The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has firmly linked the ongoing salary delays affecting numerous nurses, teachers, and junior doctors to the questionable recruitment practices and financial mismanagement of the Akufo-Addo administration.
The minister’s statement arises amidst fervent protests from healthcare and education professionals who have faced a prolonged period of up to 10 months without compensation, with the Junior Doctors’ Association ominously indicating a potential withdrawal of their services should their financial claims remain unresolved.
Dr. Pelpuo argued that the previous administration’s hasty recruitment initiative, which resulted in the induction of more than 12,000 individuals into the public sector without careful planning or financial consideration, has led to this crisis.
“At the time the previous administration had lost the elections, over 12,000 individuals were actively engaged. What was their rationale regarding the source of the funds?” He posed a rhetorical question, underscoring the evident absence of foresight and financial prudence that defined the actions of the preceding administration.
He emphasized that the present situation is a direct result of the prior administration’s neglect to follow due process, which includes obtaining the necessary clearance to authenticate the employment and salary disbursements of these workers. In light of these challenges, Dr. Pelpuo conveyed to stakeholders that the government is fully aware of the issue and is dedicated to pursuing a resolution.
“We are addressing this matter with utmost seriousness, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors involved in the process that we will provide a response to them before the year ends,” he asserted with conviction.
Despite the intricacies of the situation, including the lack of financial allocations for these workers in the three-month budget presented to the Mahama administration, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to addressing the stalemate and guaranteeing that these essential professionals obtain their deserved compensation.
