Dr. Samuel Akonga, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s communications team in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has taken center stage in criticizing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s delays in paying the Professional Development Allowance (PDA) and Digital Allowance owed to teachers across the country.
These allowances were originally introduced to equip teachers with the tools, skills, and resources necessary to improve learning outcomes and adopt digital methodologies in modern education.
Dr. Akonga described the situation as one of despondency among teachers due to the NDC government’s failure to fulfill these payments.
He emphasized that the PDA and Digital Allowance, established under a New Patriotic Party government, are essential for enhancing educational quality.
The current government, he argues, has allowed these payments to remain outstanding without valid justification.
Dr. Akonga pointed out that the government seems to be short-changing teachers in an effort to artificially control inflation, a move he deemed both unfortunate and unfair. He remarked that the behavior of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration reflects a profound disrespect for the hardworking educators shaping the nation’s future.
At a time when teachers are already burdened with limited resources and increased classroom pressures, withholding their rightful allowances is unacceptable. In his statement, he assured teacher unions, educators, and all stakeholders that a future NPP government will not only clear their salary arrears in full but also work to improve and expand these allowances. He reiterated that the NPP remains the only party with a clear track record of prioritizing teacher welfare, enhancing professional development, and increasing remuneration to boost morale and teaching quality.
Dr. Akonga concluded by calling on the government to value and respect the service of teachers to Ghana and to avoid sidelining them for economic convenience.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.