The government is reviewing the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) to address concerns raised by public sector workers about fairness and its ability to meet their needs, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has said.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues programme on Monday, July 7, 2025, Dr Pelpuo said the salary structure remains in use, but a review is currently underway to assess whether it still serves its intended purpose.

“The Single Spine Salary Structure is functional, but there’s a call for a review to ensure it reflects workers’ needs,” he said. “We’re examining a report from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, led by Benjamin Arthur in 2024, to assess proposed changes.”

He explained that the Tripartite Committee, made up of government, employers, and organised labour, will study the report before the government decides on the next steps.

“The government will take action to ensure salaries are equitable and sustainable,” Dr Pelpuo added.

The SSSS was introduced in 2010 to harmonise public sector pay, but over the years, it has attracted criticism for perceived disparities and low motivation among certain professional groups.

Calls for a review have grown louder in recent months, driven by rising inflation and cost-of-living challenges.

Dr Pelpuo’s remarks come at a time of broader labour discussions linked to the government’s 24-hour economy policy, which aims to shift job creation from the public to the private sector to reduce pressure on the national wage bill.

He acknowledged that although public sector salaries remain necessary, they continue to weigh heavily on government finances. A 10 per cent salary increment this year is expected to cost the government an additional GH¢4 billion.

“We need to ensure productivity and fairness in pay structures while balancing fiscal sustainability,” he said.