Teachers Seeking Study Leave With Pay Must Secure Bank Guarantees

The Ranking Member on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Mr. Kofi Okyere Agyekum, has said that teachers seeking for study leave with pay should first secure bank guarantees.

He emphasized the importance of teachers seeking study leave with pay to secure guarantees from banks as a demonstration of their commitment to fulfilling their bonds or repaying funds to the government. He highlighted a recurring issue where beneficiaries of the Study Leave with Pay Scheme by the Ghana Education Service (GES) often failed to fulfill their obligations. Mr. Agyekum proposed involving banks before granting leave to facilitate easier retrieval of funds from beneficiaries.

These recommendations stem from the Public Account Committee’s 2022 report, which continues to highlight irregularities despite previous suggestions. The statement, issued by Parliament’s Media Department and copied to the Ghana News Agency, detailed Mr. Agyekum’s remarks during the commencement of the PAC Zonal Public Hearing in Tamale.

The meeting aimed to review the 2022 Auditor-General’s Reports on the Public Accounts of Ghana Technical Universities and Polytechnics, as well as Pre-University Educational Institutions for the period ending December 31, 2022. Dr. James Klutse-Avedzi, Chairman of PAC, acknowledged the benefits of study leave with pay in enhancing teachers’ skills but expressed concern over its abuse, which undermines government initiatives.

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During the session, representatives from Tamale and Bolgatanga Technical Universities, along with Bagabaga, St. John Bosco, and Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya Colleges of Education, appeared before the Committee to address issues outlined in the Auditor-General’s report on Pre-University Educational Institutions.

Requirements for study leave with pay/salary for Teachers

1. Applicants must have served a minimum of three years after completing the College of Education.
2. Eligibility extends to applicants serving in deprived districts or schools within the GES.

Study Leave with Pay Forms

1. Qualified applicants must pursue courses approved by the GES Director.
2. GES staff pursuing second or third-degree programs are ineligible for study leave with pay.
3. Principle Superintendents who attained their rank through a sandwich program are also ineligible.
4. GES staff aged 55 and above do not qualify.
5. Re-engaged members must serve a minimum of five years before being eligible.
6. Eligible members must serve a minimum of two years after completing the study leave course.
7. Teachers pursuing non-teaching courses or non-teaching staff pursuing teaching courses do not qualify.
8. Part-time courses/programs are not eligible for study leave with pay.

Recommended

1. Assurance Letter for Transfers in the GES
2. Documents Needed to Apply for Assurance Letters in the GES
3. Categories of Staff Eligible for Top Ranking Allowances in the GES

4. And currently, teachers must secure bank guarantees.

Eligibility and Courses:

•  Teachers beyond the rank of PS are not eligible for study leave with pay.
•  Only education-related courses qualify, with varying quotas.
• GES sponsors skill and knowledge enhancement in education-related fields for service benefit.

Note:

• Diploma entry rank is Senior Superintendent II professional, eligible for SS I after four years, and Principal Superintendent after seven years.
• Degree entry rank is Principal Superintendent.

Conditions for Granting Study Leave with Pay:

• Good conduct, satisfactory performance, and recommendation by immediate supervisor/Director.

Where to Obtain Forms:

•  Forms available at District or Regional Education offices nationwide.
• Applicants should complete four copies and attach certified copies of required documents.