Unfair Single Spine Salary and Allowance for Public Sector Workers – PWSU Declares Strike Today

Unfair Single Spine Salary and Allowance for Public Sector Workers – PWSU Declares Strike Today

Single spine salary and allowance payment Review PSWU Delcare Strike over unfair Payment

The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) on Tuesday announced that it would embark on an industrial strike, beginning Monday, October 21, 2024.

The strike is a response to the failure of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to meet the union’s demands for the payment of Institution-Specific Allowances.

The PSWU, which represents approximately 45 critical public sector organizations, expressed frustration at the government’s failure to address long-standing concerns.

Among these is the delayed implementation of recommendations made by a nine-member government-appointed committee that reviewed the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) in 2022.

The union at a press conference on Tuesday, October 15, addressed by its General Secretary, Mr Bernard Adjei, noted that the report of the committee, which was expected to address key issues affecting public sector workers, had yet to be acted upon by the Government.

“In order to secure our collective survival as workers, we are left with no other option than to also reactivate our previously communicated industrial action,” the PSWU said.

However, before the strike action starts, “all PSWU members subsisting on the SSPP shall wear red bands from today Tuesday 15th October 2024,” the Union directed to signal their discontent.

The Union urged the government to take immediate steps to address their concerns, warning that the planned strike could disrupt key public services across the country.

The PSWU expressed concern over what it described as an “unfair salary administration regime” by the FWSC, claiming that salary disparities had been allowed to persist within the public sector.

“The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has over the years, but recently intensified its supervision of an unfair salary administration regime which is heavily discriminatory against the PSWU and its member organizations,” the General Secretary said.

The Union alleged that within its current economic hardship and fast eroding value in its wages, “the Fair Wages has resorted to undue delays, sometimes dragging their feet for two years during negotiations with us. Unfortunately, we are currently handling a number of such cold cases.”

The PSWU averred that workers with the same qualifications and job responsibilities were being paid differently, a situation it believes is “discriminatory”.

“To make matters worse, they have happily supervised the granting of sumptuous conditions of service to other Unions operating within the public sector and have no issues with personalizing the conditions of service to individuals such that two people with the same qualifications and who are on the same work schedule and deliver the same output are receiving different remuneration. How? I mean how?” it questioned.

However, the union said, since those meetings, no further progress had been made, forcing them to reactivate their strike plans.

The General Secretary reaffirmed the union’s readiness to begin the strike on October 21 if their demands remained unmet.
He said the union was committed to promoting integrity, solidarity, excellence, and democracy among its members.

The PSWU, formed in 1959, is one of the largest unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and boasts a membership of about 28,000 workers from 68 organizations (Divisions).

Parent Storms school of Ward to Beat up the Teacher ; Parents Should Never Resort to Violence

Parent Storms school of Ward to Beat up the Teacher ; Parents Should Never Resort to Violence: A Lesson from a Disturbing Incident

Video

watch here 

In a recent incident at Rosebud School, Idimu, Lagos, Nigeria, a parent stormed the school premises and mercilessly beat up a teacher in front of students. The parent, enraged over the teacher allegedly caning their child, even threatened to attack the proprietress of the school.

Other teachers had to intervene quickly to diffuse the situation. The video of the attack shows that the teacher, a married woman, was left defenseless as the parent lashed out in anger. Law enforcement has been alerted, and there have been calls for swift action against the parent involved.

This shocking incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper standards and communication. No matter how upset a parent may be, it is never acceptable to resort to violence. There are appropriate, constructive ways to address grievances and report concerns. Parents must set a good example for their children by showing restraint, respect, and responsibility in handling conflicts.

Violence only undermines the values of education and discipline that we seek to instill in our children. Let this serve as a reminder that schools should be places of learning and safety, and any issue should be handled through the proper channels, never through aggression.

We prefer interest-free loans on housing scheme — NAGRAT

We prefer interest-free loans on housing scheme — NAGRAT

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), says its members will prefer interest-free loans for the acquisition of houses under the proposed housing scheme by the government.

According to the association, most of the members had been able to acquire lands and built up to some level and “if they are able to source soft loans they would be able to complete their buildings, especially in areas they are comfortable with”.

The Vice President of NAGRAT, Mr Jacob Anaba, told the Daily Graphic that the acquisition of houses was something that the association had been trying to help its members accomplish before they went to retirement.

In view of that, he said, it had had a number of companies coming on board but looking at the cost with members paying through the mortage system, it had not been easy the deductions could not meet that as the system ran over their retirement.

