Mahama is the only President to negotiate with Organised Labour- GFL
The Chairman of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has commended President John Mahama for actively participating in the negotiation of salary increments for public sector workers.
The government has approved a 10 percent wage hike for public sector workers following successful negotiations between the Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama.
This marks the second wage adjustment in less than a year. The latest pay rise follows a significant 23 percent salary adjustment in 2024, aimed at cushioning workers against rising living costs.
President Mahama personally engaged with union representatives to secure their support for the increase, underscoring the government’s commitment to easing financial burdens amid economic challenges.
Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, announced that the increment would take effect on March 1, 2025.
In an interview with Daakyehene Ofosu Agyemang on New York-based Adinkra Radio, Abraham Koomson did not hide his admiration for the president for personally engaging with the labour unions, stating that President Mahama is the only president to have personally negotiated with labour.
“I have been involved in labour union advocacy for more than 44 years now. Never have I seen any president attend a tripartite meeting before. No president has ever participated in a meeting to negotiate salary increments for workers. This is the first time a president himself has stepped forward to speak directly with leaders of the various labour unions about salary increases. John Mahama is the first president to do this, and he must be commended.
“In fact, we were not expecting the President to come to the negotiation table. We thought it would be the Finance and Employment Ministers attending, as has always been the case. The President’s presence and speech convinced us to accept the 10 percent increment.”
