Electoral Commission Workers Angry With Gov't

Government has taken the unusual step of reversing the salary of the senior staff of the Electoral Commission to pre- budget hearing levels.

The senior staff members say they are shocked and dismayed at the government's decision, which is great disservice to already poorly remunerated workers.

The Ghana News Agency quotes a source as saying that the decision is contained in a Ministry of Finance letter dated November 14, 2001 notifying the Commission of the salary adjustment.

The ministry claimed that the reversal was due to new revenue and external inflow projections that needed proportionate changes.

According to the report, salaries of the commission's staff have remained relatively low compared with other institutions created under the 1992 Constitution.

The workers say they were unable to take advantage of the November 2000 daily minimum salary adjustment because of preparations for the elections, but efforts to restore the new salary level after the elections have not being successful.

The workers have reminded the government that a committed and reliable electoral staff is an asset for ensuring the integrity of the electoral system.