Organised Labour backs President Mahama’s call for review of Single Spine Salary Structure

Organised Labour Backs Call for Urgent Review of Single Spine Salary Structure.

Organised Labour has strongly endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s appeal for an immediate review of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), stressing that the current system has deepened inequality and left many public sector workers worse off.

Labour leaders argue that the pay policy, introduced to standardize salaries across the public service, has failed to achieve fairness. Some employees reportedly earn as little as GHS400 a month, while several pensioners are receiving inadequate benefits due to distortions in salary placement.

Speaking in Accra on September 11, the leadership of Organised Labour highlighted how the flawed system has fueled frequent strikes and demonstrations across the country.

General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah Tanko, insisted that fairness in pay must cut across all sectors:

“Let nobody be disadvantaged because they are in the Ghana Education Service or the Ghana Health Service. The Constitution provides for equal pay for equal value of work done.”

He further lamented the inconsistencies, noting that graduates with the same qualifications often end up on different pay levels within the structure, creating unnecessary inequities.

Concerns from Labour Unions

Several union leaders expressed disappointment over government’s delay in addressing the matter. Although a review process was initiated in 2021, labour groups say no concrete report or implementation plan has emerged four years on.

Bernard Adjei, General Secretary of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), described the situation as unfair:

“People work 30 to 40 years, and when you look at their pensions, it is discouraging. Some even die soon after retirement because of the poor benefits they receive.”

The General Secretary of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), King James Azortibah, also painted a grim picture, citing how pensions are calculated:

“The most heartbreaking part is that benefits are based on the worker’s three best years — and in many cases, the average is just GHS400. It’s painful to see members retire into hardship.”

Call for an Independent Emoluments Commission

To resolve the growing frustrations, Organised Labour is demanding the establishment of an Independent Emoluments Commission. The body, they believe, would help correct salary distortions, review the minimum wage, and restore fairness across the public service.

While welcoming the idea, GNAT’s Thomas Musah Tanko urged speedy action:

“If there are systems that will improve workers’ conditions, we support them. What we need now are real solutions.”

However, Bernard Adjei cautioned that delays in setting up the commission are eroding workers’ trust:

“It has taken far too long. Workers need to see results.”

King James Azortibah also stressed the urgency of addressing low wages:

“The Fair Wages Commission already knows workers are surviving below the minimum wage. The Emoluments Commission must act quickly to correct this.”

Organised Labour has made it clear that until concrete reforms are carried out, the worsening living conditions of public sector workers will remain a pressing national concern.



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