The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions in Parliament has expressed its disapproval of the recently signed public sector salary agreement for the years 2027 and 2028, labeling the proposed 9 percent salary increase for 2027 as an affront to Ghanaian workers.
The caucus contends that the agreed-upon salary modifications fail to adequately account for the escalating cost of living, especially the cumulative hikes in electricity and water tariffs, transportation fares, rent, and other vital household expenditures.
In a statement issued on October 30 and signed by Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, the Minority conveyed its astonishment and dissatisfaction regarding the Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement, which was concluded on October 28.
According to the agreement, public sector employees are slated to receive an 8 percent increase in their base salary, along with an additional 1 percent adjustment in their conditions of service, culminating in a total remuneration increase of 9 percent for 2027.
For the year 2028, workers are anticipated to receive a 10 percent increase.
The Minority characterized this arrangement as insufficient, asserting that the proposed adjustments would further diminish the purchasing power of public sector workers, particularly those who are already grappling with rising household costs.
In light of the concerns expressed, the Minority has called for an immediate reassessment of the remuneration framework established between the government and organized labor.
It demands the prompt reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC) to determine what it refers to as a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the cumulative effects of increases in utility tariffs and commodity prices.
The caucus emphasizes that future wage negotiations should take into account the wider economic conditions facing workers, rather than merely focusing on nominal salary increases.
