President John Dramani Mahama has assured of his government’s commitment to improving wages and restoring hope in Ghanaian workers.
“This government under my leadership is the government you have been waiting for. We will not only improve wages but restore hope and confidence in the Ghanaian workforce,” he stated.
The President was speaking at the 2025 National May Day Parade at the Independence Square in Accra yesterday, on the theme “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders.”
He also pledged to prioritise timely salary payments, modernised workplace environments, enhanced occupational health and safety policies, timely pension contributions, and the reform of Ghana’s “distorted” pension system through an ad hoc stakeholder committee.
President Mahama said the government was committed to strengthening technical and vocational training, with better alignment to industry needs, and promoting equitable national development across all corners of the country.
President Mahama paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian workers across all sectors, describing them as “the backbone of Ghana’s future” and “true architects of our recovery.”
President Mahama assured Ghanaian workers that his administration would not privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), despite the entity’s GH¢68 billion debt, but will rather pursue strategic public-private partnerships to inject efficiency into electricity distribution.
He acknowledged the urgent need to reform ECG and other struggling state-owned enterprises, many of which he said have been “atrociously managed” over the past eight years.
He said “Even companies like GIHOC Distilleries, which paid dividends under my previous administration, are now operating at a loss. The question I ask is: how can you sell alcohol and be in debt?” he queried.
He outlined several critical interventions already undertaken in his first months in office, including a 10 per cent increase in the national minimum wage from GH¢18.50 to almost GH¢20, effective March 1, 2025 — a move he said made despite prevailing inflation levels of 23 per cent.
The President also mentioned the convening of a historic National Economic Forum in March 2025, which brought together labour, employers, academia, and policymakers to craft a fiscal policy path for Ghana’s recovery and growth. Additionally, he said a “reset budget” has been presented to Parliament, prioritising economic stabilisation, productivity, and job creation.
On jobs, he highlighted key youth-focused initiatives such as the One Million Coders programme, which aims to train young people in digital and coding skills needed in today’s job market and has already attracted 150,000 applicants, and the Adwumawura Programme, which aims to create 10,000 youth-led businesses and 20,000 jobs annually.
He also mentioned the National Apprenticeship Programme, which seeks to equip 500,000 young people with artisanal skills over five years.
Touching on pay equity, President Mahama announced plans to establish a Permanent Independent Emoluments Commission as part of constitutional reforms, with the aim of resolving what he called “the longstanding and inequitable disparity in public service wage structure,” especially between Article 71 officeholders and other public servants.
President Mahama urged workers in state institutions to speak up against mismanagement, stressing that they have a responsibility to safeguard their enterprises. “When things are going wrong, do not be afraid to say so. As President, I will back and support you to set things right.”
On the issue of illegal mining, or galamsey, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensify enforcement efforts, stating, “Aluta continua — the fight continues.”
He further emphasised his commitment to regular, structured dialogue between government, labour, and business, with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations serving as a hub for tripartite collaboration.
Organised by the trade unions, the May Day event is held annually to celebrates workers’ contributions and promotes their rights and better working conditions.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG