The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions in Ghana's Parliament has strongly criticized the newly signed Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement for 2027 and 2028. The agreement, finalized on October 28, 2026, offers public sector workers a 9% total remuneration increase for 2027 and 10% for 2028. The Caucus described this increase as an insult to Ghanaian workers, especially considering the rising cost of living.
The Caucus, led by Ranking Member Mavis Nkansah Boadu, released a press statement on October 30, 2026, expressing their discontent with the agreement. They argued that public sector workers are facing sub-inflationary salary increments, while the cost of living has skyrocketed due to relentless adjustments administered by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The Caucus highlighted significant increases in utility tariffs, transport fares, and cooking gas.
The cost of living in Ghana has seen significant increases, with electricity costs rising by roughly 29% since the start of 2025. Water tariffs have increased by approximately 18%, while transport fares and cooking gas have also seen substantial hikes. Residential rents have risen by an estimated 8-14% year-on-year, with Accra at the upper end of that range. These increases have added to the financial burden on Ghanaian workers.
The Minority Caucus accused the government of unfair fiscal burden shifting, stating that it demands workers accept wage restraint for economic recovery while permitting relentless increases in utility tariffs, rent, transport fares, and cooking gas. This, they claim, effectively picks the pockets of teachers, nurses, and civil servants from both ends. The Caucus alleged bad faith in negotiations, describing the move to force a restrictive two-year framework as a tactic to tie the hands of workers.
The Caucus called on the leadership of organized labour to publish the proposals tabled and explain to its members the basis on which it accepted the deal. They demanded an immediate review of the remuneration framework through the reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee. The Caucus also requested holistic cost-of-living protection, true respect for Organised Labour, and accountability to the rank and file.
The Minority Caucus emphasized that Ghanaian workers deserve dignity, economic justice, and a fair share of national prosperity. They stressed that the 9% salary increase is a direct assault on the dignity of workers, especially when juxtaposed with the compounding burden of utility tariff increases imposed on citizens. The Caucus is pushing for a more substantial salary increase that reflects the current economic realities.
The issue has sparked a heated debate about the government's handling of public sector remuneration and the impact of utility tariff increases on Ghanaian workers. The Minority Caucus's criticism has highlighted the need for a review of the remuneration framework to ensure that public sector workers receive a fair share of national prosperity. The government's response to the Caucus's demands remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Minority Caucus criticizes the 9% salary increase for public sector workers, citing the rising cost of living and utility tariffs.
- The Caucus demands an immediate review of the remuneration framework and holistic cost-of-living protection.
- The issue has sparked a debate about the government's handling of public sector remuneration and the impact of utility tariff increases on Ghanaian workers.
