By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Ghana’s government has approved a nine percent salary increase for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year.
The decision followed the signing of a tripartite agreement last Saturday between the government, Organised Labour, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
In addition to the salary adjustment, the National Tripartite Committee announced a rise in the national daily minimum wage from GH₵19.97 to GH₵21.77. The new rate will take effect on January 1, 2026, and remain in force until December 31, 2026. Officials said the decision was based on a careful review of Ghana’s cost of living and current economic conditions.
Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson praised Organised Labour for their constructive and patriotic approach during negotiations, saying the salary increment aligns with the government’s efforts to consolidate economic recovery. “The country has gone through difficult times with high inflation and interest rates, but today both indicators have declined. The government is working to further reduce inflation from the current 8 percent to ease the burden on Ghanaians,” Dr. Forson stated. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the agreement, noting that the Ministry of Finance and the FWSC would ensure compliance.
Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, described the outcome of the talks as a testament to the government’s commitment to labour harmony and economic resilience. He said the agreement reflected mutual respect and a shared goal of improving working conditions. FWSC Chief Executive Dr. George Smith-Graham also commended Organised Labour for their cooperation, saying it had contributed significantly to stabilising the economy.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary-General Joshua Ansah acknowledged the sacrifices made by workers in accepting the 9 percent increment. He urged the government to avoid introducing new taxes or tariff hikes that could erode the benefits of the increase and called for strict adherence to all commitments made during the negotiations to safeguard workers’ welfare.
