20% salary increase for health, education workers in deprived areas – Mahama pledges

President John Mahama announced plans to provide a 20% boost to the basic salaries of educators and healthcare professionals who are willing to work in underprivileged regions across Ghana. This incentive is part of a broader government policy aimed at attracting more skilled workers to areas where their services are desperately needed. During a visit to the Upper West Region, Mahama outlined that discussions on implementing this policy are already underway, with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission leading the charge.

The President elaborated that the initiative will target districts and communities that are currently deprived and underserved. "For educational workers and health workers, those who accept postings to deprived and underserved areas, we are going to give 20% of basic salary as an incentive," Mahama stated. The implementation process is set to begin once all the necessary arrangements are finalized, promising that this compensation will apply to those who commit to serving in less fortunate areas.

Mahama emphasized the importance of community support for workers placed in these challenging environments. "If you get some tuber of yam, go and give them so that they can get food to eat. If you get some guinea fowl, you can just go and give it to them so that they at least feel happy to be here," he urged locals to share resources with the deployed workers.

This gesture is part of a larger strategy to improve conditions in deprived districts, which includes upgrading infrastructure such as roads, and providing essential services like water and electricity. The government is also committed to equipping health and educational facilities with the necessary tools to enhance their operational capabilities.

In addition to the salary incentive, Mahama revealed that the government will furnish these facilities with essential equipment to bolster service delivery. "Apart from that, we’re giving you the equipment that you need to work, and that’s how come we’re going to hand over all these equipment to you before we leave here," he assured the workers.

This comprehensive approach aims not only to attract top talent to underserved areas but also to ensure that once there, workers have the support and resources they need to deliver high-quality services, thereby improving the overall well-being of the communities.