Minority criticises 9% public sector salary increment for 2027; demands urgent review

The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has rejected the 9% salary increase for public sector workers in 2027, describing the deal as inadequate amid rising household expenses and utility tariffs.

In a press statement dated October 30, 2026, the caucus said the newly signed Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement, which provides for an 8% base pay increase and a 1% adjustment in conditions of service for 2027, fails to adequately protect workers’ purchasing power.

The agreement also provides for a 10% remuneration increase in 2028.

The Minority argued that the proposed adjustments would do little to ease the financial pressure on workers, particularly as electricity, water, transport, rent and cooking gas costs continue to rise.

It cited electricity tariff adjustments since the beginning of 2025, arguing that electricity now costs roughly 29% more than it did at the start of that year, compared with cumulative wage adjustments of about 20% over the same period. Water tariffs, it added, are approximately 18% higher.

The caucus also pointed to an 8% increase in public transport fares from September 26, 2026, and projections of an approximately 18.5% rise in liquefied petroleum gas prices during the October pricing window.

“The Minority Caucus stands in absolute solidarity with the rank and file of Organised Labour and the suffering workers of Ghana. We reject this insulting 9% pay deal in the face of relentless electricity tariff hikes,” the statement said.

The caucus further questioned the role of organised labour leaders in the negotiations, noting that some had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the 9% salary adjustment for 2026 before accepting it.

It said the latest agreement had deepened disappointment among workers, particularly because it commits them to a two-year remuneration framework.

“The feedback reaching the Minority Caucus from rank-and-file members of the unions across the country is one of deep disappointment, not only with Government but with those who signed on their behalf,” the statement added.

The Minority is demanding an immediate review of the remuneration agreement and has called for the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee to reconvene to negotiate a wage framework that reflects the actual cost of living.

It also wants future salary negotiations to take account of increases in utility tariffs and essential commodities, while urging organised labour leaders to disclose the proposals presented during negotiations and explain why they accepted the two-year deal.

The statement was signed by Mavis Nkansah Boadu, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions.

The Minority maintained that public sector workers deserved fair compensation and better protection against rising living costs.