Mahama Urges Labour Unions to Exercise Moderation in 2025 Wage Demands
Accra, Ghana – February 19, 2025
President John Dramani Mahama has called on labour unions to be moderate in their wage demands for 2025, assuring workers that once the economy stabilises, his administration will push for higher remuneration.
The appeal came during a National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, where government representatives, employers, and labour unions negotiated the 2025 base pay increase.
10% Wage Increase for 2025 Agreed
Following negotiations, the committee settled on a 10% increase in base pay for 2025—the second wage adjustment in less than a year, after a 23% increment in 2024.
Addressing union leaders, Mahama urged patience and collective effort in rebuilding the economy, stating:
“I’ll just appeal to you that let’s tamper our demands for this year, and once we get out of the woods, we’ll set good targets to bring inflation down so that the cost of everything will come down.”
Commitment to Fair Wages and Independent Salary Committee
Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to fair wages, proposing the establishment of an independent emoluments committee to determine salaries for all workers, including the President.
“We’re prepared to walk this journey with you, but let’s reach an agreement on this one so that we’ll use this year as the year of correction. Once the economy moves in the direction we are hoping for, maybe if you suggest 35%, I’ll support you because it will affect my pay too,” he assured.
Labour unions have acknowledged the President’s assurances but emphasized the need for concrete economic policies to improve workers’ living standards.
With inflation concerns still present, the 2025 wage adjustment will be a critical test of Mahama’s ability to balance economic recovery and worker welfare.
