The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in the payment of non-salary-related allowances to officers of the Ghana Prisons Service.

In a statement dated February 23, the Caucus referenced a communiqué issued by the Prisons Administration on February 17, 2026, which confirmed that three quarters of Rent Allowance — covering the second to fourth quarters of 2025 — remain outstanding for eligible officers.

Describing the situation as troubling, the Minority stressed that the Ghana Prisons Service remains a critical pillar of the country’s national security architecture and should not be subjected to avoidable financial hardship. The statement noted that officers continue to perform their duties under often gruelling conditions with “a level of patriotism and discipline that deserves our highest commendation.”

However, it cautioned that patriotism must not be treated as a substitute for the State’s obligation to meet its statutory commitments.

According to the Caucus, the delay in settling the arrears has placed significant financial strain on officers and their families, particularly in relation to rental obligations and other essential domestic responsibilities.

“When the welfare of our security personnel is compromised, we inadvertently risk the erosion of morale, operational efficiency and, by extension, our national security stability,” the statement said.

It added that the matter should not be viewed through a partisan lens, but rather as one concerning fundamental labour rights and institutional integrity.

The Minority therefore called on the Ministry of Finance and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to provide “an immediate and transparent timeline” for the release of funds to clear the arrears. It also urged the Ministry of the Interior to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination to prevent a recurrence in the 2026 fiscal year.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Prisons Administration in engaging the “highest levels of Government”, the Caucus encouraged continued transparency with officers regarding progress on the payments.

Commending officers of the Ghana Prisons Service for the “patience and restraint” demonstrated so far, the statement assured personnel that their grievances had been heard.

Signed by Frank Asiedu Bekoe, MP and Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, the statement reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to its oversight responsibility.

It pledged to utilise “all available parliamentary mechanisms” to ensure the matter is brought to a full and satisfactory resolution, insisting that “the State must honour its debt to all its illustrious and productive workers.”