Accra, Ghana — November 3, 2025
A coalition of Ghanaian labour unions has issued a scathing rebuke of the leadership of Organised Labour, accusing it of weak representation, lack of transparency, and betrayal of workers’ interests in the ongoing 2026 Base Pay negotiations with the Government of Ghana.
In a strongly worded statement released today, union leaders expressed outrage over what they described as a “meagre” and “suspicious” proposal of a 20% base pay increase—later reduced to 15%—presented by Organised Labour at the start of negotiations. The government’s counteroffer of 2.5%, later adjusted to 5%, was condemned as “insulting” and “disrespectful” to public sector workers who continue to deliver essential services under worsening economic conditions.
“The average Ghanaian worker is battling high utility tariffs, abnormal taxes, and a rising cost of living,” the statement read. “It is shocking and unacceptable that Organised Labour would begin negotiations with such a weak proposal, failing to reflect the magnitude of suffering across the country.”
Union leaders pointed to the 2025 base pay negotiations as a cautionary tale, where Organised Labour accepted a 10% increase early in the year, only for the government to hike utility tariffs by 21% shortly thereafter—effectively nullifying the wage gains and deepening workers’ financial hardship.
They argue that a credible negotiation should have started with a demand of no less than 50%, citing the erosion of real income and the widening gap between workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and those outside it. The unions also emphasized the long-term implications of base pay decisions on Social Security benefits, warning that inadequate increases jeopardize workers’ retirement security.
Beyond the figures, the unions condemned the negotiation process itself, citing a lack of consultation, inclusivity, and media transparency. “How can Organised Labour present a proposal without input from other unions or a single meeting among stakeholders?” they asked. “Why were journalists barred from post-negotiation briefings? This secrecy undermines accountability and raises serious questions about whose interests are being served.”
The statement calls on Organised Labour to realign with the true interests of Ghanaian workers and urges the government to return to the negotiation table with a realistic offer that reflects the actual cost of living. “This is not the time to compromise,” the unions declared. “Ghanaian workers deserve a living wage and transparent representation—not leadership seen to be dancing to the tune of the government.”
The unions warned that if the final outcome of the 2026 negotiations fails to favour labour, they will reject it and take necessary steps to defend the welfare of their members.
The statement was signed by prominent union leaders including Stephen Desu, founder of Innovative Teachers; Isaac Donkoh, immediate past national chairman of SSA-UoG; Harruna Rafik and Daniel Kweku Obo Manuel, branch chairmen of SSA-UoG; Philip Kweku Odei, vice chairman of SSA-UoG; and Benjamin Nkumash, chairman of TEWU of TUC, UG-Branch.
Their message is clear: Ghanaian workers will not be silenced, and they demand leadership that fights for their dignity, livelihood, and future.
