“Paying COLA is non-negotiable; no COLA no Classroom” – GNAT

Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has told the government of Ghana to pay them 20% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) else they will cease going to the classroom to teach.

The teachers union and organized labour through the Secretary General of TUC made a passionate appeal to the President during the presentation of his May Day address at the May Day parade which was held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Chairman of the Adenta, Abokobi, Madina GNAT District, Mr. Christian Adinkra during a cost of living discussion with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show explained that without the COLA, the teacher goes to the classroom demoralized, without the COLA the teacher goes to class disappointed.

“Paying COLA is non-negotiable; no COLA no Classroom” Mr. Adinkra stressed

He explained that GNAT’s demand for at least 20% Cost of Living Allowance is justified, considering the rate of inflation in Ghana which stands at about 27.6% as of June 2022. “Things are getting more expensive day by day. Food has become expensive, transport fares have gone up, and everything has shot up except the salaries of teachers. Seriously, teachers in Ghana are stressed and frustrated”.

The Secretary-General of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah during the presentation of his May Day speech appealed to President Akuffo-Addo to pay government workers a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of 20% to help cushion them against the impact of inflation which stood at 19.4 % as at April.

“In July 2021 when we were negotiating on minimum wage, inflation was just 9% but now inflation has increased to 19.4%. Between March 2021 and March 2022 food prices have increased by 24% on the average. For example, water has increased by 27%, price of cereals and cereal products has increased by 25%, price of meet increased by 20.2%, fish and other sea food increased by 23.7%, price of oils increased by 28.2%, price of fruits increased by 22% and the price of vegetables increased by 23.8%” Mr. Baah iterated

The GNAT leader said they had given the government until the end of June this year to grant the 20 per cent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) or risk the anger of over 240,000 teachers nationwide but it has not reflected on the June pay slip of teachers.

According to GNAT the current delay continues to affect the meager earnings of workers. This has affected the basic necessities of life, the General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah Tanko has said.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana