- Ghana saves GH₵345m through payroll monitoring.
- Exercise covers 120 public sector institutions.
- Minister highlights peaceful labour environment.
- Labour Act to be reviewed for modern workplace needs.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has achieved a significant milestone by saving Ghana GH₵345 million through a nationwide payroll monitoring exercise conducted in 2023.
This initiative covered 120 public sector institutions, aiming to reduce the wage bill and enhance transparency in public sector employment.
Minister for Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, announced the savings during a Minister’s press briefing in Accra.
He highlighted that the payroll monitoring exercise significantly reduced the wage bill, resulting in substantial savings for the government.
The Minister also emphasized the peaceful and stable labour environment in Ghana, attributing it to collaborative efforts of social partners.
He noted that the Ministry had successfully resolved all industrial disputes that threatened peace and security in the country over the past seven and a half years.
The Ministry is reviewing key sector legislation, including the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), to make it more comprehensive and suitable for modern workplace needs.
The new Labour Bill includes reforms such as prohibiting certain actions by private employment agencies, extending maternity leave, and providing protection against violence and harassment in the workplace.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining industrial peace and harmony, as well as ensuring the welfare of workers and employers.
The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Benjamin Arthur, emphasized that the payroll monitoring exercise aimed to ensure public sector employees received accurate salaries, allowances, and benefits.
