Ghanaian workers are “magicians” – Kofi Kapito on 9% wage increase
Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Kofi Kapito, has described Ghanaian workers as “magicians” for their ability to survive despite worsening living conditions, even after the government announced a 9% increase in the national daily minimum wage for 2026.
Reacting to the new wage adjustment in an interview, Mr. Kapito acknowledged that while the increase is a positive step, it is unlikely to bring real relief to workers struggling with high rent, food prices, and utility costs.
“You hear the workers complaining because nothing has gone down.Rent is even worse, landlords now demand more than a year’s rent in advance. Before, some were kind enough to take one year, but now they ask for two,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Mr. Kapito recalled an incident from the era of former President Hilla Limann, when parliamentarian Kweku Baah dramatically demonstrated the cost of living in Ghana.
“He brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner to Parliament to show that each meal cost one cedi. At the time, the average worker earned three cedis a day. His question was if one person’s meals cost three cedis, how could a worker care for his wife, children, and other needs?”
According to Mr. Kapito, the same situation exists today. Despite occasional salary increases, inflation and the rising cost of living continue to erode workers’ earnings.
“That’s why I say Ghanaians are magicians because somehow, people still manage to survive,” he remarked.
The National Tripartite Committee recently approved a 9% increase in the national daily minimum wage, raising it from GH₵19.97 to GH₵21.77.
The committee explained that the adjustment aims to cushion workers against inflation and rising living costs.
However, labour unions have expressed mixed reactions.
While some see the increase as progress, others argue that it fails to match current market realities.
Economists have also cautioned that unless inflation and rent control are effectively addressed, the real value of wage increases will continue to decline, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.