The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured the civilian arm of Ghana Armed Forces that his government will pay the requisite attention to their needs and concerns, as government seeks to boost the morale of all segments of the Armed Forces.
According to President Akufo-Addo, in a military establishment, such as the Ghana Armed Forces, there could be temptation to overlook the existence and importance of the civilian arm of its operations.
He noted, however, that “the contributions of the civilian employees are important to the success of the military establishment”, adding that “these outstanding matters will be addressed expeditiously, so that the enhancement of the morale of all segments of the Armed Forces can be achieved for the greater efficiency and cohesion of the Armed Forces.”.
One of the outstanding matters, President Akufo-Addo said, involved the non-implementation of the recommendation made in 2011 by the Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC) for the payment of three (3) days’ work, representing 11.1%, as additional allowance to the civilian employees.
This recommendation, the President assured, will soon be effected by the Ministry of Finance. He revealed that the General Headquarters, earlier this year, sent a reminder to the Ministry of Defence, which has in turn on also requested the Ministry of Finance to pay the 11% additional allowance to the civilian employees.
Unlike their counterparts in the public service, civilian employees in the Armed Forces, are compelled to wear prescribed uniform to work every day. These are purchased and maintained by the civilian employees themselves, with a monthly uniform allowance of GH¢40.00 across board.
“We understand that government is in arrears of two months, which will be rectified in your august salaries,” he assured.
On the matter of accommodation and the expectations of civilian employees, President Akufo-Addo admitted that “these are all legitimate concerns of the civilians, and they deserve to be treated with the same urgency as the concerns of their uniformed colleagues.”
President Akufo-Addo made this known when he held his maiden durbar, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, with officers and other ranks of the Armed Forces.
Match commitments with resources
The President emphasised that the nation must give its military the best support it can, in return for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis to guarantee our security.
“My Government will ensure that you have the resources to match your commitments and will stand by the commitments made to you in our manifesto so that you are adequately equipped to enable you perform your duties well,” he said.
The President continued, “I am anticipating a good, constructive relationship between my government and the men and women of the Armed Forces of Ghana, so that we can deliver on our mutual obligations to ensure the peace, stability and security of our beloved nation.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that if the country’s public finances were in a good state, virtually all the things that need to be done to strengthen the Armed Forces would be easily doable.
Unfortunately, according to the President, they are not.
“Corruption, mismanagement and sheer theft of public resources have diminished significantly our capacity to do the things that are necessary for the nation’s progress, security and welfare. This is why the fight against corruption is so important to our future. Let us all commit to that fight, and win it. We win it for ourselves and our future,” he concluded.
