Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has slammed the government’s decision to increase public sector base pay by only 10%, calling it insufficient and unacceptable.
The Tripartite Committee concluded negotiations on the 2025 salary adjustment yesterday, finalising the 10% increment.
However, speaking in Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin criticised the figure, arguing that the previous Akufo-Addo administration had done a much better job in ensuring fair salary adjustments.
“In 2017, public sector workers enjoyed a 12.5% increase; in 2018, it was 11%; in 2020, 15%; in 2021, a 4% raise plus an interim premium of 15%; in 2022, a 15% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) on base salary; in 2023, 30%; and in 2024, 23% between January and June, then 25% from July to December. Now, we are being told of a mere 10% increase,” he argued on February 21.
He urged the government to reconsider, stating that Ghanaian workers expected more, especially given the current economic challenges.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the decision, attributing the modest increase to the economic difficulties inherited from the previous administration.
He insisted that organised labour had accepted the 10% increment as a sign of confidence in President Mahama’s leadership.
“At the end of negotiations, union leaders gladly accepted the 10% increase, understanding the economic situation. Their acceptance shows trust in President Mahama’s commitment to responsible financial management,” he stated.
