The government has released funds to pay at least three months arrears of personnel of the Youth in Afforestation module, who have threatened to embark on a sit-down strike.
The youth said they had not been paid their allowances for the past five months.
Mr John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, confirmed that the workers were owed about five months arrears but said three months arrears would be cleared latest by next week.
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The good thing is that the Ministry of Finance has released funds for the payments as soon as possible. As I speak the documents and the warrants have been signed and the money has been released so in no time I am sure by next week they should get three months out of the five outstanding,” he said.
“And that is good news considering the efforts that have been put in by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and his and the Minister of Finance for making this possible,” he added.
He commended the workers for their commitment and dedication for the past three years in growing and nurturing trees to improve the environment although there had been issues with payment, which were being addressed.
The Youth in Afforestation programme was launched in 2018 in line with the government’s commitment to reforestation, forest rehabilitation and forest protection activities.
Some 100,000 youth are beneficiaries of the programme across the country.
Source: GNA
