Head of Civil Service, Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena, has intimated that his outfit is working to resolve the non-payment of the neutrality allowance to CLOSAG.
Explaining what resulted in the recent action by CLOSAG, Mr. Dwamena expressed that unfortunate circumstances have hindered the implementation of the Neutrality allowance payment as agreed upon initially. “That is where there was a bit of disconnect and then CLOSAG threatened to strike. Of course, once you sign an agreement, it is expected that you deliver.”
The Civil Service Head assured that his outfit is hopeful within the next few days, the issue with the allowance will be sorted out. He revealed some changes will be made to the nomenclature of most allowances subsequently.
“We are still in negotiation and we are confident that very soon we will get some consensus and then there will be movement in the Civil Service. We will ensure we get our colleagues back to work.”
Nana Kwasi Dwamena
Nana Kwasi Dwamena, however, lauded CLOSAG for its initial agreement to postpone payment of the neutrality allowance which it insisted should have started in January. “So, in that sense, CLOSAG is being realistic and trying to understand the current difficulties which for me, we appreciate the leadership of CLOSAG.”
The Head of Civil Service suggested the need to scrutinize the whole process of remuneration in the public sector linking it to performance and productivity. “All these allowances across the public service is because of the lack of consistency in our salary administration. We need to go back to the basics.”
Clarifying the ideology behind the neutrality allowance, Mr. Dwamena informed that the allowance is not being paid to CLOSAG for being neutral. However, he noted, it is “more of a concept to gather the allowances which is uniquely for Civil Service which is not in other places”.
Resolve CLOSAG issue immediately
Commenting on the issue as well, Labor Expert, Austin Gameh, admonished government to resolve immediately the CLOSAG strike action before it escalates and “not just sit because it will create a problem for the whole nation.”
The Labor expert attributed the current impasse in the public sector to the introduction of the market premium in the country. He asserted that the market premium is supposed to be a temporary allowance.
“This market premium has become an albatross hanging on the neck of everybody. I recall I was present at a meeting with the late J.H. Mensah and many others, and I told them that if you introduced this market premium, you will create upheaval in the country. They took it for granted and we are living with it.”
Austin Gameh
Austin Gameh sided with suggestions that there should be a review of the Civil Service Act to bring it in line with best practices and standards around the world. “I’m sure some reviews have been made already and some policies designs have been made. I would also suggest remuneration and negotiation is what should be worked on.”
The labor Expert called for inclusivity to guide the Civil Service by involving everybody when reviewing allowances. He appealed to the authorities to desist from any form of partisan politics and “stop throwing searchlight around to invite others to be part of the proceeds.“
“So, if they are going to review, I support 100 percent. Nobody should just go and take the services of any consultant to go and just put paper together. That will not be supported by some of us.”
Austin Gameh
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