Report by Joycelyn Adoma Arthur- 24/03/2024

Former President John Mahama has expressed his disappointment with the government over the delayed payment of allowances owed to National Service Personnel.

The government has been unable to pay the monthly allowance of GH₵715 to service personnel in the public sector since November 2023.

The service personnel have voiced their concerns about the financial difficulties they are facing and have even considered going on strike to demand the payment of their allowances. Mr. Mahama, speaking during his tour on March 22, stated that he found it difficult to comprehend why the government has failed to remunerate these individuals who are serving the country.

Mr. Mahama emphasized that the allowances were not a significant amount and recalled that during his tenure as President, service personnel allowances were never delayed. He criticized the current government for constantly falling short of meeting the expectations of the people.

“There was never a time in my government where we were unable to pay the monthly allowance, but today, for five months, they are unable to pay the service personnel, and the money is not so much,” Mr. Mahama remarked. “What kind of government is this? Nothing seems to be going well. The economy is in a bad state, and we are drowning in debt, yet the government is unable to pay the meager amount owed to these personnel,” he added.

Mr. Mahama’s comments highlight the frustration among National Service Personnel who are eagerly awaiting the payment of their allowances and raise questions about the government’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities towards the welfare of its citizens.