'We found it reasonable' - GFL defends 9% base pay increment

The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has defended Organised Labour’s decision to accept a 9% base pay increment for 2026.

According to him, the increment was a strategic move aimed at protecting workers’ welfare while supporting national economic recovery.

In an interview with GhanaWeb Business on November 10, 2025, Koomson stated, “Organised Labour will continue to engage the government to address emerging challenges without waiting for the next negotiation cycle. Having agreed on these terms, we found it reasonable to settle on the 9% increment to support economic growth in the interest of workers and society.”

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the National Tripartite Committee approved a 9% adjustment to the national minimum wage, increasing it from GH¢19.97 to GH¢21.77. The new rate takes effect from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

While the announcement has sparked public debate, Koomson clarified that the decision was made in full compliance with legal frameworks governing wage negotiations.

“In determining a wage or salary adjustment for workers, regulations are adhered to in compliance with the law,” he said.

“Under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), Section 19, all salary and compensation negotiations for the public sector must be completed by the end of April each year. Similarly, Section 97 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) prescribes the rules of engagement for parties during negotiations,” he added.

Government approves 9% salary raise for public sector

Koomson also criticised the previous administration for failing to negotiate the 2024 base pay as required by law, a lapse he said disrupted the transition process and placed Organised Labour in a difficult position.

“The previous government blatantly refused to negotiate the base pay for 2024 as required by Act 921, thereby unsettling the new administration and putting Organised Labour in a dilemma on how to proceed,” he noted.

Despite these setbacks, Organised Labour successfully secured a 10% adjustment in February 2025 and promptly began negotiations for 2026, guided by principles of fairness and good faith.

“To negotiate in good faith means reasonableness and compliance with Section 97 of Act 651,” Koomson explained.

During the talks, government representatives assured labour unions of plans to address private sector concerns, including the removal of nuisance taxes.

They also committed to clearing salary arrears and regularising the employment of approximately 150,000 health and education professionals whose recruitment had stalled due to financial constraints.

SA/MA

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