“So it has not been easy and we have been in talks with the government and we know that it is trying but the financing has been difficult. So we believe that out of the three options the government is proposing; mortgage, rental and interest-free loan, the third option is the best,” Mr Anaba, said.

President

President Nana Akufo-Addo said that within the next two years, the government wanted to build about 10,000 affordable houses for teachers.

The teachers would have the opportunity to own the facilities, either through a mortgage scheme or other preferred means such as rent-to-own, he said.

The decision, according to him, was hinged on the fact that many years ago, teachers were well respected and earned decent salaries which could help them put up their own houses, but same could not be said of them today.

“This is not good enough; and the government remains committed to improving the circumstances of the teacher,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Retirement

Mr Anaba said looking at members, who were had less than 10 years to go on retirement such persons could not afford the mortgage system, as some could span up to a period of between 15-20 years and majority of the association’s members who needed the facilities might not have those number of years ahead of them.

The NAGRAT Vice President indicated that the association had been supportive of any government come out with proposals for housing scheme for teachers, adding that “because we know what we go through when we go on retirement without putting up a roof over our heads”

“As for the announcement, we are happy about it. We want to support government to be able to roll it out,” he emphasised.

According to him, the association was part of a committee that had been working on the issue and since the government had come clear on what it intent was “we will also push forward our challenges and the reason why we would push for the third option”.

Explaining further, Mr Anaba said NAGRAT was not ruling the mortgage system out completely since some teachers, notably the newly-recruited ones could go for it since they had so many years ahead of them unlike those who had few years to go on retirement.

“So we would put up that proposal at the committee level and see what the government would be ready for,” he said.

How to Apply for a WES Transcript Evaluation in 3 Easy Steps and Fees

How to Apply for a WES Transcript Evaluation in 3 Easy Steps

If you’re seeking a WES (World Education Services) transcript evaluation, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

Contact Seekers Consult
If you need assistance with obtaining your transcript or detailed results From Ghana , especially if you did not complete the program, you can contact Seekers Consult at:
Phone: +233 550 414 552

 

Get us the Reference Number

 

  1. Learn About the Evaluation Process and Fees
    Depending on your country and the purpose of the evaluation, the fees and process can vary. Below are the details for Canada and the U.S..

    For Canada:

    Visit: WES Canada – Evaluations and Fees

    Select the primary purpose of your evaluation:

    • Education
    • Professional License or Certification
    • Employment
    • Immigration
    Evaluation Types and Fees (Canada):

    Course-by-Course Evaluation (ICAP Recommended)
    Price: C$269
    Features:

    • Verified transcripts stored and sent to institutions
    • Evaluation of official documents
    • Lists of all subjects completed at the post-secondary level
    • Canadian semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
    • Canadian GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

    Course-by-Course Evaluation (Basic)
    Price: C$230
    Features:

    • Verified transcripts stored and sent to institutions
    • Evaluation of official documents
    • Lists of all subjects completed at the post-secondary level
    • Canadian semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
    • Canadian GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

    Document-by-Document Evaluation (ICAP Recommended)
    Price: C$165
    Features:

    • Verified transcripts stored and sent to institutions
    • Evaluation of official documents

    Document-by-Document Evaluation (Basic)
    Price: C$126
    Features:

    • Verified transcripts stored and sent to institutions
    • Evaluation of official documents

    For Immigration
    Educational Credential Assessment (ECA Recommended)
    Price: C$248
    Features:

    • Electronic ECA report
    • Official paper report (delivery fees apply)
    • ECA report access by IRCC
    • Electronic storage of your report and transcripts

    For the U.S.:

    Visit: WES U.S. – Evaluations and Fees

  2. Required Documents
    To complete your WES evaluation, you need the following documents:

    • Academic Transcript:
      An official document issued by your institution listing all subjects taken and grades earned.
      What to do:
      Contact your university to send your transcript electronically to WES.
    • Degree Certificate:
      Clear, legible photocopies of your degree certificate or diploma.
      What to do:
      Ensure you submit clear copies of your certificates.

For more details, including sample reports, visit:
WES – Evaluations and Fees

To get started on your WES evaluation:
Start Your Evaluation

Ghana Association of University Administrators says negotiations have broken down with gov’t

Ghana Association of University Administrators says negotiations have broken down with gov’t

The Ghana Association of Universities Administrators (GAUA) has reaffirmed its decision to continue its nationwide strike, stating that no agreement has been reached with the government regarding their demands.

The strike, which has disrupted activities at various universities across the country, reflects the frustrations of the administrators over unresolved issues with the government concerning their working conditions and benefits.

