Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has praised public sector workers for their role in Ghana’s economic recovery following a new agreement between the government and organised labour to increase workers’ remuneration by 9% in 2027 and base pay by 10% in 2028.
The agreement was reached on Wednesday at a meeting of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee. It outlines salary adjustments for public sector employees over a two-year period, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028.
Speaking to journalists after the negotiations, Dr Forson said the agreement acknowledged workers’ contributions to maintaining essential public services and supporting Ghana’s economic progress.
He commended organised labour and the other negotiating parties for reaching an agreement, stressing that workers’ welfare would remain a priority as the government seeks to sustain the country’s economic recovery.
Ghana Public Sector Salary Increase for 2027
Under the new agreement, public sector workers will receive a 9% increase in total remuneration from January 1, 2027.
The adjustment comprises an 8-percentage-point increase in base pay and a 1-percentage-point allocation towards conditions of service.
The arrangement is intended to improve workers’ compensation while taking account of the government’s financial obligations and broader economic objectives.
Public Sector Base Pay to Increase by 10% in 2028
The agreement also provides for a 10% across-the-board increase in base pay in 2028.
However, the negotiating committee may reconvene to review the 2028 base pay if a specified condition relating to inflation in December 2027 is met.
The parties have also agreed to review selected allowances during the transition period to address existing distortions in public sector compensation arrangements.
These measures are expected to support discussions on fair remuneration and improve the structure of compensation for public service employees.
Government Emphasises Workers’ Welfare and Fiscal Sustainability
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the negotiations were guided by the need to protect workers’ incomes, maintain fiscal discipline and preserve industrial harmony.
He explained that the government must make commitments it can realistically fulfil while continuing to finance essential public services and consolidate the economic gains achieved in recent months.
According to the Finance Minister, responsible management of public finances is necessary to ensure that the government can meet its salary obligations without undermining economic stability.
New Public Remuneration Commission
The two-year pay agreement is also expected to support an orderly transition towards the proposed independent public remuneration commission.
The agreement remains subject to the applicable legislative process, while organised labour is expected to consult its members on reforms affecting public sector workers.
The outcome of these consultations and the required legislative procedures will be important in determining the implementation of the proposed changes.
The salary agreement represents a key development in Ghana’s public sector wage negotiations, with implications for workers’ earnings, government expenditure and the country’s broader economic recovery.
Source: newsthemegh.com