Samson Ayenini gives breakdown of allowances for top management of some SOEs in Ghana

In the wake of agitations by several worker unions on the increase of salaries due to the current economic hardships the country faces, concerns have been raised over the seemingly fat salaries and allowances of top management of some state-owned enterprises in Ghana.

Organised labour and the Trades Union Congress have in the past week hinted at embarking on industrial actions if the government does not increase their salaries by up to 20% or index it against the current inflation rate.

The Finance Ministry disclosed that State-Owned Enterprises (SOES) were causing huge financial losses to the country to the tune of about GH¢6bn.

However, top management of State-Owned Enterprises do not only take fat salaries but also enjoy a wide range of allowances.

Legal practitioner, Samson Ayenini gives the breakdown of the allowances on Newsfile as follows:

1. Holiday facilities, both internal and external holidays, for not more than six persons, not more than three rooms, and for not more than 5nights per year in Ghana or elsewhere, exclusive of annual.

2. Retirement package is calculated at 12% of the gross salary which is to be set aside by the employer.

3. Parting gift includes one top-of-the-range multimedia laptop of your choice with accessories.

4. If you have been at post for more than two years, you get an additional gift valued at 50% of one month’s gross salary

5. If you have been at post for two to four years you get an additional gift valued at one month’s gross salary.

6. If you have been at post for over 4years you get an additional gift valued at 2 month’s gross salary, the official saloon vehicle that you may have been using will remain yours or you can procure at a discount of 50%

There are also end of service benefits for these state-owned enterprise managers:

1. 4months gross salary at the point of disengagement for every calendar year

2. Benefit of a housing loan of about GH¢6000

3. Home enhancement loan of about GH¢2000

4. Travel per diem of 1500dollars

5. Salary increases to be at 20%

6. Medical care for spouse and children up to 21 years onwards

7. Mandatory full medical examination yearly abroad

8. Free medical care after retirement for spouse and children up to 21 years

9. Allowance for replacement for eye lenses GH¢1000cedis yearly

There is also an out of station allowance where accommodation and meals will be provided, an inconvenience allowance of GH¢500 per day

Others are funeral grants and donations.

Special allowance including, household allowance, Utility subsidy, Responsibility allowance- GH¢1500cedis a month

Entertainment allowance- GH¢1500 a month

Satellite tv connection on DStv GH¢500cedis a month

Security guards 2personnel at night 1during the day

An Official vehicle

Vehicle loan

Executive saloon car

Driver

Clothing allowance of GH¢10,000 etc.

Meanwhile, many have argued that if the salaries and allowances of these managers are reduced, more unemployed people can also be employed.