Good morning honourable members, I am pleased to present to this august house a summary of what transpired during our meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Students Loan Trust Fund, Dr. Nana Kwaku Agyie Yeboah and some other top management officers of the Trust.
We had a very fruitful deliberations throughout our discussions. And definitely issues of allowances, possible increment in the allowances, trainees who could not access the allowances till date and other relevant issues were thoroughly discussed but before we delve into that let me first apologize unreservedly for the delay.
It is worthy of mentioning that, some members of the outgone executive board led by Honourable Anthony Dadzie were present to officially introduce us (new officers) to the management of the Trust.
President Anthony Dadzie on behalf of our association and the entire executive officers for 2018/2019 used that as a golden opportunity to present a citation of honour to the CEO for his enormous contributions to the growth and progress of our beloved association. The CEO on the other hand thanked the association for recognising his efforts and presenting him with a citation of honour.
Right after the introduction which included all national executive officers, Hon. Anthony Dadzie, Hon. Ibrahim Nketiah, Hon. Mawuli Moses and some management officers of SLTF.
CEO REMARKS
The CEO admonished the new executives to be good keepers and ensure that good working ethics, time management etc are imbibed in us since we hold the keys that will unlock dream of Ghanaians particularly by playing our effective roles as teachers. He also brought to the attention of officers that, the trust at some time organised a summit which brought together youth leaders with the aim of solidifying the cordial relationships with youth leaders. He did not forget to congratulate all national officers as well and extended his best wishes. He added that, orientation is ongoing for frehers to ensure that every step of the allowance disbursement process goes on smoothly.
REMARKS OF ALLOWANCE MANAGER
The allowances manager at the Trust in the person of Mr. Kwaku Seidu stated emphatically that the first allowance of this academic year will be paid at the end of November and that will also mark the beginning of the four (4) months a semester. Meaning the allowances will be paid November, December, January and February.
He expressed worry at the way and manner our college authorities react to them in terms providing the necessary information to enable to swift and timely payment of the allowances. He urged us to add our voices so that College authorities will always provide accurate and timely records for the disbursement to commence.
THOSE WHO COULD NOT ACCESS THEIR ALLOWANCES FOR LAST ACADEMIC YEAR
Mr. Kwaku Seidu stated that it is impossible for such to get their monies again since that window has been closed to make way for a fresh academic and for that matter for payment to begin once again. He said such trainees are to contact the allowances coordinators in their various training Institutions for corrections to any of their records.
Officers was hit in the face when he made this emphatic remark and pleaded fervently for such trainees to be considered. But he said that, if the old window is not closed then they can not go ahead to pay for this academic year and only advised when the payment is made and someone has a problem it is good he/she quickly work on it.
POSSIBLE INCREMENT IN THE ALLOWANCES
When the issue of possible increment of the allowances was presented to the CEO and his team, the CEO said that such issues can only be handled by government since the trust is only entrusted with disbursing the allowances. He however assured us that he will present the matter to the minister of finance since he would be meeting the next day.
PRESIDENT DADZIE REMARKS
The outgone president of our association, Hon. Dadzie commended the management of SLTF for their service and support to the association and expressed hope that same will be extended to the new crop of officers.
PRESIDENT AUGUSTINE APPIAH REMARKS
Our president, His excellency Augustine Appiah, expressed the association readiness to compliment the efforts of Trust in disbursing the allowances and also stated that his board is ready to strengthen and solidify the already existing cordial relations with the Trust.
CONCLUSION
Honourable members, in brief this what was discussed at our meeting with the CEO of Students Loan Trust Fund on the 17th of November, 2019 at 10:30am.
Further questions maybe asked if the need be.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Issah Toha Shamsoo
(General Secretary)
20/11/2019