After months of stalled negotiations and rising tensions, the Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has successfully concluded and signed its Collective Agreement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), representing the government.

The two-year agreement, which takes effect from August 1, 2025, outlines comprehensive benefits and allowances for members of HASAG, a key milestone that will serve as a morale booster for the association’s workforce.

It brings closure to a period marked by uncertainty and agitation among HASAG members.

Signed on Thursday at the FWSC in Accra, the collective agreement includes provisions for a range of allowances such as duty, posting, protective clothing, vehicle maintenance, occupational health, accommodation, medical subsidy, call-in, and overtime allowances, among others.

These packages are expected to significantly improve the working conditions of health accounting staff across the country.

In addition to the agreed allowances, HASAG members shall enjoy other benefits which are not specifically spelt out in the agreement but which are enjoyed by members in their respective facilities and agencies in line with section 105(4) of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651

Dr. George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the FWSC, signed for the employer represented by the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment; the Ministry of Finance; and the Ministry of Health; while Emmanuel Dennis Kofi Amoah, President of HASAG, signed for the association.

Dr. Smith-Graham commended the leadership of HASAG for its cooperation and commitment to constructive dialogue throughout the negotiation process.

He was optimistic that the implementation of the agreement would enhance both performance and productivity among the members of the association.

Acknowledging that all the demands of the association could not be met, he said, “It’s our expectation that the general economy will improve so that it reflects in the improved conditions of service for workers.”

For his part, Mr. Amoah expressed gratitude for the eventual consensus and underscored the importance of effective implementation of the agreement.

“This agreement is a major victory for our members. We are optimistic that the employer will honour the terms fully, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with the FWSC to resolve any issues that may arise during implementation,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns about disparities in market premiums for similar category of workers, and called on the Commission to consider addressing the disparities to ensure fairness.

Mrs Lizzy-Ann Kwagbedzi, deputy CEO of Gamey and Gamey Group, consultants for the association, for her part, noted that “even though we didn’t get all we wanted, we are pleased with how far we have come, and look forward to future negotiations.

She urged the implementing agencies, including the ministries of health and finance, to ensure a smooth implementation phase.

With the agreement now in place, HASAG members can look forward to improved incentives and better working conditions, reinforcing the crucial role they play in Ghana’s health administration system.