CAGD Taxes Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance, Sparking Outrage Among Teachers

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 21| CAGD Taxes Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance, Sparking Outrage Among Teachers

Teachers in Ghana face disappointment as the GHC800 Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance is taxed. Education blogger Ellis Ferdinand highlights this breach of agreement, citing Ghanaian laws exempting allowances from taxation.

CAGD Taxes Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance, Teachers Express Disappointment

Teachers in Ghana are expressing outrage following the decision by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to tax the GHC800 Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance.

The revelation was made by Ellis Ferdinand, a renowned Ghanaian education blogger, who disclosed that the November salary validations indicate the government’s taxation of the allowance. This decision contradicts earlier agreements and Ghanaian tax laws, which exempt allowances from taxation.

Allowances Taxed Against Agreement

The Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance(CDISA )was introduced to support teachers in enhancing digital instruction. However, the taxation of this allowance has sparked criticism. Ferdinand noted that this move is “unfortunate” and goes against Ghana’s tax regulations, which do not permit the taxation of allowances.

Teacher Unions May Take Action

This development comes amidst calls from teacher unions, including GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT Ghana, for the government to uphold its agreement not to tax this specific allowance. The unions have warned that such actions could escalate tensions within the education sector.

Teachers React

Teachers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with many calling for immediate clarification and action from the government:

• “This is a betrayal of trust,” said one teacher.
• “Allowances are meant to supplement our efforts, not be taxed,” another commented.

Government Silent on the Issue

As of now, neither the Ministry of Education nor the CAGD has issued an official statement addressing the concerns raised by teachers and unions.

Conclusion

The taxation of the Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance adds to the growing dissatisfaction among teachers regarding their welfare. Many are now looking to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and government officials for a resolution that upholds agreements and respects the legal framework surrounding allowances.