Ghana’s Economy Was a ‘Crime Scene’ Under Akufo-Addo – Mahama
President John Mahama slams the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, accusing it of reckless economic mismanagement that has left Ghana in crisis.
- Mahama says Ghana’s economy was “criminally mishandled” under Akufo-Addo.
- Calls the country a “crime scene” due to alleged reckless governance.
- Government announces a 10% base pay increase for public sector workers.
President John Mahama has launched a scathing attack on the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, accusing it of “criminally mishandling” Ghana’s economy.
Speaking at the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment—where the government announced a 10% increase in base pay for public sector workers, effective March 2025—Mahama expressed shock at the level of economic mismanagement he has uncovered.
“We all knew the economy was in crisis, but some of the things I am uncovering myself amount to a criminal mishandling of our economy. Ghana is now a crime scene,” he declared.
“How can a government be so reckless? I cannot understand,” he added.
This pay rise marks the second adjustment in less than a year, following a 23% increase in 2024 aimed at cushioning workers against the rising cost of living.
Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, confirmed that the new increment takes effect on March 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, on February 4, 2025, the National Tripartite Committee (NTC), comprising government representatives, employers, and organized labour, began negotiations to determine the national minimum wage for 2025.
The outcome of these discussions is crucial, as the minimum wage sets the benchmark for salaries across various sectors, particularly impacting low-income workers in both formal and informal employment. The final decision will also influence future deliberations on base pay for public sector employees.
