Professor Ransford Gyampo, President of the College of Ghana Chapter of the College Academics Affiliation of Ghana (UTAG), has expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s proposed 10% wage increment for public sector employees.
In line with him, the increment does little to alleviate the monetary struggles of employees amid rising inflation and financial hardship.
He additionally urged authorities appointees underneath the Mahama administration to undertake modest life, arguing that it will be unfair to demand austerity from labour unions whereas officers proceed to reside lavishly.
Talking on The Key Factors on TV3 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Prof. Gyampo burdened the necessity for restraint, significantly in gentle of the present financial difficulties.
As labour accepts this small 10% increment, we should additionally present restraint and acknowledge that occasions are robust
Prof. Gyampo, who had been vocal in criticising the earlier Akufo-Addo administration for its perceived lack of assist for labour, acknowledged that the ten% wage increment was modest in comparison with earlier will increase of 23% and 25%.
Nevertheless, he famous that labour unions accepted the provide because of the direct involvement of President John Dramani Mahama within the negotiations.
Clearly, this [10% increment] is just not sufficient. I had anticipated extra, but when the scenario is defined correctly and the president himself is a part of the negotiations, then what are you able to do?
President Mahama pledges fiscal self-discipline and shared sacrifice
In a associated improvement, President Mahama assured organised labour that his administration would prioritise fiscal self-discipline and keep away from reckless spending.
He criticised the earlier New Patriotic Party (NPP) authorities, accusing it of mismanaging the financial system.
All of us knew the financial system was struggling, however among the issues I’ve uncovered present legal mismanagement. Ghana has develop into a criminal offense scene as a result of I can not perceive how a authorities may very well be so reckless.
He emphasised the necessity for shared sacrifices, directing the finance minister to implement expenditure cuts, together with reductions in authorities budgets.
There’s rising mistrust within the political class as a result of whereas others are tightening their belts, politicians appear to be doing the other. I wish to guarantee you that we’ll all make sacrifices, and there might be no wasteful spending
Promise of future advantages and name for moderation
President Mahama urged labour unions to average their calls for briefly, promising that after the financial system stabilises, advantages could be distributed extra equitably.
When the financial system grows and the cake will get greater, we are going to distribute it extra generously
Moreover, the President proposed the institution of an impartial emoluments committee to find out salaries for all public officers, from the president to the lowest-paid employee. This transfer goals to make sure transparency and equity within the allocation of public assets.
