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By Adoa News, November 11, 2025
Some labour unions have expressed deep disappointment over the 9 percent salary increase announced for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year.
The unions, including branches of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), argue that the increment is inadequate to cushion workers against the rising cost of living.
The government announced on November 9, 2025, a 9 per cent adjustment following negotiations with labour unions under the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee.
In addition, the National Tripartite Committee approved a 9 per cent increase in the national daily minimum wage, moving it from GH₵19.97 to GH₵21.77, effective January 1 to December 31, 2026.
However, several worker groups say the increment falls short of expectations given current economic hardships, including rising prices of goods and services and persistent inflationary pressures.
Speaking to Citi News on Monday, November 10, 2025, former National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, Isaac Donkor, described the new rate as disappointing and a failure of labour leadership to secure a fair deal.
“We are very disappointed because, as a group, we believe the leadership of organized labour did not bargain well for Ghanaian workers,” Mr. Donkor said.
“We cannot all be at the negotiation table, so we entrusted our destiny to them to secure something meaningful for 2026. But it appears they sold us out. They didn’t do a good job. The government bought us cheaply because we went cheaply, knowing very well that when it comes to negotiations, you don’t put one offer on the table and stick to it.”
Mr Donkor further urged labour leaders to reconsider their negotiation approach in future discussions and prioritise the welfare of workers, especially amid Ghana’s challenging economic climate.