Public Sector Workers to Receive 9% Pay Increase in 2027 and 10% in 2028

The Government of Ghana and Organised Labour have agreed to increase public sector workers’ total remuneration by 9 per cent in 2027 and base pay by 10 per cent in 2028, following negotiations aimed at addressing workers’ welfare and protecting their purchasing power.

The two-year agreement was reached on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following discussions under the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee. It is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, and cover the period ending December 31, 2028.

Under the agreement, public sector workers will receive a 9 per cent increase in total remuneration in 2027. This will comprise an 8 per cent increase in base pay and an additional 1 percentage point allocated towards conditions of service.

The additional allocation is intended to help address inequalities in existing allowances and improve fairness in the public sector compensation system, particularly for lower-paid and vulnerable workers.

Secretary-General of Organised Labour, Joshua Ansah, announced the agreement after the negotiations. He explained that the arrangement was part of efforts to protect workers’ purchasing power while addressing existing disparities in remuneration.

For 2028, the government and Organised Labour have agreed to a 10 per cent increase in base pay across the board. The adjustment will take effect on January 1, 2028, and will be calculated using the applicable wage bill as of December 31, 2027.

The agreement comes amid continuing concerns about the cost of living and the ability of public sector workers to meet their financial obligations. Although changes in inflation can affect the value of wages, workers often continue to face pressure from the prices of food, transportation, housing and other essential goods and services.

The negotiations therefore represent an effort to balance workers’ demands for improved earnings with the government’s responsibility to maintain fiscal discipline.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has welcomed the agreement, describing workers’ contributions as important to Ghana’s economic recovery. He also emphasised the need to protect workers’ welfare while ensuring that government commitments remain financially sustainable.

The agreement also comes as Ghana works towards reforms in the administration of public sector remuneration. Government and Organised Labour are expected to continue discussions on issues affecting allowances, fairness and the implementation of the new remuneration arrangements.

However, the implementation of the agreement remains subject to the applicable legislative process. Further details on how the adjustments will be applied are expected to follow through the relevant authorities.

The agreement marks an important development in negotiations between the government and organised labour, establishing the pay adjustments expected to apply to public sector workers over the next two years.

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