TEMA, Ghana, 10th November, 2025: The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has explained that Organised Labour found it reasonable to agree to the 9% Base Pay increment for 2026 in the interest of national economic stability, workers’ welfare, and overall societal growth.
According to him, the increment which also applies to the National Daily Minimum Wage is in line with ongoing efforts to sustain Ghana’s economic recovery following years of financial turbulence.
The government has announced a 9% salary increase for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year. Similarly, the National Tripartite Committee has approved a 9% adjustment to the national daily minimum wage, moving it from GH¢19.97 to GH¢21.77, effective January 1 to December 31, 2026.
The announcement has sparked widespread public debate. However, Mr. Koomson clarified that the decision adhered strictly to legal procedures and financial management regulations governing public sector wage negotiations.
“In determining a wage or salary adjustment for workers, regulations are adhered to in compliance with the law,” he stated. “Under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), Section 19, all salary and compensation negotiations for the public sector must be completed by the end of April each year. Similarly, Section 97 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) prescribes the rules of engagement for parties during negotiations.”
Speaking to Ahotor Fm’s Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh, Mr. Koomson accused the previous government of reckless economic management, which he said worsened living conditions through high fuel prices, depreciation of the cedi, inflation, and the negative effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
He further criticised the former administration for failing to negotiate the 2024 Base Pay as required by law, which, he said, created complications for the new government and placed Organised Labour in a difficult position.
“The previous government blatantly refused to negotiate the base pay for 2024 as required by Act 921, thereby unsettling the new administration and putting Organised Labour in a dilemma on how to proceed with negotiations,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Koomson revealed that Organised Labour successfully engaged government in February 2025, resulting in a 10% adjustment for that year. Soon after, they initiated talks for the 2026 Base Pay, guided by the principles of fairness and good faith.
“To negotiate in good faith means reasonableness and compliance with Section 97 of Act 651,” he explained.
During the negotiations, the government assured labour unions that it was working to address key challenges facing the private sector, particularly nuisance taxes that had burdened businesses. It also committed to paying outstanding salary arrears and regularising the employment of about 150,000 health and education professionals whose recruitment had been delayed due to a lack of financial clearance under the previous administration.
“The government has projected to pay salary arrears and regularise the employment of the backlog of nurses, medical doctors, pharmacists, and teachers. It also recognised the need for new job openings to address unemployment,” he said.
Mr. Koomson added that Organised Labour has pledged to closely monitor the performance of the cedi against the dollar, as currency fluctuations directly impact workers’ living standards.
“Organised Labour will continue to engage the government to address emerging challenges without waiting for the next negotiation cycle. Having agreed on these terms, we found it reasonable to settle on the 9% increment to support economic growth in the interest of workers and society,” he concluded.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