The government has approved a 9 percent salary increase for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year, as part of efforts to sustain economic recovery and improve living standards.
In a related development, the National Tripartite Committee has also agreed to a 9 percent upward adjustment in the national daily minimum wage, increasing it from GH₵19.97 to GH₵21.77, effective January 1 to December 31, 2026.
The agreement, signed on November 9, 2025, followed negotiations between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Organised Labour.
It marks another milestone in Ghana’s efforts to balance fiscal discipline with the need to protect workers’ incomes amid a gradually stabilising economy.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson commended Organised Labour for their cooperation, noting that the wage adjustment reflects government’s ongoing commitment to economic recovery and social equity.
“The country has gone through difficult times with high inflation and interest rates, but today both indicators have declined. Government is working to further reduce inflation from the current 8 percent to ease the burden on Ghanaians,” Dr. Forson said.
He assured workers that the Finance Ministry and the FWSC would ensure the full implementation of the new pay structure, adding that government’s focus remains on maintaining macroeconomic stability while improving conditions of service.
Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, praised both sides for the constructive dialogue that led to the deal.
He described the consensus as a testament to Ghana’s maturing industrial relations framework and the shared goal of sustaining labour peace.
“This outcome reflects government’s dedication to labour harmony and economic resilience,” Dr. Pelpuo said, adding that continuous collaboration between government and unions is vital to inclusive development.
FWSC Chief Executive Dr. George Smith-Graham also lauded Organised Labour’s role in supporting national recovery efforts.
He noted that their responsible engagement had helped maintain wage stability, a critical factor in sustaining investor confidence and public sector productivity.
On behalf of Organised Labour, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah acknowledged the sacrifices made by workers in accepting the 9 percent increase, describing it as a modest but necessary step forward.
He urged government to avoid introducing new taxes or tariff hikes that could erode the real value of the pay rise, and called for consistent adherence to the commitments outlined in the agreement.
“Workers have endured significant economic pressure in recent years. It is important that this increase brings real relief, not more hardship through indirect costs,” Mr. Ansah emphasised.
The 2026 salary and wage adjustments are expected to benefit thousands of public sector employees while setting the tone for broader labour market reforms aimed at productivity, equity, and sustainable wage growth.
