President John Dramani Mahama has urged employees in government institutions to reject passivity in the presence of mismanagement, encouraging them to voice their concerns when their organizations are facing decline.
In a speech delivered to a substantial audience at the Black Star Square on May 1, 2025, during the May Day festivities in Accra, President Mahama motivated public sector workers to courageously advocate for the viability of their workplaces, affirming his unwavering support for those who reveal misconduct.
Esteemed colleagues and allies, many of you have endured the challenges posed by poorly managed state institutions in recent years.
I implore you to speak out when management is leading your organization toward failure. You are often the first to suffer job losses when these institutions falter,” he stated. He highlighted that employees have a crucial stake in the prosperity and continuity of their institutions and must actively engage in their protection. “The organization where you are employed is yours.
They promise you job security, and therefore, it is your responsibility to safeguard these organizations. When issues arise, do not hesitate to voice your concerns, and as President, I will support you in rectifying the situation,” President Mahama assured.
The President underscored the importance of cooperation between employees and management to ensure the sustainability of state-owned enterprises. “Let us collaborate to enhance the viability of these institutions, as they are the collective responsibility of us all,” he concluded.
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of Ghanaian workers and enhancing their working conditions.
He emphasized that his government would fulfill its promises, vowing to support workers during both challenging times and periods of recovery.
He outlined plans to implement reforms in the public and private labor sectors, which include modernizing work environments, ensuring timely salary disbursements, and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles that impede productivity.
He stated, ‘We will enact comprehensive reforms in the labor landscape of both sectors by guaranteeing prompt salary payments, upgrading workplace conditions, and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles that hinder your efficiency.’
Regarding the issue of wage inequality within the public sector, President Mahama acknowledged the increasing concerns regarding the disparity between Article 71 office holders and other public employees.
He suggested an institutional reform aimed at establishing a more equitable compensation framework. ‘This is why, as part of the constitutional review, we will focus on creating an independent emoluments commission tasked with determining a fair and just public wage structure, thereby addressing the unacceptable disparity between the working conditions of Article 71 office holders and other public sector workers,’ he stated.
