Accra: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has appealed to the Government for a comprehensive reset of the pay regime to align with the current economic conditions in the country. This request arises from the ongoing economic challenges faced by Ghanaian workers, characterized by rising living costs, inflationary pressures, and diminishing real incomes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Mr. Joshua Ansah, highlighted that many households are increasingly struggling to bridge the gap between their incomes and basic survival needs. Even before the present economic crisis, low wages and poor working conditions were prevalent issues in Ghana. During this year’s May Day Celebration, themed ‘Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders,’ Mr. Ansah emphasized the critical moment facing the nation and its workforce, advocating for a transformation in the valuation of labor and the future shaping of work, wages, and welfare.
Mr. Ansah pointed out that the minimum wage in Ghana is only GHS19.97, equivalent to $1.28 for eight hours of work, with a significant portion of the workforce earning below this amount. He noted that the minimum pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure is GHS741 or $47.51 per month, which falls below the international poverty line of $58, highlighting the struggle of Ghanaian workers and their families to survive amid the high cost of living.
The wage landscape in Ghana is marked by significant inequities, particularly the disparity between the political class under Article 71 and public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure. Mr. Ansah raised concerns about the pay differential between State-Owned Enterprises and parastatals compared to the Single Spine Salary Structure, citing examples of excessive rent allowances for some CEOs of state entities funded by public resources.
Mr. Ansah called for a total reset of the pay regime, emphasizing that the current framework for wage determination is inadequate and does not adequately reflect the cost of living and basic needs of workers and their families. He advocated for a fair and transparent wage-setting mechanism based on credible economic indicators such as food inflation, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education.
The TUC demands the replacement of the current minimum wage with a living wage that considers the needs of workers and their families alongside productivity concerns of employers. Mr. Ansah urged the President to establish a living wage structure, noting that during President Mahama’s leadership from 2025 to 2029, Ghana adopted a living wage, completed a review of the Single Spine Pay Policy, abolished Article 71, and harmonized pay in the public sector as part of the broader resetting agenda.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ansah expressed hope that under President Mahama’s continued leadership, a Broad-Banded Integrated Pay Structure would be implemented to accommodate all public sector jobholders.
