The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has expressed cautious optimism about the government’s recent decision to increase salaries by 10%.

He acknowledged the move as a positive step forward despite the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.

Mr. Koomson explained that, given the lingering effects of economic mismanagement by the previous administration, he had not expected any salary increase this year.

He described the 10% raise as modest but commendable in the current circumstances.

The National Tripartite Committee (NTC) announced a 10% increase in Ghana’s National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2025, setting the new rate at GH₵19.97.

The announcement was made during a meeting in Accra on 20th February 2025. The directive requires all establishments, institutions, and organisations to implement the new wage policy.

This adjustment is part of broader efforts to provide fair compensation for workers while balancing the need for economic stability and business sustainability.

Speaking to journalists in Accra, Mr. Koomson revealed that both the Finance Minister and the Minister of Employment had pushed for a higher salary increase but were constrained by the country’s financial realities.

Reflecting on the nation’s economic state, he criticised the previous administration for what he described as reckless spending, which he claimed has had a lasting impact on Ghana’s finances.

“Labour unions observed the reckless expenditure of the past government, yet many chose to remain silent. Now, the entire nation is grappling with the fallout,” Mr. Koomson said.

He also echoed President John Mahama’s description of the economy as resembling a “crime scene,” attributing the current financial challenges to excessive and wasteful spending by the former administration.

While the 10% increase has been welcomed as a positive step, Mr. Koomson stressed the need for fiscal discipline and responsible governance to ensure sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for workers across the nation.