The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has demanded a complete revamp of Ghana’s pay system, describing the current wage structure as unjust, demoralising, and out of touch with economic realities.
Speaking to thousands of workers at the Black Star Square during the 2025 May Day celebration, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah said workers had hit a breaking point.
He slammed the GH¢19.97 daily minimum wage—equivalent to $1.28—as disgraceful and far from a living wage, noting that many workers still earn below this amount despite working full shifts.
Mr. Ansah described the single spine salary structure as outdated and called for a new, transparent wage-setting mechanism based on real economic indicators like food prices, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education.
He criticised the wide pay disparity between Article 71 office holders and public sector workers, calling the difference “obscene.” He revealed that some state CEOs receive rent allowances far exceeding the total salaries of senior public servants.
The TUC wants Article 71 scrapped and replaced with an integrated, fair pay structure within four years.
On pensions, Mr. Ansah highlighted disturbing inequalities, where some retirees receive under GH¢500 monthly while others take home over GH¢200,000. He called for an urgent reform and unification of the pension system, decrying government interference in SSNIT and second-tier pension schemes.
Mr. Ansah also raised alarms over increasing victimisation of unionised workers, referencing the sacking of three employees at Sunon Asogli for joining the Ghana Mine Workers Union. He urged President Mahama to intervene and ensure the reinstatement of the affected workers.
The TUC also called attention to mass layoffs at public institutions, particularly the Ghana Maritime Authority, and cautioned against the suspension and possible removal of the Chief Justice, describing it as a potential threat to democracy.
Turning to the environment, Mr. Ansah urged the President to revoke Legislative Instrument 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, warning that galamsey was worsening.
He urged the government to lead a new era of sustainable land use and environmental protection.
He strongly opposed any plans to privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), warning that it would worsen challenges in the energy sector and called for a full diagnostic review instead.
Finally, the TUC boss called on the government to reinvest in labour institutions, warning that underfunding key bodies like the National Labour Commission and the Ministry of Labour could lead to strikes and unrest.
He reminded authorities that peaceful industrial relations depend on strong, well-resourced social dialogue structures.
