14 Unaddressed Challenges The Leave Teachers Open to Scams

Do you know there are 14 challenges GES and CAGD fail to work on for teachers, which opens teachers up to scammers?

Teachers have issues when it comes to updating their data with either the GES or the Controller and Accountant Generals Department (CAGD), and due to the slow pace of work by the GES or the CADG in resolving it, many teachers are lured into the nets of scammers and middlemen who charge teachers for simple but critical changes and services they need.

In some instances, the service provider runs away with their money. Why should teachers pay someone for a service they are owed by the government and its agencies?

While teachers need these services to be carried out swiftly and in record time by the GES and CAGD, these two institutions delay and thereby create lucrative businesses and scamming avenues for others who either manipulate the system to resolve legitimate issues or scam teachers all together.

14 Unaddressed Challenges That Leave Teachers Open to Scams

Below are the 14 issues / challenges GES and CAGD fail to work on for teachers, which opens teachers up to scammers.

1. Change of Management Unit
2. Responsibility allowance
3. Changing the phone number
4. Upgrading
5. Correction of names/SSNIT No.
6. Salary reactivation or suspense
7. Picture validation
8. Incremental jumps
9. Change of bank
10. Special postings
11. Admissions
12. GES Aptitude Test
13. NTC Exam Issues
14. Any other services needed by teachers.

Unfortunately, some of these services are not genuine, and teachers may end up losing money and leaving their data in the hands of criminals posing as solution providers. The recent employment scam that hit 42 teachers who paid over GHS300,000 together to secure posting into schools through the GES must serve as a wakeup call for all teachers seeking to abstract any of the above needs through the back door.

The GES and CADG must also work on improving not only the efficiency of their services but also the speed of processing them. In the age of digitalization, many of the above processes should be easy to work on by teachers without the long-winding bureaucratic processes that only slow down operations and create fertile grounds for middlemen to cash in on teachers.

Some suggestions to help resolve issues faced by teachers

Digitalization and IT can play a significant role in resolving the issues faced by teachers when updating their data with the GES or the CAGD, as well as in addressing the delays and inefficiencies in the system that lead to teachers being lured into scams. Here are some suggestions:

Online Platforms for Data Updates: Create user-friendly online platforms where teachers can easily update their information, such as change of management unit, phone number, or bank details. These platforms should be integrated with the GES and CAGD databases for real-time updates.
Automated Processing: Implement automated systems for processing requests such as responsibility allowance, salary reactivation, or incremental jumps. This can significantly reduce processing times and eliminate the need for manual intervention.
Mobile Applications: Develop mobile applications that allow teachers to access and update their information on the go. This can also be used for picture validation and other verification processes.
Digital Verification: Use digital verification methods, such as biometric verification or online verification portals, to verify the identity of teachers and prevent fraud.
Education and Awareness: Conduct regular education and awareness campaigns to inform teachers about the proper channels and procedures for updating their information.

READ: GNAT announces changes to teachers fund registration and beneficiaries

If the GES is proactive, the above 14 Unaddressed Challenges That Leave Teachers Open to Scams identified can be dealt with.