Bolgatanga: Some public sector workers in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region have expressed mixed feelings about the 10 per cent salary increment by the government. Government increased the Base Pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) by 10 per cent across board from January 2025 to December 2025 following successful negotiations between Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama. The increment, which would take effect on March 1, 2025, was determined by economic conditions and cost of living.
According to Ghana News Agency, in random interviews with some public sector workers, especially in the education and health sectors, mixed feelings about the increment were expressed. Madam Sophia Agambila, an Ophthalmic Nurse, noted she expected an increment of 15 per cent or more, though she acknowledged the necessity to manage with the 10 per cent and expressed hope for future improvements.
Mr. Emmanuel Abane Allan, a security guard with the Ghana Health Service, found the 10 per cent increase to be a good start given the country's economic situation. He emphasized the importance of supporting the government under current conditions, but also expressed the expectation that any economic stabilization should be reflected in future salary adjustments.
Mr. Francis Abaah Ayam, a Lecturer at the Bolgatanga Technical University, compared the 10 per cent increase to the current inflation rate of about 23.5 per cent, suggesting the increment was inadequate. He voiced concerns about potential inflation increases affecting salaries and cost of living, advocating for a 25 per cent increase to prevent public sector workers from being shortchanged.
Ms. Patricia Awimbillah, a Registered Community Health Nurse, partly agreed with Ayam's view. She acknowledged the increment did not match the inflation rate but considered it wise to accept President Mahama's proposal for the time being, with hopes for future increments.
Lastly, a teacher, Madam Sophia Akumagoa Bawa, accepted the 10 per cent increment based on President Mahama's explanation and noted that some Labour Experts and Economists had anticipated even less than a 10 per cent increase. She expressed hope for further salary adjustments in the future.