The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has explained that the government’s decision to maintain a 9% salary increase for all public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the 2026 fiscal year forms part of a broader strategy to balance wage growth, recruitment needs, and overall economic sustainability.
According to Dr. Forson, although labour unions had anticipated a higher adjustment, government must prioritise both the wage bill and the expansion of staffing in key sectors. He noted that the 9% increment is linked to budgetary provisions for new public sector recruitment—an obligation the administration committed to upon assuming office.
The explanation comes after labour unions expressed disappointment with the announcement, stating they accepted the initial 9% increase earlier in the government’s tenure based on assurances of expanded public sector employment.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 14, 2025, Dr. Forson emphasised that the salary decision seeks to balance fair wages with the need to bring in more staff.
“The difference is not only the 9%. We also made budgetary allocations for recruitment—about 10,000 additional staff for the public sector. This is part of an initiative we began earlier, although unfortunately some staff losses occurred. The GHS 90 billion allocated in the budget includes provisions for recruitment,” he explained.
His comments follow recent demonstrations by groups of unemployed teachers and nurses demanding immediate postings or payment of ten months’ salary arrears.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Forson noted that the issue is deepened by a significant backlog of qualified graduates who have been waiting for employment for years.
“We have a backlog going as far back as 2021. Many graduates from nursing and teacher training colleges have not been employed to date. Combined, the number is around 150,000. The GHS 90 billion allocation cannot absorb all of them. Sector ministries will have to manage this challenge,” he said.
The Finance Minister reiterated that while the government remains committed to employing essential workers, recruitment must be undertaken responsibly.
“We must balance recruitment with our obligation to provide public goods and grow the economy. We need nurses, doctors, and teachers, but these recruitments must be carefully planned. For example, you need hospitals before employing nurses and doctors, and schools before employing teachers. It requires a thoughtful balance between staffing needs and the country’s capacity to utilise these professionals effectively,” he added.
Source: theghanareport
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