And
while there is 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 waiting for
his compensation since he was injured in 2008.
He
suffered a complex fracture of the elbow whilst 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.
Enquiries
by Luv News 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 has 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.
Story
by Kofi Adu Domfeh
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