Hundreds of newly posted teachers have warned they will not return to classrooms when basic schools reopen on May 6 if their salaries are not paid by then.

One of the protesting teachers said, “We are telling the government that we are College of Education graduates who have been employed. We’ve worked for eight months, we have our staff ID. Some of our colleagues don’t even have that. We are urging the government to facilitate these processes.”

The teachers say they are growing increasingly frustrated and may not return to school if their demands are ignored. “In May, we want to receive our salary. That is what we want to achieve. If it doesn’t come, I think there will be more picketing,” a teacher noted.

They added that they have been funding their own protests, and they will continue protesting if the salaries are not paid. “We borrow and solicit for funds to be here. We won’t stop until what is ours is given to us.

“What will transpire here will give us a fair idea of what our leaders want from us. And it will give us a fair idea of whether our leaders need our services or not. And so whatever that will transpire here will inform our next decision on whether to go to school to teach when school resumes,” he added.

Another teacher, Bruce, shared his personal experience. “I have not received my salary for eight months, getting to the ninth month. I assumed duty on September 10th last year. The first month, my name appeared on the payment voucher. I was happy. But by the end of the month, I received nothing. The next month, my name disappeared completely.”

Mr Bruce said that inquiries revealed their documents had not been submitted to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. “It’s very bad. It’s pathetic. Some colleagues in other regions are being paid, yet ours are delayed with no clear reason.”

He also pointed to the mental and emotional toll. “We went to a teachers’ seminar about burnout. Financial stress is the biggest cause. You go home after school, and there’s nothing to eat. How do you feel? Teachers are the backbone of every profession. Why are we being treated this way?” he quizzed.

He accused the Ministry of Finance of spreading misinformation about their clearance status. “Our former Director of Education confirmed that financial clearance was given before he left office. We have proof of that.”

The teachers are calling on the Ministry of Education, GES, and the Ministry of Finance to act quickly. They say the salary processing portal has just been opened, and they expect entries to be completed this week.

“We are not leaving until we have our salaries this May. We cannot continue for nine months without pay. But if I don’t receive my salary, I don’t know what to do,” he added.

Myjoyonline