In a major breakthrough for workers across the country, the Government of Ghana has successfully negotiated a 10% increase in the Base Pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and a 10% rise in the National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2025.
This milestone agreement, which takes effect in January 2025 for public sector workers and March 2025 for minimum wage earners, is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving workers’ livelihoods.
The negotiation process was led by Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, with the strong backing of President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. Their leadership ensured a fair and sustainable wage adjustment despite economic challenges.
“This is a victory for Ghanaian workers,” Dr. Pelpuo stated after the agreement was signed. “Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, we have prioritized the welfare of workers while maintaining economic stability. This pay rise reflects our dedication to ensuring that no Ghanaian worker is left behind.”
The President’s role in facilitating these negotiations has been widely recognized, with labor groups applauding his administration for prioritizing fair wages. The Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, also played a crucial role in balancing the fiscal implications of the wage increase while ensuring the government’s financial commitments remain sustainable.
Stakeholders, including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), have lauded the agreement as a step in the right direction. The NTC also recommended that the new minimum wage of GHS19.97 be tax-exempt, providing further relief to workers.
With this latest achievement, President of Ghana, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, and Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaian workers, reinforcing their legacy as leaders who prioritize economic fairness and social equity.