Dr Rashid Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, has called for a comprehensive review of the public sector pay regime, particularly the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP).

Speaking at the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in Accra, he said an equitable and sustainable wage structure would enhance productivity, promote good governance, and support macroeconomic stability.

“As newly appointed members of the Governing Board of one of the country’s most important institutions, I congratulate you and urge you to approach this responsibility with utmost dedication,” he stated.

Dr Pelpuo noted that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission Act, 2007, provided the framework for implementing public sector pay policies, excluding Article 71 office holders.

However, managing the public wage bill within sustainable limits remained a challenge.

“The public wage bill continues to be a major source of budget overruns and has been characterised by significant inequities across sectors,” he said.

Dr Pelpuo reaffirmed government’s commitment, in line with the 2020–2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto, to establish an independent Emoluments Commission.

This would involve merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the FWSC, as recommended by the Constitutional Review Commission.

“This policy initiative is a priority for the President, who is determined to ensure fairness and equity in public sector salary administration,” he added.

He urged the new Board to address long-standing challenges in the pay system and develop mechanisms to reduce industrial unrest, especially strike actions linked to salary disparities.

“If we can get to a point where labour agitations become a thing of the past, and every worker understands and accepts their remuneration as fair and just, that will be a significant national achievement,” he said.

Dr Pelpuo pledged the Ministry’s full support to the Commission and expressed optimism that the Board would implement forward-looking policies to improve wage administration.

“Let us work together to create a system where worker-government-employer relationships are based on fairness, trust, and mutual understanding,” he added.

Samuel Adu-Yeboah, Board Chairman, thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged the Board’s commitment to serve Ghana and all workers who benefit from the FWSC’s work.

“We pray to finish our work in great strides,” he said.

Other members of the Board include Annis Moghthar Mohayideen, Hilda Ashie, Shadrack Mensah, Joyce Asiedu-Ofei, Dr Prince E. Sarah, and Dr George Smith-Graham.