National Service Personnel Embark On Strike Over Unpaid Allowances
The Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) has officially announced a strike action set to commence on July 3, 2024. This decision comes as a response to the prolonged non-payment of allowances, which has left many National Service Personnel struggling with significant financial and personal hardships.
Key Issues Leading to the Strike
CONSPAG has outlined several critical challenges that have led to this drastic measure:
- Accommodation and Utility Bills: Many personnel are unable to pay their accommodation and utility bills due to the lack of allowances.
- Transportation Costs: The inability to afford transportation to their various User Agencies has made it difficult for personnel to meet the required number of workdays for validation.
- Basic Necessities: Personnel are struggling to feed themselves at their workplaces due to financial constraints.
- Debt Accumulation: Many have been forced to borrow money from various sources to survive.
- Health Issues: The financial strain has led to the development of health complications among personnel.
Unpaid Allowances
National Service Personnel are entitled to monthly allowances for their mandatory service to the state. However, the government currently owes trainees five months of allowances and university graduates three months. According to NSS regulations, personnel who fail to report to their posts for three months after posting will face sanctions. Despite working under severe conditions for months without pay, personnel are expected to meet their work obligations, often borrowing money to do so.
The Call for Action
CONSPAG emphasizes that this situation amounts to slavery, as personnel are being abused and maltreated. Their contributions to both public and private institutions are invaluable, yet their efforts are not recognized or rewarded fairly. The association highlights the critical role National Service Personnel play in the success of many understaffed agencies, which continue to request more personnel.
Appeal to Stakeholders
CONSPAG calls on all public and private stakeholders, including media houses and political leaders, to support their cause. The association seeks to draw attention to the plight of National Service Personnel and urge the government to address the issue promptly by paying the overdue allowances.
The association’s notice the need for fair treatment and recognition of National Service Personnel as a unique and essential workforce in Ghana. The strike action is a last resort aimed at compelling the government to fulfill its financial obligations to the personnel.
