COHBS Calls for Immediate Settlement of Responsibility Allowance Arrears in Volta Region

According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gordor emphasized the importance of these allowances, stating, "It is unacceptable that headteachers, who bear the heavy responsibility of managing schools, are being denied their due allowances. This has demoralized not only headteachers but also teachers under their leadership. We demand that all arrears be paid in full without any deductions for taxes."COHBS also advocated for the responsibility allowance to be set at 20 percent of their gross salary and to be clearly reflected as a stand-alone item on their payslips. Mr. Gordor highlighted the disparity in compensation, citing, "How can the cook of a Managing Director earn about GHC 7,000 while a headteacher overseeing an entire school receives a meager GHC 70 as a responsibility allowance? This is both insulting and frustrating."In addition to responsibility allowances, COHBS voiced frustration over delays in salary upgrades for Deputy Directors, some of whom have been promoted for thr ee to five years without receiving corresponding salary adjustments. Mr. Gordor urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to promptly address the issue, suggesting the introduction of structured rankings such as Deputy Director I and II to facilitate salary adjustments.COHBS also lamented the absence of car maintenance allowances for headteachers, who are expected to use personal vehicles for official duties without any compensation. Mr. Gordor stated, "It is unfair that headteachers are expected to use their personal vehicles for school-related activities without receiving any form of car maintenance allowance. The government must immediately rectify this and provide adequate compensation."The group reiterated the necessity for a non-taxable accommodation allowance, acknowledging the efforts of teacher unions in advocating for this benefit. COHBS demanded that it be a stand-alone item on payslips, similar to allowances for other public sector workers.Mr. Gordor concluded by stressing that these demands were calls for immediate action to improve conditions for basic school headteachers and enhance the quality of education in the Volta Region. "Education is the backbone of national development. If these issues are not addressed now, the future of our children will be at risk. We call on the government, stakeholders, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to support our efforts in improving basic education," he stated.