The Concerned National Service Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) has announced their decision to go on strike starting on the 2nd of July, 2024.
The strike action has been initiated due to the non-payment of allowances by the government.
In a letter addressed to all NSS directors, user agencies, national service personnel, and other stakeholders, NASPA expressed their disappointment and outlined the challenges they face as the reasons behind their decision to strike.
One of the major concerns raised by the association is the inability to pay for their accommodation and utility bills, which has been compounded by the non-payment of allowances.
This has left many service personnel in financial distress and unable to meet their basic needs.
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Additionally, the lack of allowances has made it difficult for the personnel to travel regularly to their respective user agencies, putting them at risk of failing to meet the required number of days for validation.
This has further exacerbated their difficulties and added to the burden they face.
Furthermore, the service personnel highlighted the challenge of feeding themselves while at their workplaces. With no allowances, they have been forced to borrow money from different sources in order to survive.
The dire situation has taken a toll on their health, resulting in the development of complicated health issues. This has further increased the urgency for the payment of their allowances.
According to NASPA, the government owes trainees five months of allowance payments and graduates from universities three months of allowance payments.
This goes against the rules and regulations of the National Service Scheme (NSS), which states that personnel who fail to report to their assigned posts for three months after being posted will face sanctions.
However, these personnel have been working without allowances for five and three months, respectively.
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The association expressed their frustration at the treatment they have received, stating that they feel exploited and unappreciated.
Despite their invaluable contributions to the success of public and private institutions in the state, their efforts are not recognized or valued.
NASPA emphasized the need for fair and equal treatment, stressing that as a unique workforce in the state, they deserve to be respected and adequately compensated for their mandatory service to the nation.
