By Samuel SAM
The government has restated its dedication to partnering with the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) and the National Labour Commission (NLC) in their joint effort toward achieving equitable salaries, favorable work environments, and social fairness for everyone. Their aim is to synchronize compensation in the public sector with effectiveness, equality, and long-term viability.
For an extended period, the duduk perkara of insufficient compensation and demanding work environments has cast a shadow over the significant contributions made by our workforce.
“In a world where the cost of living keeps escalating and workloads for employees continue to grow, it is crucial that we tackle these issues with immediate action and fresh determination,” stated Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John.
At this year’s May Day event in Tamale, the minister emphasized that providing equitable remuneration and proper work environments should be an everyday truth for all workers across Ghana.
He emphasized that these enhancements would encourage employees to take initiative in performing their tasks, which could boost overall national productivity and stimulate economic development.
The event, conducted with the theme ‘
Revisiting Salary and Work Environments in Ghana: The Influence of Key Players
’
gathered representatives from different segments of organized labor to mark the occasion.
Mr. Adolf John emphasized that a comprehensive strategy is necessary to guarantee that salaries align with employees’ efforts, abilities, and output levels; as well as provide them with an adequate quality of life.
He emphasized the advancements Ghana has achieved over time in labor rights and social welfare, pointing out the introduction of modern labor legislation, the creation of the NTC, and the enforcement of the National Pension System as significant achievements.
Nevertheless, he admitted that many employees continue to encounter various difficulties such as insufficient salaries, hazardous work environments, late wage disbursements, and unequal treatment regarding compensation and career prospects based on gender.
As a government, we convey our profound respect and appreciation to all of you for your contributions towards the advancement of our country,” he stated. “Your devotion, perseverance, and steadfast commitment—from farmers and craftsmen to educators—significantly contribute to the progress of our region and the overall expansion of our nation.
He urged all parties involved to seize this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to establishing a Ghana where each employee is honored, safeguarded, and justly compensated.
Madam Felicia Kraja, who serves as the Northern Regional Secretary and was speaking on behalf of Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), told those present that workers in Ghana continue to suffer due to the current economic turmoil. They face increasing expenses for daily necessities, sudden spikes in prices, and decreasing actual earnings.
She observed that even before the crisis, salaries and work environments in Ghana were insufficient.
Madam Kraja emphasized that the current national daily minimum wage is only GH¢19.97 (around US$1.28) for an eight-hour working day—however, many workers earn less than this amount. Under the Single Spine Salary Structure, the lowest monthly salary comes to GH¢741, which equates to approximately US$47.51.
We urgently need a complete overhaul of the salary system in Ghana,” she stated. “The present method used to set wages is no longer effective. It fails to adequately account for the rising costs of daily life and the essential requirements of employees and their households.
She advocated for an equitable and open system of setting wages, based on reliable economic measures like food price increases, housing costs, transport expenses, medical care, and educational fees.
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).