In a significant move to enhance the welfare of workers, the government has successfully concluded engagement with the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) to improve the conditions of service for its workers.
This development is expected to boost the welfare and productivity of staff members responsible for coordinating all activities related to the management and care of refugees in Ghana.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Management of the GRB and the negotiation team of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), led by the Chief Executive, Ing. Benjamin Arthur, and the Director for Grievances and Negotiations, Prof. Charles Adabo Oppong.
Need for Better Conditions
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Tetteh Padi, expressed concerns about the high attrition rate among staff members, citing the need for improved conditions of service to address the issue.
According to Mr. Padi, the current conditions were not conducive to retaining talented and dedicated personnel, which ultimately affects the overall effectiveness of the Board.
Mr. Padi emphasized that addressing these concerns was crucial to maintaining a motivated and efficient workforce, ultimately enabling the Board to better fulfill its mandate.
The Deputy Director in charge of Human Resources and Administration at the GRB, Elikem Abla Kwadzokpo, raised concerns over the low remuneration. He said the salaries and benefits for the staff of the board were not competitive, making it difficult to attract and retain top talent.
Government’s Commitment
Ing. Arthur emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the conditions of service for workers.
He said the FWSC would work closely with the Ghana Refugee Board to ensure fair compensation and benefits for staff working tirelessly to support refugees.
“We will continue to work closely with the Ghana Refugee Board to address emerging needs and challenges,” he said.
The Commission, Ing. Arthur said, aims to promote fairness, equity, and transparency in public service compensation and benefits.
The GRB was established in 1992 with a mandate to grant refugee status, advise the government on refugee policy, and oversee refugee management in Ghana.
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