The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has saved Ghana a substantial GH?345 million through a nationwide payroll monitoring exercise conducted in 2023.

This initiative, which covered 120 public sector institutions, aimed 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 organized by the Ministry of Information in Accra.

He highlighted that the payroll monitoring exercise significantly reduced the wage bill, resulting in substantial savings for the government.

Industrial Harmony

Mr. Baffour Awuah also emphasized the peaceful and stable labour environment in Ghana, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of social partners. He noted that, with the support of key stakeholders, 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 will continue with the work of improving the welfare of workers and employers while maintaining a peaceful labour front.”

He also mentioned the ongoing review of 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, he said, includes reforms such as prohibiting certain actions by private employment agencies, extending maternity leave, and providing protection against violence and harassment in the workplace.

Commitment to Worker Welfare

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining industrial peace and harmony, as well as ensuring the welfare of workers and employers. He highlighted the government’s focus on maintaining high levels of income for both workers and pensioners, citing the highest adjustment of the Base Pay since the introduction of the Single Spine Pay Policy in 2010 and the 25 percent increment in monthly pensions for SSNIT pensioners.

In addition, he outlined other achievements of the Ministry, including strengthening the operational capacity of the Labour Department, job creation initiatives, and improvements in pension management.

He also cautioned jobseekers to be wary of fraudulent employment schemes, stressing that the Ministry is not a recruitment body.

Benefits of Payroll Monitoring

During a question-and-answer session, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Benjamin Arthur, emphasised that the payroll monitoring exercise aimed to ensure public sector employees received accurate salaries, allowances, and benefits.

He noted that the exercise had uncovered several anomalies, minimized ghost workers on the government payroll, and enhanced the productivity of public sector workers.

“Overall, the payroll monitoring exercise has contributed to a more efficient, transparent, and accountable public sector payroll management system,” he said.