Public sector workers in Ghana will receive a 9% increase in total remuneration in 2027, followed by a 10% increase in 2028, under a two-year agreement between the government and Organised Labour.
The agreement was reached through negotiations under the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee and announced by Organised Labour Secretary-General Joshua Ansah on Wednesday.
For 2027, base pay will increase by 8%, with an additional 1% allocated to conditions of service. The adjustment will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Mr Ansah, who is also Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), explained that the additional 1% provision is intended to address inequalities in public sector allowances, with particular attention to lower-paid and vulnerable workers.
“Beyond the percentage increases, fairness in the allowances remains a central concern. The additional one per cent provision is intended to help address existing distortions and inequalities in conditions of service, with particular attention to protecting lower-paid and vulnerable workers,” he said.
For 2028, the parties have agreed to a 10% across-the-board increase in base pay, effective January 1 of that year. The adjustment will be calculated using the applicable wage bill as of December 31, 2027.
Mr Ansah acknowledged that the agreement might not meet every expectation but described it as progress towards protecting workers’ purchasing power.
“This agreement may not meet every expectation. It represents progress in our efforts to protect workers' purchasing power,” he added.
He said Organised Labour and the government would continue working together over the two years to address inequalities in public sector pay administration.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring fairness in implementing the agreement as Ghana transitions from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC).
