The Minority in Parliament has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed 10% wage increase for public sector workers, labeling it as inadequate in the face of rising living costs.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the increment falls short of providing meaningful financial relief for public sector employees.
He highlighted past salary increments to emphasize the inadequacy of the latest adjustment.
“In 2017, public sector workers enjoyed a 12.5% increase in pay. In 2018, they enjoyed 11%, in 2020 there was a 15% increase, and in 2021 there was a 4% plus an interim premium of 15%. In 2022, there was a 15% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) on the base salary.
“In 2023, there was a 30% increase, and in 2024, there was a 23% increase between January and June and 25% from July to December. Now, we are facing just a 10% increment. The leader of government business must take note and inform the President that these are the numbers he came to meet.
“The ordinary Ghanaian worker has a higher expectation in this 24-hour economy. They have a legitimate expectation that President Mahama will do better. The 10% is unacceptable,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
In contrast, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga praised the Labour Union’s acceptance of the 10% salary increase, describing it as an endorsement of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.