A former Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr. Yaw Baah is calling on the National Tripartite Committee to negotiate a better deal for public sector workers regarding the minimum wage.
Baah expressed strong concern about the current minimum wage of 18.15 cedis (just over $1), describing it as insufficient and insulting for public sector employees.
He advocated for a substantial wage increase to more accurately reflect the contributions of these workers.
The Committee, which includes representatives from the Government, Employers, and Organized Labour/Associations, has begun negotiations to determine the 2025 minimum wage.
Official discussions started on Monday, February 3, 2025, marking an important step in setting wage standards for the upcoming financial year.
While these negotiations are a late but necessary development, many believe the current wage falls far short of what is needed.
Dr. Yaw Baah, speaking at the opening of his labour consultancy firm, the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, in Tema, made his views clear.
“This is not the Ghana we wanted to build. This is not the Ghana Kwame Nkrumah envisioned. After 68 years of independence, the people of Ghana are working eight hours for just one dollar. This is a big shame. I hold both the government and employers accountable for keeping the minimum wage so low,” Dr. Baah stated.
“It is simply wrong, and I hope that in these negotiations, employers will realize the gravity of this issue.”
In addition to Dr. Baah’s concerns, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson highlighted the importance of training public sector workers to boost their productivity.
“We need to focus on training for workers, entrepreneurs, and those managing the public sector. Fortunately, the President has appointed a minister responsible for public sector reforms. I am scheduled to meet the minister soon to strategize on these reforms,” Dr. Thompson said.
The Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, founded by Dr. Yaw Baah in 2024, is dedicated to supporting unions, employers, and government efforts to improve industrial relations, social partnership, and labor market outcomes.
The institute places a special focus on employment, productivity, and wages.
