Ato Forson details strategy to manage public sector recruitments

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured that any new hiring into Ghana’s public service will be carefully managed to avoid worsening the country’s fiscal challenges.

Speaking during a dialogue session with President John Dramani Mahama and Organised Labour on March 17, 2026, Dr Forson emphasised that while government remains committed to fulfilling agreements with labour unions, recruitment will be strictly aligned with budgetary limits according to a report by adomonline.com.

“Despite these pressures, Dr Forson assured stakeholders that the recruitment exercise would be carefully managed to avoid worsening the fiscal situation,” the report said.

The assurance comes amid mounting fiscal pressure.

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In 2025, the government had to borrow GH¢17 billion to meet salary obligations, pushing the compensation-to-tax revenue ratio to 44 percent well above the 35 percent benchmark set by the Economic Community of West African States.

“Within budget constraints, the government will proceed with the hiring process as part of its broader engagement with Organised Labour,” he stated, noting that the exercise seeks to strengthen staffing in critical public institutions without further straining finances.

Data from the 2025 fiscal year shows that the country’s compensation bill reached GH¢78.9 billion, exceeding remaining non-oil tax revenue after statutory deductions and debt servicing by GH¢17 billion, with borrowing bridging the gap.

Dr Forson reiterated that the recruitment drive is part of government’s commitment under the November 9, 2025 agreement with labour unions on 2026 base pay, targeting critical staffing gaps while ensuring fiscal sustainability.

MRA/VPO

Meanwhile, watch as Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe scores Mahama govt high, only next to Nkrumah’s in the video below: