Teachers Angry Over Unpaid Professional and Digital Allowances Despite November Salary Payments
A wave of frustration is sweeping across Ghana’s teaching community as thousands of teachers express anger over the non-payment of their Professional Development Allowance (PDA) and Digital Allowance, even though November salaries have already been credited.
Across social media platforms and teacher forums, teachers are voicing their disappointment, describing the situation as “unfair”, “demoralising”, and “disrespectful” to the profession. Many expected the allowance to be paid alongside their November remuneration, as has been the practice in previous years.
CAGD Clarifies the Delay
In response to the growing tension, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has issued a clarification regarding the delay. According to the CAGD, the allowance has not been cancelled, nor has it been “forgotten”, contrary to rumours circulating online.
The department explained that administrative adjustments are being made to streamline the allowance payment process. As a result, a new payment date has been set, and teachers are assured that the funds will be released within the coming weeks.
Teacher Union Executives Yet to Issue Official Statement
While many teachers were expecting immediate communication from their unions — including GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH — the leadership has so far remained silent. The absence of an official statement has contributed to rising tension, with some teachers feeling abandoned at a crucial moment.
Union leaders are reportedly in discussions with authorities to confirm timelines and secure additional details before addressing the public. Educators, meanwhile, continue to demand transparency and timely updates.
Voices From the Classroom: Teachers React
To capture the mood on the ground, here are seven comments from teachers expressing their concerns and emotions:
1. Madam Rita, Primary Teacher
“Every year we go through this same stress. We plan our expenses around the allowance, only for it to delay without proper communication. It is tiring.”
2. Mr. Saani, ICT Teacher
“As an ICT teacher, the digital allowance is not a luxury — it is part of the tools I need to do my job. The delay puts unnecessary pressure on us.”
3. Lydia, Junior High School Teacher
“We are not asking for too much. Just pay us what is due. Why should teachers always be the last to be considered?”
4. Kofi, Newly Posted Teacher
“This is my first year, and I honestly feel shocked. I didn’t expect that allowances would be handled this way. It’s discouraging.”
5. Mrs. Owusu, Senior High School Tutor
“If CAGD has set a new date, they should communicate it clearly to all teachers. Silence creates tension, and that’s what we’re seeing now.”
6. Samuel, College of Education Tutor
“We invest our own money in teaching materials every day. The allowances help us recover some of these costs. Delays only make our work harder.”
7. Anita, Basic School Teacher
“I don’t even mind the delay as much as the lack of information. Just tell us what is happening so we know how to plan.”
The Way Forward
The situation highlights a recurring concern within the teaching sector: communication gaps between authorities and teachers. While CAGD’s clarification brings some relief, teachers insist that unions must act promptly to defend their interests and provide updates.
As teachers await the revised payment date, the call for clear, proactive communication remains stronger than ever.
