By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
Government is to introduce an additional 20 percent of basic salary for health and education workers who accept postings to deprived and underserved districts.
President John Mahama announced the incentive during a durbar as part of his two-day ‘Resetting Ghana’ Tour of the Upper West Region.
He said the Fair Wages Commission has been tasked to identify districts that qualify as deprived or underserved, with the process already underway.
According to the President, the incentive will take effect after the necessary approvals are secured and is intended to encourage more professionals to accept postings to communities where their services are most needed.
President Mahama expressed concern that many health professionals, teachers and other public servants are reluctant to work in certain parts of the country because of the difficult conditions.
He commended the young health professionals posted to the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District for accepting to serve in an underserved area, describing their decision as an act of patriotism.
The President appealed to residents to make professionals posted to their communities feel welcome and comfortable, stressing that their wellbeing could influence their willingness to remain and work effectively.
He encouraged residents to show kindness to the workers and support them in practical ways, including sharing locally produced food with them.
President Mahama said the salary incentive forms part of broader measures to improve conditions in deprived communities.
He explained that government was also working to improve roads, water, electricity and other public services while providing health facilities with the equipment needed to deliver quality care.
The President said improving infrastructure alone would not be enough if professionals were unwilling to work in the communities.
He therefore urged residents to support government efforts by creating a conducive environment for health and education workers and other public officers serving in underserved areas.
