Dr. Yaw Baah, Former Secretary-General, TUC
A former Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Yaw Baah, has expressed deep concern over the wages of public sector workers, describing them as inadequate and unacceptable.
According to him, Ghana’s current minimum wage, which is just slightly above one dollar, is a disgrace.
He emphasized that the National Tripartite Committee must negotiate a better deal for public sector workers regarding the minimum wage.
Currently, Ghana’s minimum wage stands at GH¢18.15, a rate that has been strongly opposed by workers.
Dr. Baah further stated that this wage is woefully insufficient and an insult to workers who dedicate an entire day’s labor for such low compensation.
“This is not the Ghana we wanted to build. This is not the Ghana Kwame Nkrumah envisioned. After 68 years of independence, the people of Ghana are working eight hours for just one dollar. This is a big shame. I hold both the government and employers accountable for keeping the minimum wage so low,” Dr. Baah stated.
He urged employers to acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and take action during the ongoing wage negotiations.
“It is simply wrong, and I hope that in these negotiations, employers will realize the gravity of this issue,” he was quoted as saying by Citi Newsroom.
The National Tripartite Committee, which consists of representatives from the government, employers, and organised labor/associations, has commenced discussions to determine the 2025 minimum wage.
The committee began negotiations on February 3, 2025, marking an important step in setting wage standards for the upcoming financial year.
SSD/MA
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