10% Salary Hike Insufficient – Minority Demands Fairer Deal for Workers
Opposition slams wage adjustment, says public sector employees deserve better compensation
- Minority rejects 10% wage increase, calling it inadequate amid rising living costs
- Past increments were higher, including 30% in 2023 and up to 25% in early 2024
- Majority defends the increase, saying it reflects workers' trust in President Mahama
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the 10% wage increase for public sector workers, calling it inadequate amid rising living costs.
The adjustment, announced after negotiations between the Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, February 20, 2024, has been met with dissatisfaction from the Minority, who argue that it fails to provide meaningful financial relief.
Addressing Parliament in Accra on Friday, February 21, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin compared past salary adjustments to highlight the inadequacy of the latest increment.
“In 2017, public sector workers received a 12.5% increase, 11% in 2018, 15% in 2020, and a 4% plus an interim premium of 15% in 2021. In 2022, a 15% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) was added to the base salary. In 2023, workers saw a 30% increase, followed by 23% from January to June 2024 and 25% from July to December. Now, we are looking at just a 10% increase,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that workers expected more from President Mahama’s administration, given the economic demands of a 24-hour economy.
“The ordinary Ghanaian worker deserves better. The 10% increase is simply unacceptable,” he added.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the wage adjustment, describing it as a sign of confidence in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
“The workers of this country, led by their leaders, gladly accepted the 10% increase. Accepting a 10% increment, compared to 25%, is a vote of confidence in President Mahama because they trust that he will use public funds responsibly,” Ayariga said.
