Gov’t committed to collaborating with NLC/NTC for decent working conditions

Gov’t committed to collaborating with NLC/NTC for decent working conditions

By Samuel SAM

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) and the National Labour Commission (NLC) in the collective pursuit of fair wages, decent working conditions and social justice for all. The goal is to align public sector pay with performance, equity and sustainability.

“For a long time, the issue of inadequate pay and challenging working conditions has overshadowed the immense efforts of our labour force.

In a world where the cost of living continues to rise and demands on workers are ever-increasing, it is imperative that we address these concerns with urgency and renewed purpose,” said Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John.

Speaking at this year’s May Day celebration held in Tamale, the minister said ensuring fair compensation and decent working conditions must become a lived reality for every Ghanaian worker.

He stressed that such improvements would motivate workers to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties, ultimately increasing national productivity and driving economic growth.

The event, held under the theme ‘Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders’, brought together representatives from various sectors of organised labour to commemorate the day.

Mr. Adolf John noted that a holistic approach is needed to ensure that wages are commensurate with the effort, skills and productivity of workers; and that they offer a decent standard of living.

He highlighted the progress Ghana has made over the years in labour rights and social protection — citing the adoption of progressive labour laws, the establishment of the NTC and the implementation of the National Pensions Scheme as key milestones.

However, he acknowledged that many workers still face numerous challenges, including inadequate wages, unsafe working conditions, delayed payments and gender disparities in both pay and opportunities.

“As a government, we express our deepest respect and gratitude to each and every one of you for your sacrifices toward the development of our nation,” he said. “Your dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment — from farmers and artisans to teachers — play a vital role in our region’s progress and national growth.”

He called on stakeholders to use the occasion to renew their determination to build a Ghana where every worker is respected, protected and fairly rewarded.

Also addressing the gathering, Madam Felicia Kraja, Northern Regional Secretary, representing the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) – Joshua Ansah, said the Ghanaian worker continues to bear the brunt of the ongoing economic crisis, with rising costs of living, inflationary shocks and declining real incomes.

She noted that even prior to the crisis, wages and working conditions in Ghana were inadequate.

Madam Kraja highlighted that the national daily minimum wage currently stands at just GH¢19.97 (approximately US$1.28) for an eight-hour workday — with a significant portion of the workforce earning below that. The minimum monthly salary under the Single Spine Salary Structure is GH¢741, or US$47.51.

“We demand a total reset of the pay regime in Ghana,” she said. “The current framework for wage determination is no longer fit for purpose. It does not sufficiently reflect the prevailing cost of living and basic needs of workers and their families.”

She called for a fair and transparent wage-setting mechanism, anchored on credible economic indicators such as food inflation, housing, transportation, healthcare and education.

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