Alexander Afenyo-Markin (R) wants President John Dramani Mahama (L) to do better
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the government’s 10 percent increase in base pay, describing it as inadequate and unacceptable.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 21, 2025, he argued that the increment falls short of expectations, pointing out that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration handled salary adjustments for public sector workers more favourably.
“In 2017, public sector workers enjoyed a 12.5 percent increment; in 2018, 11 percent; in 2020, 15 percent; in 2021, there was a 4 percent increase plus an interim premium of 15 percent; in 2022, there was a 15 percent COLA on base salary; in 2023, 30 percent; and in 2024, 23 percent between January and June, then 25 percent from July to December. We have just heard a paltry increase of 10 percent,” he stated.
He urged the government to reconsider its approach, emphasising that Ghanaian workers had higher expectations, particularly in the context of the 24-Hour Economy policy.
“The leader of government business must take note of this and inform the president that these are the numbers he came to meet. The ordinary Ghanaian worker has a legitimate expectation that President Mahama, if he cannot match it, will do better. Mr. Speaker, the 10 percent is unacceptable,” he insisted.
The National Tripartite Committee (NTC) has announced a 10 percent increase in Ghana’s National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2025, bringing the new rate to GH₵19.97.
The decision was reached at a meeting held in Accra on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
JKB/AE
Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below: