The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the management of Anlo‑Afiadanyigba Senior High School (SHS) to pay GHC10,802 in salary arrears to five casual workers.

The directive follows findings in the Auditor‑General’s report that the workers were paid GHC250 monthly for nine months in 2024, below the approved national minimum wage.

Speaking at the PAC, the committee’s vice‑chairperson, Samuel Attah Mills, said poverty is not an excuse to short‑change employees and ordered the school to pay the outstanding amounts.

"Just because somebody is poor doesn't mean you have to take advantage of him. Just because somebody needs a job doesn't mean you have to take advantage of that. Pay people the right wage. Can you imagine, GHC250 by now he has three kids? GHC250 with three kids is not fair.

"So you owe them a difference of 240 over the duration that they worked, and for the school, and then the new difference from 2026 or 2025 to date, and we'll pursue you to make sure you give it to them because they have worked for it."

Hon. Mills warned that underpaying essential staff such as security guards undermines school safety and accountability.

He said employers who pay too little risk encouraging theft because they will feel unable or unwilling to question staff when items go missing.

The PAC said it will pursue the matter to ensure the affected workers receive the arrears they are owed.

"Why do you need a security guard? So you want this person to secure the school, protect your property, and you are underpaying this guy.

"If you don't pay him the right amount, he will pay himself. When your computer gets missing, don't go and ask him, you are underpaying him. When your books are getting missing, don't ask him because you are underpaying him," he said.