Editorial: President Mahama Is On The Right Trajectory

President John Dramani Mahama, according to a story published by myjoyonline.com has assured public sector workers that if the economy recovers, he will ensure higher remuneration for them in the coming year. He made this statement in Accra yesterday (Thursday) while attending the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, where the government announced a 10% increase in the base pay for public sector workers.

Organised labour had previously called for an increase in the base pay and according to the Labour Minister, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, the daily minimum wage has now risen to GH? 19.97. “Let’s temper our demands for this year. Once we recover from these challenges, we will set realistic targets to bring down inflation, which will lower the cost of living. We will focus on growing the economy to improve things. Once the economy expands, we will share the benefits accordingly.

“I am simply appealing to you to reach an agreement on this matter so that we can use this year as a period of correction. After we have made the necessary adjustments, we will see how the economy progresses. Once it moves in the direction we all hope for, and if we have an Independent Emoluments Committee, and if you propose a 35% increase, I will support it, as it will affect my pay too,” the portal quoted the president as saying.

We stand for correction though, but we think this is the first time a president of the nation has walked to the Labour Ministry to help the sector minister to negotiate with organised labour. This is a great innovation that should not be a nine day wonder, but be continued in the years ahead. The late President Jerry John Rawlings became one of the popular politicians in this country because of the way he interacted with the people.

Per this example, even if labour had adopted a hard stance in their negotiations with government, they will soften it because of the presence of the president and for the fact that he cares about their welfare. But the President should also bear in mind that labour has permanent interests and not permanent friends. Today he (Mahama) has managed to cajole them to accept his demand for low increment in salaries, but should he fail them tomorrow, the same labour will gnash their teeth at him.

It is, therefore, our expectation that President Mahama will lead his government to grow the economy as he has promised and pay the workers with the commiserate salaries. He must make sure he brings down inflation, which is causing major problems when it comes to the standard of living for most Ghanaians. Another major area the President did not unfortunately mention is the Cedi-Dollar volatility, which is causing rise in the cost of goods and services in the country. This conundrum must be solved to bring stability to the sector.

The President also mentioned Independent Emoluments Committee during his meeting with Labour. This is a committee he promised whilst in the ‘wilderness’ to take care of all government workers.

As the situation stands now, some of the government sector workers appear to be benefitting more than others, which Mr Mahama himself has admitted on numerous occasions, is not fair. Once again, he should remember that he was talking to labour and should he fail to honour his promise, the consequences can be dire. Most of the labour agitations this country has experienced in the past could sometimes be linked to the controversial Article 71 office holders and the benefits they are getting.

Whilst some of the government sector workers go home with peanuts, these Article 71 office holders are given huge packages. This obvious imbalance, we guess, is what President Mahama is trying to address. If he is able to achieve his aim, which must be a top priority, he would have succeeded in bringing stability to the labour front.

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