The Minority in Parliament is calling on government to immediately reopen negotiations with Organised Labour following what it describes as an “unjust” 9% salary increase for public sector workers.
According to the Minority, the new increment is out of touch with the harsh economic realities facing Ghanaians.
It said the announcement shows government’s “insensitivity to the daily struggles of ordinary Ghanaian workers.”
In a statement signed by Ranking Member on the Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions Committee, Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the caucus said the 9% increase is “not only economically inadequate but a clear demonstration of government’s insensitivity.”
The statement noted that within the last ten months, transport fares, utility tariffs, fuel prices, and the general cost of goods and services have “increased astronomically.”
It added that inflation continues to erode disposable incomes, while the cedi remains unstable.
“In such a climate, a mere 9% increment is not only insignificant; it is punitive to hardworking Ghanaians who continue to bear the brunt of the Government’s fiscal indiscipline,” the Minority stated.
The group contrasted the current increment with what it described as “considerably higher” salary adjustments under the previous Akufo-Addo-led administration.
It recalled that in 2024, the base salary went up by an average of 24%, following a 30% increase in 2023.
Earlier adjustments included 11% in 2018, 10% in 2019, 15% in 2020, and about 4% plus a 15% interim premium in 2021.
“While we recognise the economic environment has changed, the stark drop from such double-digit increments into single-digit shows a broken promise to workers,” the statement added.
Describing the 9% adjustment as “shameful,” the Minority questioned how government could justify a lower increase now, when it claims the economy is recovering.
“The NPP Government managed to give public sector workers better salary increases even during the COVID-19 pandemic when global revenues were low. How can the Government justify offering far less now?” it asked.
The statement further accused government of pursuing a policy that burdens citizens while rewarding them less.
“This administration cannot continue to tax more, borrow more, spend more, and then compensate workers with less. Salary adjustments must be based on the real cost of living, not political optics,” it said.
The Minority has therefore urged government to return to the negotiation table and agree to a “realistic increment” that reflects inflation and consumer price levels.
“Anything less than this will be economic injustice for the people whose productivity is driving the nation every day,” the statement concluded.
It reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to “speaking for the voiceless, protecting the welfare of workers, and ensuring that public policy remains anchored on fairness, equity, and sustainability.”