Ghana to provide 20% salary incentive for workers in deprived areas

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a 20 percent basic salary incentive for health and education workers who accept postings to deprived and underserved districts. The initiative aims to address the difficulty of attracting and retaining professionals in remote areas where working conditions are often challenging.

The Fair Wages Commission has been tasked with identifying the specific districts that qualify for this incentive. Once necessary approvals are secured, the additional pay will take effect. This measure is part of a broader government strategy to improve infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, and medical equipment, in these communities.

The announcement was made during the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District of the Upper West Region. This healthcare programme is currently being implemented in 135 districts across all 16 regions, with a target of reaching 150 deprived districts. The programme focuses on preventive care, early detection, and basic treatment at the community level through health centres and polyclinics.