John Dramani Mahama has announced sweeping reforms to Ghana’s public sector pay system, declaring 2026 a transition year toward the creation of an independent emoluments commission to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability.

Speaking at the Presidency during a high-level dialogue with Organised Labour, he stressed the need for urgent change, citing persistent pay disparities, recurring labour disputes and mounting pressure on public finances.

“Today’s meeting is not just a dialogue; it is a collective responsibility to reset and reimagine the future of work in Ghana,” he said.

President Mahama noted that the new commission will be built on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, which will be strengthened to serve as the technical backbone of a modern, independent system.

“This reform is not about dismantling what exists, but about building a transparent, rule-based and evidence-driven framework for determining public sector pay,” he explained.

He said the new system will link salaries to productivity, labour market realities, fiscal sustainability and national priorities, while addressing inequities and rationalising allowances.

“Our goal is to move away from fragmented, ad hoc decisions towards a system that is fair to workers and sustainable for the country,” he added.

The President assured Organised Labour that the reforms will be implemented in phases and in full consultation with stakeholders, with the initial framework covering public institutions and state-owned enterprises.

He clarified that Article 71 officeholders will only be included after the necessary constitutional processes are completed.

As part of the transition, he indicated that 2026 will not involve a full renegotiation of conditions of service.