After two days of negotiations between the unions and government representatives, Kwesi Kwarteng, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, announced that the government had met all the demands put forth by the unions.

Read also: University administrators resume strike, hospitals and other essential service to be impacted

His comments suggested that progress had been made in addressing the concerns of the striking groups, raising hopes for a resolution to the ongoing strike.

However, the National President of GAUA, Michael Owusu Ansah, has refuted the claims made by Mr Kwarteng, emphasising that his association does not consider the negotiations successful.

According to Mr Ansah, the lack of a formal agreement means that the strike will persist until satisfactory resolutions are reached that adequately address the concerns of university administrators.

“We didn’t find our concerns reflected in the Memorandum of Agreement that the Ministry wanted us to sign. So we were unable to sign it. So effectively negotiations with the government team have broken down and once negotiations break down it means that we have to move to the next level.”

University administrators throughout Ghana restarted a nationwide strike on September 19, impacting the operations of public universities, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The strike, initiated by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), had previously been suspended after negotiations with the government.

However, administrators have now resumed the strike, citing unmet agreements and frustration with the government’s response.

In an earlier statement, GAUA explained that the strike was prompted by delays in implementing the negotiated conditions of service provisions.

Although an agreement with the government was reached in July 2024, the Ministry of Finance has yet to issue a letter of approval for the full implementation of these conditions.

The association further expressed frustration, stating that all attempts to engage the government and relevant agencies on this matter have not produced the desired results.

Additionally, GAUA noted that even though an agreement in principle had been established with the government regarding the payment of Non-Payment of Online Teaching Support Allowances (OTSA) to eligible staff, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has continued to obstruct the process, preventing the parties from finalizing negotiations for payment.

source; Myjoyonline.com

Aburi Girls’ headmistress dies while on official duty

The Aburi Girls Senior High School (SHS) in the Eastern Region is grieving the unexpected death of its esteemed Headmistress, Cynthia Anim.

The tragic incident occurred while she was in Rome, Italy, attending an educational workshop alongside the Deputy Minister of Education, other heads of senior high schools, and selected students.

Cynthia Anim was a dedicated educator known for her commitment to improving the quality of secondary education in Ghana.

She was participating in an international workshop designed to enhance educational standards when this unfortunate event transpired.

In a formal statement, the Chairman of the school’s Board of Governors, Rev. E.A. Asiedu, conveyed the deep sorrow felt by students, staff, and parents alike.

He described the late Mrs Anim as a passionate leader whose vision and efforts significantly advanced the academic excellence of Aburi Girls Senior High School.

“With the sure hope of the resurrection, we regret to inform honourable members of the sad and distressing news of the passing of our Headmistress, Mrs. Cynthia Anim.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire Aburi Girls Senior High School community.”

In response to this significant loss, an emergency board meeting has been convened for Monday, September 30, at 10 a.m. in the school’s Boardroom.

The meeting aims to discuss arrangements and the way forward following Mrs. Anim’s passing, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire the school’s mission.

source; myjoyonline.com

“GES Data Leak:  7K Plus Unvalidated and Missing Staff – What’s Happening?”

“GES Data Leak:  7K Plus Unvalidated and Missing Staff – What’s Happening?”

 

Recently, a leaked document circulated on social media, revealing that around 7,131 staff members from the Ashanti region are reported missing. This data includes sensitive details such as staff IDs, full names, management units, reporting ministries, and districts. Alarmingly, this kind of data leakage seems to be on the rise, with WhatsApp often being used as an unofficial medium for communication within the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Unfortunately, the accessibility of staff IDs online, through unofficial websites, further exacerbates the problem. This exposes personal information to the public, often without the staff’s knowledge or consent. Documents that contain unvalidated staff data and salary information for teachers, including details of missing or unpaid staff for specific months, are frequently among those leaked.

The officers entrusted with managing these documents must take greater care in securing such sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access and protect the privacy of GES workers.


Suggested Ways to Protect Workers’ Data:

To safeguard the vital data of staff, the GES should take the following steps:

  1. Strengthen Digital Security Systems: The GES should implement stronger encryption and access control measures for all digital platforms containing staff data. This could involve requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for authorized personnel accessing sensitive information.
  2. Limit Access to Sensitive Data: Only authorized personnel should have access to confidential documents, and this access should be monitored and audited regularly to track any potential misuse.
  3. Use Secure Communication Channels: Instead of relying on unofficial channels like WhatsApp for the distribution of sensitive data, the GES should implement secure, encrypted communication platforms designed for institutional use.
  4. Regular Training on Data Security: GES staff must be trained periodically on data protection best practices and the implications of data breaches. This should include how to handle sensitive information, report breaches, and secure communication methods.
  5. Monitor and Take Down Unauthorized Websites: The GES should actively monitor websites that host staff data without authorization. Any site found leaking or displaying sensitive information should be reported and taken down to prevent misuse.

