President Akufo-Addo has extended the government’s incentive package for all health workers and frontline health service providers by three more months spanning the months of July, August and September.
The incentive package announced earlier includes tax waivers for all health workers and an additional 50% of basic salary per month for frontline health workers.
President Akufo-Addo praised health workers for their dedication and hard work which, according to him, is responsible for the 83% recovery of about 53 people who have been admitted into intensive care since the virus first broke out in Ghana.
“This is, in part, due to the immense dedication and hard work being exhibited by our health-care workers, who continue to care for those affected by the virus, and for the sick in general,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“In recognition of these efforts, I announced, during my fifth (5th) address to the nation, on Sunday 5 April 2020, an incentive package to motivate and express appreciation to all health workers for the months of April, May and June.
“”I am happy to announce that I have decided to extend the incentive package for health workers by another three months. This means that all health workers will pay no income taxes for the next three months, ie, July, August and September.
“Again, all frontline health workers, as defined by the Ministry of Health, will continue to receive the additional allowance of 50% of their basic salary per month, ie, for July, August and September, President Akufo-Addo said.
Challenges in implementation
In his address, the President acknowledged that the implementation of his directive for the months of April, May and June has been fraught with some challenges, caused mainly by the protracted discussions over the definition of who qualifies as “frontline health workers” in this context.
“I have, however, been assured that they have now been resolved, and payments will be effected from the end of June. I should reiterate that the insurance package for health workers is still in place,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Professionalism
President Akufo-Addo also called on all health workers to remain professional and compassionate as they continue to carry out their duties to help save lives.
“Whilst we appreciate the efforts of our health workers, I continue to urge them to remain professional and compassionate. Every avoidable death, be it corona-related or not, is a tragedy,” the President noted.
JHS final year students
President Akufo-Addo assured parents and the entire country that his government will do everything within its power to make the students, teaching and non-teaching staff safe throughout the 11 weeks they will be spending in school before they sit for their final examinations.
“I assure all parents and guardians that the government will not put the lives of 750,000 students, teachers and non-teaching staff, who will be returning to school from tomorrow, at risk. We have made all the required provisions to protect them whilst in school.
“It bears repeating, however, that they must all adhere strictly to enhanced personal hygiene and social distancing protocols, regularly wash their hands with soap under running water, refrain from shaking hands and hugging, and wear masks to protect themselves and others. Our survival, I repeat, is in our own hands, and, together, we can defeat this virus,” the President said.
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