The government of Ghana has agreed to a 10% increment in base pay for public sector workers, effective March 2025 to December 2025.
This decision was reached after negotiations between the government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and Ministry of Finance, and organised labour, comprising workers’ unions and institutions within the public service.
The agreement, signed on February 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing discussions between the government and labour unions.
The 10% increase in base pay is expected to benefit thousands of public sector workers, who have been seeking better compensation for their services.
Even though the workers had pushed for 25%pay rise since they got 20% last year, government insisted on 10% saying that the economy can not accommodate it.
The negotiations were part of the 2025 Single Spine Salary Structure Base Pay discussions, which aimed to address the concerns of public sector workers regarding their salaries.
The government’s initial offer of a 5% increase was rejected by labour unions, who demanded a higher increment to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
After extensive deliberations, the government increased its offer to 6%, which was still deemed insufficient by labour unions.
However, in a surprise move, the government agreed to a 10% increase in base pay, which was accepted by labour unions.
The 10% increase in base pay is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of public sector workers, who have been facing economic challenges in recent times.
The government’s decision to increase salaries is also seen as a move to boost morale and productivity among public sector workers.
In a related development, the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) has announced a 10% increase in the national daily minimum wage (NDMW), effective March 1, 2025.
The new NDMW will be GHS19.97, up from the previous rate of GHS18.13.
The NTC’s decision is expected to benefit thousands of workers in the formal and informal sectors, who will see an increase in their daily wages.
The 10% increase in the NDMW is also seen as a move to address the economic challenges facing workers in Ghana.
Overall, the government’s decision to increase salaries and the NTC’s decision to raise the minimum wage are seen as positive moves to improve the livelihoods of workers in Ghana.
