Minimum wage increase is transitional measure to improve workers’ earnings – GNAT

The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has explained that the newly announced national daily minimum wage adjustments for 2027 and 2028 form part of a transitional arrangement aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in Ghana’s wage structure and improving workers’ remuneration.

According to him, the adjustments are necessary considering the country’s current economic conditions and are intended to pave the way for better salaries for Ghanaian workers in the coming years.

His comments follow the National Tripartite Committee’s agreement to increase the national daily minimum wage from GH¢21.77 in 2026 to GH¢25.04 in 2027 and GH¢28.79 in 2028.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr Musah explained that the new wage structure forms part of broader efforts to address existing challenges in the country’s remuneration system over the next three to four years.

“This is about the current economic environment we find ourselves in,” he stated.

He explained that the adjustments are part of efforts to correct existing disparities and create a framework that will eventually guarantee better earnings for Ghanaian workers.

When questioned about whether the increase would be sufficient to cushion workers against the rising cost of living, particularly the cost of fuel and other essential commodities, Mr Musah maintained that the arrangement should be viewed as a gradual process rather than an immediate solution.

“That is what I’m explaining. We say transitional arrangement,” he emphasised.

He further indicated that efforts would continue to address outstanding wage-related concerns and improve the financial conditions of Ghanaian workers.

Mr Musah also stressed that employers are legally required to comply with the approved national minimum wage, explaining that no worker should receive remuneration below the stipulated threshold.

“When we talk about the minimum wage, it is a wage that no worker should be paid below,” he stated.

He explained that labour inspectors, particularly officials from the Chief Labour Office, are responsible for monitoring workplaces to ensure employers comply with minimum wage requirements.

According to him, inspections would involve examining employers’ wage records to determine whether workers are being paid in accordance with the legally approved rates.

“By law, you cannot pay anybody below that particular wage in Ghana,” he stressed.

The GNAT General Secretary reiterated that the wage adjustments form part of ongoing efforts to address challenges within Ghana’s labour remuneration system, expressing optimism that the measures would eventually lead to improved earnings and better living conditions for workers.