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Dr. Yaw Baah Urges Fairer Minimum Wage for Public Sector Workers
Former Trades Union Congress (TUC) Secretary-General, Dr. Yaw Baah, has called on the National Tripartite Committee to secure a more equitable minimum wage for public sector workers. He described the current wage of 18.15 cedis (just over $1) as inadequate and disrespectful, emphasizing the need for a significant increase to properly compensate workers for their contributions.
Negotiations for the 2025 minimum wage have commenced, with representatives from the Government, Employers, and Organized Labour engaging in discussions. Official talks began on Monday, February 3, 2025, marking a critical step in addressing wage concerns for the upcoming financial year.
Speaking at the launch of his labour consultancy firm, the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, in Tema, Dr. Baah expressed frustration over the current wage structure. “This is not the Ghana we wanted to build. This is not the Ghana Kwame Nkrumah envisioned. After 68 years of independence, the people of Ghana are working eight hours for just one dollar. This is a big shame. I hold both the government and employers accountable for keeping the minimum wage so low,” he stated.
He further urged stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the matter. “It is simply wrong, and I hope that in these negotiations, employers will realize the gravity of this issue,” he added.
In addition to wage concerns, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, underscored the importance of training public sector employees to enhance productivity. “We need to focus on training for workers, entrepreneurs, and those managing the public sector. Fortunately, the President has appointed a minister responsible for public sector reforms. I am scheduled to meet the minister soon to strategize on these reforms,” he noted.
Established in 2024, the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics aims to support unions, employers, and government efforts in improving industrial relations, social partnerships, and labor market efficiency, with a strong focus on employment, productivity, and wages.
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