Thousands of education and health sector workers who have been waiting months for unpaid salaries are set to receive long-awaited relief after the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) announced the commencement of arrears payments dating back to August 2024.

The payments, which began on Wednesday, are expected to be made over four months, offering hope to affected workers who have endured financial difficulties while awaiting the settlement of their outstanding salaries.

In a statement signed by the department’s Head of Public Relations, Cephas N. Dosoo, the CAGD said the arrears would be paid in monthly tranches, with each instalment covering four months of unpaid salary.

Government to Clear 17-Month Salary Arrears of Unpaid Teachers Starting May 2026

Under the approved payment arrangement, beneficiaries will receive four months of arrears in May, another four months in June, four more in July, and the final four-month tranche in August 2026.

For many teachers, nurses and other public sector workers affected by the delays, the payments are expected to ease financial pressures that have accumulated over the past several months.

The department indicated that the first round of payments is scheduled to be completed by May 29, 2026, marking the beginning of what it described as a structured effort to clear all outstanding obligations.

“Subsequent payments will continue strictly according to the approved schedule until all outstanding arrears are cleared,” the statement said.

The announcement is likely to be welcomed by workers and labour groups who have repeatedly raised concerns about delayed salary payments and the impact on livelihoods, particularly amid rising living costs.

The CAGD also expressed appreciation to affected workers for their understanding throughout the period of delay and assured them that the payment schedule would be adhered to until all arrears are fully settled.

NA/MA