Togo bans cell phones in schools

Togo bans cell phones in schools

The law prohibits students from using their phones on school grounds, with limited exceptions for emergencies and educational activities.

The government of Togo has banned the use of cell phones in all public and private primary and secondary schools.

In a statement published by the Togolese Press Association, the decision took effect on Monday, September 16, which coincides with the start of the 2024-2025 academic year school year.

The law prohibits students from using their phones on school grounds, with limited exceptions for emergencies and educational activities.

The ban includes students of vocational training schools, primary and secondary schools.

The government acknowledged concerns about the impact on communication and access to information but insists the ban will create a more conducive learning environment.

Authorities also stressed the ban was to tackle instances of cyberbullying and other negative online behaviours.

The Togolese Press Association reports the decision has been met with mixed reactions from students, parents, and teachers.

source;trtafrika.com

4 Ghanaian students arrested over alleged forgery of high school transcripts to enter US University

4 Ghanaian students arrested over alleged forgery of high school transcripts to enter US University

Four international students from Ghana have been arrested in the United States for allegedly forging high school transcripts to gain admission to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, according to court records from Northampton County.

 

The students—Otis Opoku, Evans Oppong, Cyrilstan Nomobon Sowah-Nai, and Henry Dabuo—are currently being held in Northampton County Jail on charges of forgery and theft of services. The group was arraigned on September 9 and is awaiting preliminary hearings set for September 24.

The university’s student newspaper reports that the arrests were made after Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) Detective Lieutenant David Kokinda filed criminal complaints against three of the students on September 6. The complaint against the fourth student, Evans Oppong, is still being processed.

Prosecutors allege the students submitted falsified high school transcripts to Lehigh University’s Admissions Office, inflating their grades to secure their places at the prestigious private research institution. According to court documents, Opoku, a student since 2022, received financial aid totalling $212,933, while Sowah-Nai and Dabuo, who both started in 2023, were awarded financial aid worth $127,213 and $129,244, respectively.

The investigation began when Lehigh’s Vice Provost of Admissions and Financial Aid, Dan Warner, raised concerns about the legitimacy of a transcript submitted by Jude Dabuo, Henry Dabuo’s older brother, who had been admitted to the university for the upcoming semester. Unusual markings, formatting, and spelling errors on the document led the Admissions Office to rescind Jude Dabuo’s admission and investigate his younger brother’s credentials. Further inquiries revealed similar discrepancies in the applications of the other three students.

The four students are currently being held on $100,000 bail. As of Monday, no legal representation has been assigned to their case. A GoFundMe page has been launched by friends to raise funds for their legal defence, including bail reduction, commissary expenses, and attorney fees. The page reports that Opoku and Oppong had earned spots on Lehigh’s Dean’s List in recent semesters, requiring GPAs of 3.6 or higher.

Lehigh University officials and the LUPD have not provided further comment on the case. The GoFundMe campaign, initially aiming to raise $40,000, was paused and replaced with a new target of $30,925 after collecting $9,075.

Apply Yourself for Transcript Evaluation from WES for International Students and Job Seekers 7 days

 

source; www.graphic.com.gh

Update on GES Transfers and Release Today

GES LETTER

GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE
In case of reply,
the number and date of this
letter should be quoted.
My Ref. No: GES/DD-G/Q&A/24/226
Your Ref…………
Republic of Ghana
HEADQUARTERS
Ministry Branch Post Office
P.O. BOX M-45
Accra
Email: ddgqasecretariat@ges.gov.gh

 

ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS OF EDUCATION

UNAPPORVED TRANSFER OF TEACHERS

It has come to the notice of the management of Ghana Education Service (GES) that several
teachers have been transferred within the various districts without appropriate approval or
consultation with the respective Regional Directors of Education.

These unapproved Transfer of Teachers do not only disrupt the educational process but also
undermines the established protocols designed to ensure that such transfers are done in the best
interest of both teachers and students.

Accordingly, management of GES is directing all Regional Directors of Education to ensure that
all Metro, Municipal, and District Directors of Education within their jurisdiction reverse all
unauthorized transfers with immediate effect and cease further unapproved transfer of teachers
within the districts until further notice from management.
Counting on your usual cooperation.
Thank you

DR. KWABENA BEMPAH TANDOH
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL (Q&A)
FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL.

Update on GES Transfers and Release Today

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