Govt. Raises Minimum Wage By 31 Percent

The Ghanaian government and labour Monday agreed an increase of 30.95 percent in the daily minimum wage in the country, with effect from 1 May.

A Tripartite Committee made up of representatives of government, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Employers' Association of Ghana, agreed to raise the minimum to 5,500 cedis (76 cents) from 4,200 cedis (58 cents).


The TUC had wanted 6,000 cedis (83 cents).


The agreement was signed by Cecilia Bannerman, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment, for the Government, Ato Ampiah, of the Ghana Employers Association and Seth Adu Amankwa, Secretary General of the TUC.
Under the accord, the parties agreed that in future, the minimum wage should be fixed before the budget is presented to Parliament.


Bannerman said the Committee further agreed that institutions and enterprises whose daily minimum wage falls below the new ceiling should make the necessary adjustment.

She said government would monitor and ensure compliance, adding that the negotiations took place under utmost transparency and in good faith.


"This is a new beginning and we hope to continue to have cordial relations with all our social partners," the Minister assured.


The new wage comes against the background of a 64-percent increase in fuel prices, 103-percent in electricity tariffs and 96 percent in water tariffs