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State fails to compensate incapacitated workers

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In the line of duty, many a Ghanaian worker gets injured.

Despite the Workmen’s Compensation Law which prescribes monetary relief to victims, Government has for over ten years failed to honor its obligation to some victims. 

Peter Boateng is one of such victims; the retired civil servant is still awaiting his compensation after he was injured in 2008.

He suffered a complex fracture of the elbow while on a mobile blood donation session in Kumasi and was diagnosed to be 40 percent incapacitated.

“It was a horrible experience and it has been as at now,” he moans.

The Workman’s Compensation Law promotes occupational and industrial safety and health. The Law holds employers liable for personal injury a worker suffers by accident arising out of, and in the course of his or her employment.

The law stipulates the compensation should be paid within three months.

Inquiries by LuvNews suggest private sector employers are duly complying, but for public sector employees there is never hope in sight to receive compensation.

Mr. Boateng, for instance, has had to wait in vain for seven years for his money, whose value continues to drop by the day.

“I have been paying visits to the national labour office since then, but till date, I don’t know when the compensation will be given me,” he said.

Information available to Luv News indicates there are several individuals suffering similar fate. Over 20 cases are currently pending at the Kumasi Labour Office alone, with claims ranging between 1,000 and 30,000 Ghana cedis.

Claimants include health, fire, police and military personnel.

According to officials at the National Labour Office, the necessary processes have been completed but Government is yet to release funds for payment.

Peter Boateng appeals for expedited action from Government to give him his due and also help instill confidence in people currently in employment to keep being committed to duty.

“Because it has been a long time and it has had great psychological effect on me and my family. Likewise the rest who are also involved. It dampens morale of officers who are involved in working to uplift the economy of the country,” he observed.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.