Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations says the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has saved Ghana GH₵345 million following a comprehensive nationwide payroll monitoring exercise in 2023.
Bafdour Awuah said the initiative which spanned 120 public sector institutions, was designed to curtail the escalating wage bill and enhance transparency within public sector employment.
He cited that the payroll monitoring exercise had not only reduced the wage bill but also yielded substantial savings for the government.
Mr. Baffour Awuah further acknowledged the stable and peaceful labour environment in Ghana, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of social partners. He said that, with the support of key stakeholders, the Ministry successfully resolved all industrial disputes that posed a threat to peace and security in the country over the past seven and a half years.
“The Ministry will continue with the work of improving the welfare of workers and employers while maintaining a peaceful labour front,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister referenced the ongoing review of critical sector legislation, including the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), to ensure it meets the demands of the modern workplace. The new Labour Bill, he explained, proposes reforms such as prohibiting certain practices by private employment agencies, extending maternity leave, and offering protection against workplace violence and harassment.
Mr Baffour Awuah stressed the importance of maintaining industrial peace and harmony while ensuring the welfare of both workers and employers. He pointed out the government’s focus on securing substantial income levels for workers and pensioners alike, noting the highest adjustment to the Base Pay since the Single Spine Pay Policy’s introduction in 2010, as well as a 25 percent increase in monthly pensions for SSNIT pensioners.
The Minister also detailed other significant achievements of the Ministry, including enhancing the operational capacity of the Labour Department, implementing job creation initiatives, and improving pension management. He cautioned jobseekers to remain vigilant against fraudulent employment schemes, clarifying that the Ministry does not serve as a recruitment body.
Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, mentioned at the briefing that the payroll monitoring exercise was aimed at ensuring public sector employees received the correct salaries, allowances, and benefits.
He said that the exercise had uncovered numerous discrepancies, reduced the number of ghost workers on the government payroll, and boosted the productivity of public sector workers.
“Overall, the payroll monitoring exercise has contributed to a more efficient, transparent, and accountable public sector payroll management system,” he said.
