FWSC Proposes 3-Year Salary Negotiation Cycle for Public Sector Workers.

FWSC Proposes 3-Year Salary Negotiation Cycle for Public Sector Workers.

As preparations for the 2026 salary talks get underway, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has put forward a proposal that could significantly influence public sector wage discussions in Ghana.

Negotiations are currently in progress behind the scenes, with outcomes expected to impact thousands of public sector employees. Here is a detailed overview of the latest developments.

A Shift to a 3-Year Negotiation Cycle.

Dr. George Smith-Graham, FWSC Chief Executive, recently recommended extending the public sector wage negotiation interval from two years to three. He made this suggestion while addressing participants at the 50th Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) Congress in Accra.

Dr. Smith-Graham explained that a longer cycle would provide the government with the fiscal flexibility and predictability needed to plan and manage public sector compensation more effectively. Overseeing conditions of service for the entire public workforce is complex, and a three-year framework could create stability for both workers and the government. The proposal seeks to balance employees’ legitimate expectations with long-term fiscal prudence.

The Immediate Pressure: 2026 Salary Negotiations.

Although the three-year cycle is a future plan, attention remains on the upcoming 2026 negotiations. Reports indicate that unions are preparing to demand salary increases of over 50%, citing the current economic situation and the rising cost of living.

In response, Dr. Smith-Graham called for measured discussions, noting that no formal 50% proposal has been submitted. He emphasized the need for consensus and negotiation. Likewise, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, urged unions to consider broader economic indicators, including inflation, the cedi’s value, and overall living costs, while discussing their demands.

A Long-Term Solution: The Emoluments Commission.

The ongoing discussions have revived talks about establishing a permanent Emoluments Commission. According to Dr. Smith-Graham, this constitutional body could help reduce external pressures on wage negotiations and address discrepancies affecting Article 71 office holders.

The recent appointment of a new FWSC board is expected to strengthen transparency and cooperation between labor unions and the government, creating a more structured approach to wage management.

Commitment to Technical Education

The TUTAG Congress, themed “Sustainable Skills for a Sustainable Future,” underscored the importance of technical education in addressing workforce gaps. Dr. Smith-Graham, alongside the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu (represented by a delegate), emphasized aligning education with labor market needs.

He proposed innovative partnerships between industries and academic institutions to co-finance research grants, professional development programs, and allowances, aiming to reduce graduate unemployment and address skills mismatches.

The Road Ahead

Public sector employees are watching developments closely as the 2026 negotiation deadline approaches. The outcome will likely determine whether the three-year cycle is adopted. The central question remains: Can the government and labor unions reach a compromise that respects economic realities while ensuring fair compensation for workers?

New Fair Wages Board Inaugurated

On August 6, 2025, a new seven-member FWSC board was inaugurated to enhance fairness, transparency, and governance in public sector remuneration. The board includes:

•Chairman – Samuel Adu-Yeboah, Legal Practitioner

•Dr. George Smith-Graham – FWSC Chief Executive

•Annie Moghtar Mohayideen – S&AC Law

•Dr. Prince E. Darah – Public Services Commission

•Joyce Aseidu-Ofei – Ghana Employers Association

•Madam Hilda Ashie – Retired FWSC Staff

•Shadrack Mensah – Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment

During the ceremony, Minister Dr. Rashid Pelpuo urged the board to uphold fairness and create strategies to reduce labor unrest caused by pay inequalities. Chairman Samuel Adu-Yeboah expressed gratitude for the appointment and committed the board to promoting equitable and transparent public sector pay practices.

The board’s inauguration marks a proactive measure to address long-standing concerns among public sector workers and stabilize labor relations across the country.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BECE Timetable Adjusted Following Eid-ul-Adha Holiday on June 9

Image
New BECE 2025 Schedule Released as Monday, June 9 Declared Public Holiday. Due to the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha, Monday, 9th June 2025 has been declared a public holiday. As a result, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will now commence on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 instead of the original start date. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the final timetable for the 2025 BECE. This year’s exam, which will be conducted under the newly introduced curriculum, is scheduled to run from Tuesday, 10th June to Tuesday, 17th June 2025 for both school and private candidates. The timetable outlines subject-by-subject schedules over the six-day period. Each day features a blend of essay and objective papers, with some days requiring candidates to write two core subjects. Overview of the Timetable Tuesday, 10th June 2025 •Social Studies 2 (Essay): 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. •Social Studies 1 (Objective): 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. •Computing 2 (Essay): 1:00 p.m...
Read more

CAGD Salary Payment Schedule for the Months of 2025

Image
CAGD Announces Official Salary Payment Date for March 2025. The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has officially confirmed the salary payment date for March 2025 for all government employees in Ghana. This announcement, signed by Kwasi Agyei, the Controller and Accountant-General, applies to civil servants, employees of the Ghana Education Service (GES), and other public sector workers who receive their salaries through the Government of Ghana’s payroll system. Assurance from CAGD The CAGD has assured all public sector workers that any changes to the scheduled payment dates will be promptly communicated to the relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Assemblies, and respective banks. The department remains committed to delivering efficient Public Financial Management Services by leveraging skilled personnel and advanced technology to ensure a smooth and transparent payment process. March 2025 Salary Payment Date According to the memo issued by the CAGD, salaries ...
Read more

Government Approves 2025 Salary Increase for Public Sector Workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure

Image
2025 Salary Adjustment Announced for Public Service Institutions on the Single Spine Structure The Government of Ghana has approved a 10% across-the-board salary increase for all public sector institutions under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS).  This follows the successful conclusion of negotiations on the 2025 base pay, as confirmed in a recent communication from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. According to an official directive issued by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, the new salary structure, captured in Appendix A of the circular, takes effect from January 1, 2025.  The adjustment aligns with the government's commitment to ensuring fair and sustainable remuneration for public service workers. It’s important to note that despite the upward adjustment in base pay, the interim market premium for eligible personnel remains unchanged.  In accordance with the Government’s White Paper on the implementation of the market premium, this ben...
Read more