Teacher Unions Demand Refund of Tax on Complimentary Digital Support Allowance

Benjamin Lartey December 12, 2024

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On December 12, 2024, the three major teacher unions in Ghana—GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT—have issued a joint letter to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), demanding the reversal and refund of taxes wrongly imposed on the Complimentary Digital Support Allowance for teachers.

This demand follows an earlier letter dated November 21, 2024, where the unions raised concerns over the tax deduction that was made from the allowance. The tax, which was imposed despite previous assurances that it would not be deducted, has sparked frustration among teachers across the country.

The unions have reminded the GES of the Collective Agreement (CA), which calls for mutual cooperation, respect, and trust between the two parties. According to the unions, the tax deduction is a clear violation of the agreement, as the GES had committed to ensuring that the allowance would remain free from such deductions.

In their letter, the unions express their dissatisfaction with the unilateral decision by the GES to impose the tax, and they are calling for immediate action. They are demanding that the GES reverse the deduction and refund the taxes to the teachers as a matter of urgency.

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The unions’ call for a prompt and swift response reflects the growing impatience of teachers who feel that their rights and agreements have been disregarded. The Complimentary Digital Support Allowance, which was introduced to support teachers in adapting to digital teaching methods, has become an important benefit, and any deductions from it are seen as unfair by the teaching community.

The unions hope that the GES will act quickly to resolve the issue, reaffirming their commitment to fair and transparent dealings in accordance with the Collective Agreement. The matter has also been copied to the Minister for Education in Ghana, who may be called upon to intervene if the situation is not resolved promptly.

The demand for the reversal and refund of the tax comes at a time when teachers in Ghana are facing increasing pressures in adapting to the evolving educational landscape, and this issue is adding to the list of challenges they face.

As the unions await a response from the GES, their united front demonstrates their determination to protect the rights of teachers and ensure that agreements made in good faith are upheld.

Read the full letter below: