier indicated that upgraded salaries for promoted teachers would be reflected in September pay, with outstanding arrears expected to be paid from October, subject to verification.
However, negotiations between the teacher unions and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission ended without an agreement on October 6, with the unions maintaining their strike.
Mr Karbo further argued that the dispute could be resolved if the Finance Ministry released the necessary funds.
“If you release the money today and they have to pay, they’ll pay,” he said, insisting that prompt payment could help bring teachers back to the classroom.
He questioned why the government had been unable to settle the outstanding obligations if the economy was performing as claimed.
