Continuous Professional Development Allowances paid Teachers not a free Money – NAPO

The Minister of Education, Dr MathewOpoku Prempeh (NAPO) has said that the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Allowances paid teachers was not free money but must be worked for.

He indicated that teachers who shall not attend the Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and other skill development workshops shall not be entitled to their allowances.

According to him, his statement was in line with the agreement signed with the Teacher Union Leaders.

The Minister made this revelation on JAMAN 103.7 Radio on Friday, November 20, 2020.

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He said every teacher is expected to attend at least 4 upgrading meetings within a year.

He indicated, that teachers must endeavour to attend PLCs on Wednesdays as scheduled in the New Curriculum.

Licensing

NAPO added, that the skill development trainings and workshops were necessary for qualifying in-service teachers to renew their licenses when initially issued.

Payment of the CPD Allowances

The Professional Development Allowance of staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has been paid by the government.

The payment of the Allowance, which has been postponed from August till November 2020 has been finally paid but not without controversies.

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Taxation

The allowance has been taxed, which was against the agreement between the Unions and the Government of Ghana. This development has brought agitations among the teaching fraternity.

GES reacts to Correction

The Ghana Education Service(GES) has called on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to call on the Ministry of Finance to liaise with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to restore the taxation element in the paid Teachers’ Continous Professional Development (CPD) Allowances.

The GES in a letter dated November 19, 2020, signed by the Director-General of the GES, Prof Opoku Amankwa to the FWSC indicated that the decision to tax the CPD was contrary to their negotiations with the Teacher Unions.

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FWSC reacts

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has called on the Ministry of Finance to as a matter of urgency, authorize the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to exclude the Teachers’ Professional Development Allowances from being taxed.

The FWSC in a letter dated November 20, 2020, and signed by its Chief Executive Dr Edward Kwapong to the Minister of Finance indicated, that it has received a letter from the Ghana Education Service (GES) on November 19, 2020, which was copied to the Minister of Finance among others on the subject matter.