ACCRA – Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has confirmed that the 2025 National Budget fully incorporates provisions for the payment of Book and Research Allowances to tertiary education unions. The assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), who had sought clarification on the allowance’s status.
Dr. Forson stated that the disbursement processes for the allowances have already begun in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure timely release of funds. During the engagement, the teacher unions proposed the creation of a dedicated Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance to enhance dialogue and coordination on labour-related matters, a suggestion welcomed by Dr. Forson as a constructive step.
The meeting also included a review of ongoing payroll reforms, which have identified “ghost names” through an audit by the Auditor-General. The Minister underscored the importance of addressing this issue to safeguard public resources and reiterated his commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and equity in public sector compensation through continued collaboration with key stakeholders.
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