Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured tertiary education unions that the 2025 Budget fully provides for the payment of Book and Research Allowances.
Dr. Forson gave the assurance 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). The unions had formally sought clarification on the status of the allowance.
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He confirmed that disbursement processes have already commenced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure the timely release of funds.
During the engagement, the unions proposed the establishment of a dedicated Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance to improve dialogue and coordination on labour-related matters. Dr. Forson welcomed the proposal, describing it as a constructive step towards enhancing stakeholder engagement.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing payroll reforms, including an audit by the Auditor-General. Preliminary findings reveal the presence of ghost names on the payroll, and the Minister underscored the importance of addressing the issue to safeguard public resources.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and equity in public sector compensation through continued collaboration with key stakeholders.