Ghana raises public sector workers’ base pay by 9%
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 3News
Ghanaian public sector workers will receive a 9% increase in their base pay from 1 January 2027, with one percentage point set aside to correct pay inequalities, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced in the 2027 budget. The government plans a two-year transition to an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, according to 3News.
Ghanaian public sector workers paid under the Single Spine Salary Structure, the unified public sector salary scale, will receive a 9% increase in their base pay from 1 January 2027, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Thursday 12 November during the presentation of the 2027 budget to Parliament.
One percentage point of the increase will be devoted to conditions of service, including pay disparities and inequalities in the public sector. The National Tripartite Committee, which brings together the government, employers and workers, agreed on the rate taking into account the cost of living, labour productivity and employers’ ability to pay, according to Cassiel Ato Forson.
The government plans a two-year transition, in 2027 and 2028, towards an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, a new commission responsible for overseeing public sector remuneration. During this period, new allowances, general reviews of conditions of service and special salary schemes will be subject to stricter oversight, while maintaining existing legal obligations and negotiation mechanisms, the Finance Minister said.
The government also proposes putting to a referendum the question of bringing holders of offices covered by Article 71 of the Constitution, including the president, ministers and MPs, under the new remuneration system. The announcement comes as part of the presentation of the Ghana 2027 budget, whose broad outlines Cassiel Ato Forson presented on 31 July.
