Public sector workers in Ghana are expected to benefit from a 9 per cent increase in total remuneration in 2027, followed by a 10 per cent rise in base salaries in 2028, under a new agreement between the government and organised labour.
The agreement was reached through negotiations at the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee, which brings together representatives of the government and labour unions to discuss workers’ remuneration and conditions of service.
According to the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, the 2027 adjustment will consist of an 8 per cent increase in base pay and an additional 1 per cent allocation to address concerns relating to other conditions of service.
For 2028, the agreement provides for a 10 per cent increase in base salaries across the public sector.
Mr Ansah explained that the additional allocation for 2027 is intended to correct disparities in allowances and other employment benefits that have contributed to unequal remuneration among public sector employees.
He said particular attention would be given to lower-income earners and vulnerable workers to ensure that the implementation of the agreement promotes fairness.
“Beyond the percentage increases, fairness in the allowances remains a central concern. The additional one per cent provision is intended to help address existing distortions and inequalities in conditions of service, with particular attention to protecting lower-paid and vulnerable workers,” he said.
Mr Ansah emphasised that improving workers’ welfare would require more than general salary increases, noting that existing inequalities in allowances must also be addressed.
He stated that the additional 1 per cent provision would help tackle these imbalances and ensure that workers who are more vulnerable receive appropriate consideration.
While acknowledging that the agreement might fall short of some workers’ expectations, the TUC Secretary-General described it as an important step towards maintaining employees’ purchasing power amid prevailing economic conditions.
“This agreement may not meet every expectation. It represents progress in our efforts to protect workers’ purchasing power,” he added.
He also indicated that government and organised labour would continue discussions throughout the two-year period to resolve longstanding disparities in public sector pay and conditions of service.
The implementation of the agreement is expected to take place as Ghana transitions from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC).
Mr Ansah stressed that the transition must be managed carefully to ensure fairness and consistency in determining public sector remuneration, while protecting the interests of workers.
The agreement follows the signing of a Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement between the Mahama government and Organised Labour, covering the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years.
The deal applies to public sector employees under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and marks a significant development in negotiations over workers’ remuneration.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson praised organised labour and the government’s negotiating team for their cooperation and willingness to reach an agreement in the national interest.
Ato Forson described the deal as a historic achievement, noting that it was the first time the government and organised labour had agreed on a two-year pay arrangement for public service workers.
He stated, “Today marks a historic milestone in Ghana’s public service remuneration negotiations. For the first time, Government and Organised Labour have reached a two-year pay agreement.”
The agreement, he said “is about more than salaries. It is about protecting workers’ incomes, giving families greater certainty, and helping Government plan and manage public spending responsibly.”
He said the government has “demonstrated that fair pay for workers and responsible management of public finances can go hand in hand.”
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