Wage Reforms Must Be Backed By Broader Consultation- Labour Minister to FWSC

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, says efforts to reform Ghana’s public sector compensation system must be backed by broader consultation and constructive dialogue to prevent disagreements from escalating into industrial action.

He made the remarks during a working visit to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), where he engaged management on issues relating to public sector remuneration, allowances, labour relations and the proposed Independent Emoluments Commission.

The Minister acknowledged the complexities surrounding the reforms but stressed that the Commission must stay focused on its mandate while engaging more broadly with organised labour, affected institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

According to him, Government remains committed to working with the Commission to ensure the reforms are properly implemented in a manner that protects the interests of workers and maintains the sustainability of public finances.

He noted that some disparities in remuneration are rooted in historical arrangements under previous compensation regimes and urged the FWSC to clearly explain the rationale behind its decisions and prioritise dialogue.

“It’s a matter of negotiation. It’s a matter of explaining it to them,” Hon. Agyekum said.

The Chief Executive of the FWSC, Dr Graham, said successive compensation arrangements had resulted in the introduction of several allowances to address gaps in remuneration, and that the Commission is working to consolidate some of them as part of the transition to a more coherent and sustainable framework.

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