Salaries of public sector workers have been increased by 23 per cent. This according to an agreement after negotiations on the 2024 Base Pay, takes effect from January 1, this year.
The Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, who confirmed this to the Daily Graphic, said his office has subsequently received notice from government to effect payment.
The adjustment however falls far below the initial 45 percent pay rise proposed by Organized labour in November last year.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, at the beginning of negotiations by the Tripartite Committee said labour is seeking what they consider a fair increase following the significant rise in the prices of goods and services as a result of high inflation.
“The government is very committed to upholding workers interests and has never faulted in paying salaries even when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020,” Mr Kwaning-Bosompem said.
“In other jurisdictions, during the COVID-19 pandemic, salaries were cut and people were laid off, but in Ghana the government kept faith with workers by paying their salaries,” he added.
The Controller and Accountant General noted that economy has started showing signs of full recovery, and there is the need for all stakeholders to collaborate to help stabilize the fiscal environment and macroeconomic environment.
Some members of Organised Labour have confirmed the payment of the 23 per cent increase in base pay by the government.
General Secretary of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), Mark Dankyira Korankye who spoke to the Daily Graphic said so far, there is no agitation against the compromise from the rank and file of the teacher unions
“As far as our members are concerned they have received their pay based on the new 23 per cent salary adjustment,” he emphasised.
Last year, a 30% increase in base pay ended the temporary payment of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), between July and December.
