Cleaners and Casual Workers at the Flagstaff House Lament On Unpaid Salaries for the Past Five Months

In a troubling revelation that has captured the attention of many, cleaners and casual workers at Ghana’s Flagstaff House have for the first time in the fourth republic raised serious concerns over unpaid salaries. For the past five months, these essential workers, who ensure the cleanliness and smooth operation of the presidential palace, have reportedly not received their due wages. This situation has sparked a wave of frustration, hardship, and calls for immediate intervention.

Cleaners and casual workers form the backbone of the Flagstaff House, performing essential duties that maintain the high standards of hygiene and functionality required in such a prestigious setting. From sweeping and mopping floors to maintaining the gardens and assisting in various logistical tasks, these workers ensure that the day-to-day operations run smoothly. Despite the critical nature of their work, these employees are often overlooked and underappreciated.

The lack of salary payments for five consecutive months has placed these workers under severe financial strain. Many of them rely solely on their wages to support their families, pay rent, cover medical expenses, and meet other basic needs. The unpaid salaries have forced some workers into debt, unable to keep up with their financial obligations. This situation has exacerbated their hardship, leading to mounting frustration and despair.

Several workers have spoken out, expressing their frustration and the difficulties they face due to the unpaid salaries. In an interview with Kwabena Bobbie Ansah, the host of the prominent Accra Fm’s political talk show called the Citizens Show, One cleaner, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his plight: “I have children to feed and school fees to pay. Without my salary, it has been a constant struggle to make ends meet. We work hard every day, and it’s disheartening to be treated this way.”

Another worker echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional toll of the situation: “We feel neglected and unimportant. It’s as if our contributions don’t matter. All we want is to be paid for the work we’ve done. Is that too much to ask?”

Regrettably, the situation has raised questions about the role of the government and the management of the Flagstaff House in addressing this issue. Ensuring the timely payment of salaries is a fundamental responsibility of any employer, particularly in a government institution. The delay raises concerns about the internal processes and financial management practices in place.

The workers therefore call on various stakeholders, including labor unions, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens,should without any further delays intervene to resolve the issue. The Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a statement urging the government to prioritize the payment of the outstanding salaries and to ensure that such delays do not recur in the future.

The host of the show asserted that “We stand in solidarity with the cleaners and casual workers at the Flagstaff House. It is unacceptable for hardworking individuals to go without pay for such an extended period. We call on the government to take immediate action to address this injustice,” the TUC statement read.

Lastly the worker whose name remains anonymous, therefore called all those who matter in the country to add their voices to ensure a swift redress to unfortunate situation.

Story by:
Kingsford Nana-Oduro Dickson