The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has described the government’s 9% salary increment for public sector workers for the 2026 fiscal year as woefully inadequate, considering the prevailing economic challenges.
“The current single-digit salary increase is shameful, especially considering that 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, when the economy is supposedly recovering?
“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,” the Minority caucus pointed out in a statement issued by Ms Mavis Nkansah Boadu, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions.
The low pay rise, the Minority reiterated, did not match the prevailing harsh economic conditions of Ghanaian workers.
“We wish to place on record that this action is not only economically inadequate but a clear demonstration of the government’s insensitivity to the daily struggles of ordinary Ghanaian workers.
“In the last 10 months alone, transport fares, utility tariffs, fuel prices, and the general cost of goods and services have increased astronomically. 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 added.
In contrast
The Minority noted that under the previous administration of the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government, public sector workers enjoyed considerably higher lifts in salary increments.
“In 2024, the base salary was increased by an average of 24%. It was increased by approximately 30% in 2023.
“Prior to that, during earlier years, the increments ranged from about 11% in 2018, 10% in 2019, 15% in 2020 and about 4% plus a 15% interim premium in 2021,” the statement recounted.
It said while the Minority recognises the economic environment has changed, the stark drop from such double-digit increments into single-digit shows a broken promise to workers.
“We, therefore, call upon the government to reopen the negotiations with organised labour and propose a realistic increment matching the current levels of inflation and consumer prices. Anything less than this will be economic injustice for the people whose productivity is driving the nation every day.
“The Minority remains committed to speaking for the voiceless, protecting the welfare of workers, and ensuring that public policy remains anchored on fairness, equity, and sustainability,” the Minority assured Ghanaian workers.
Tripartite agreement
The government on Sunday, 9th November, 2025, approved the 9% salary increase for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year.
The National Tripartite Committee also agreed to a 9% adjustment to the national daily minimum wage, which currently stands at GH¢19.97.
The increment, which consequently pegs the new minimum wage at GH¢21.77, takes effect from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
The agreement, signed between the government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Organised Labour, followed successful negotiations aimed at ensuring stability in the public sector.
In a statement by the Tripartite Committee, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, commended Organised Labour for their cooperation and patriotism, insisting that the increment aligned with ongoing efforts to sustain Ghana’s economic recovery.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to further reducing inflation and improving the conditions of service for workers.
He added that the government had pledged to stabilise the economy during the 2025 base pay negotiations and had delivered on that commitment.
Dr Ato Forson added that the Ministry of Finance, together with the FWSC, would continue to improve conditions of service for public sector workers, ensuring that all approved provisions were implemented.
Expression of gratitude
The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, applauded both sides for the constructive engagement that led to the agreement, emphasising the government’s dedication to maintaining labour satisfaction and economic stability.
The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr George Smith-Graham, thanked Organised Labour for being part of the country’s economic recovery.
The Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, acknowledged labour’s sacrifices in accepting the nine per cent increase, and urged the government to avoid new taxes or tariff hikes that could erode its value.
Mr Ansah further urged the government to honour all commitments made during the negotiations to protect workers’ welfare.
By Kyei Boateng
