The Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) has announced a strike, effective today, July 3, 2024, which will continue until the payment of allowances, and has notified all relevant stakeholders accordingly.
The Association has been left with no choice but to embark on strike action, as the government’s failure to pay its members’ allowances has pushed them into financial distress, making it difficult for them to survive and meet their basic needs.
CONSPAG emphasized that the strike is a last resort, driven by the dire circumstances of service personnel who are struggling to pay their rent, utility bills, and other essential expenses due to the prolonged non-payment of their allowances, leaving them with no choice but to take drastic action.
“Inability to transport ourselves to our various User Agencies regularly to meet our required number of days to be qualified for validation due to non-payment of allowances. Inability to feed ourselves at our various workplaces”.
Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG)
CONSPAG revealed that the non-payment of allowances has forced service personnel to resort to desperate measures, borrowing money from various sources just to make ends meet and survive the unprecedented hardship, highlighting the urgent need for a solution to this crisis.
The Association further alleged that the prolonged lack of resources has led to the development of complicated health issues among service personnel, exacerbating their suffering and necessitating the strike action, which will continue until their allowances are paid and their wellbeing is prioritized.
CONSPAG emphasized that its members are duly entitled to their monthly allowances, as they diligently fulfill their mandatory service to the state, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure timely payment for their dedication and hard work.
Furthermore, the Association pointed out that the government has accumulated a significant debt to its members, owing trainees a staggering five months’ worth of allowances and university graduates three months’ worth, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for prompt action.
Personnel Face Sanctions, Yet Work Without Pay
Additionally, CONSPAG highlighted that, as per the National Service Scheme’s (NSS) rules and regulations, personnel who fail to report to their assigned posts within three months of posting are liable to face sanctions.
The Association lamented that, despite diligently reporting to their assigned posts, personnel have been forced to work under harsh conditions, including empty stomachs and unfavorable working environments.
CONSPAG noted that this has gone on for an unacceptable five and three months, for trainees and graduates respectively, without receiving their rightful allowances, exacerbating their financial and physical hardship.
“We are also supposed to work for some required number of days to be qualified for validation for payment of allowances, and we have to always borrow money to meet this requirement. This is what we refer to as slavery, we are abused, we have been maltreated, our workforce is undermined and our service to the nation is not duly recognized”.
Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG)
CONSPAG emphasized that National Service Personnel have been the backbone of numerous public and private institutions in the country, providing vital support and contributions that have been instrumental in driving their success.
The Association pointed out that the valuable contributions of service personnel are evident in the fact that numerous understaffed agencies are actively seeking additional national service personnel, demonstrating their indispensable role in driving productivity.
However, CONSPAG noted that despite this, their efforts are seemingly unappreciated and undervalued by the state, which has failed to recognize their importance and compensate them accordingly.
“We are a unique Workforce in the state and must be treated equally and fairly”. – CONSPAG
As such, CONSPAG appealed to all stakeholders, including media outlets, political leaders, traditional rulers, and the general public, to lend their support and advocacy to the plight of national service personnel.
CONSPAG urged these entities to join forces in demanding timely payment of allowances and fair treatment for the dedicated service personnel who have tirelessly contributed to the development of the nation.
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