The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) has defended the newly approved 9% increase in the 2026 base pay, describing it as a realistic compromise that takes into account Ghana’s current economic conditions.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Monday, November 10, General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah, said that although labour initially proposed a 50% raise, unions agreed to settle for 9% after considering inflation trends, employment levels, and the broader fiscal environment.
“How can you say excited? It was… that is what we would get… we are not excited,” he remarked when asked whether labour was pleased with the outcome.
“Labour started from fifty percent, and government also started from two percent… with the justification government was giving—one being the inflation rate around 8% now… we had to consider employment and recruitment into the public service.”
He noted that labour’s decision was guided by a sense of national responsibility and the need to sustain economic stability. “It was a win-win… this is our country… we think that is the best for the country,” he said.
Mr. Azortibah further commended the process, describing it as transparent and engaging. “We had five or six meetings. We went on Friday morning, Friday evening, and Sunday… it’s not like when they start out with a cup of tea and we sign,” he added.
His comments follow the signing of a new wage agreement between Government and Organized Labour, which raises the base pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) by 9% for the 2026 fiscal year.
The agreement, concluded on Sunday, November 9, 2025, under the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC), will take effect from January to December 2026.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
