Government to pay 20% salary incentive to workers posted to deprived areas — President Mahama

Government will introduce a 20% increase to the basic salary of health and education workers who are assigned to work in deprived and underserved districts, as announced by President John Mahama during a durbar as part of his "Resetting Ghana" tour in the Upper West Region. The Fair Wages Commission has been tasked with identifying districts that meet the criteria for this incentive, which is expected to commence once all necessary approvals are in place.

President Mahama emphasized that the incentive is aimed at motivating professionals to work in areas where their services are most urgently required, and to encourage them to accept postings in areas with challenging conditions. He praised the young health professionals who have already agreed to serve in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, calling their decision an act of patriotism.

President Mahama appealed to residents to make the posted professionals feel welcome and comfortable, suggesting that their well-being could impact their decision to remain and work effectively in their communities. He urged residents to show kindness to the workers and support them in practical ways, such as sharing locally produced food.

President Mahama stated that this salary incentive is part of a broader initiative to improve conditions in deprived communities, alongside efforts to enhance infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, and to provide healthcare facilities with necessary equipment. He stressed that improving infrastructure alone would not suffice if professionals were unwilling to work in these communities.

Therefore, he urged residents to create a conducive environment for health and education workers and other public officers by fostering a supportive atmosphere for their work.