It was a moment of disbelief during the May 19, 2026 sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when members uncovered the alleged exploitation of some workers at Anlo-Afiadanyigba Senior High School.

Details presented indicated that the school’s management had been paying five casual workers GH¢250 monthly for nine months in 2024, an amount far below the approved national minimum wage for the period under review.

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The issue came up during deliberations on the Auditor-General’s report before the committee.

According to the committee, the workers should have earned at least GH¢490 monthly for their services but were instead paid less than the approved minimum wage.

During the sitting, the school’s management, in its defence, explained that the salaries of the workers had been increased to GH¢450 in 2025.

However, members of the committee noted that the new amount still falls below the approved minimum wage and directed the school authorities to pay all outstanding salary arrears owed to the workers.

The SHS is therefore expected to pay salary arrears totaling GH¢10,802 to the five casual workers, following what the committee described as unfair treatment of staff at the school.

Ranking Member of the committee, Samuel Atta Mills, criticised the situation and warned that underpaying workers, especially security personnel, could have serious consequences.

“So, you want this person to secure the school and protect your property, and you are underpaying him. If you don't pay him the right amount, he will pay himself. When your computer gets missing, don't go and ask him. You are underpaying him,” he said.

Condemning the alleged exploitation, he further stated that poverty should not be used as an excuse to exploit workers who are desperate for jobs.

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“When your books go missing at the school, don't ask him because you're underpaying him. Just because somebody is poor doesn't mean we have to take advantage of that person. Just because somebody needs a job doesn't mean we should exploit them. Pay people the right wages,” he added.

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