The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, has praised Organised Labour for its restraint, maturity and willingness to compromise during the 2026 public sector salary negotiations, saying the approach helped preserve industrial harmony as Ghana continues its economic recovery.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo said the constructive engagement demonstrated by labour unions throughout the negotiations was instrumental in securing an agreement that balanced the interests of workers with the country’s economic realities.
He noted that Organised Labour’s commitment to dialogue played a key role in maintaining industrial peace at a time when the government is working to stabilise the economy.
This year’s salary negotiations drew significant public attention after Organised Labour proposed a 30 percent pay increase to cushion public sector workers against the rising cost of living.
The government, however, maintained that the country’s recovering economy could not support the proposed adjustment. After several rounds of negotiations, both parties reached a compromise, resulting in the approval of a 9 percent salary increase for public sector workers.
According to Dr. Pelpuo, the outcome demonstrates the value of dialogue, compromise and good-faith negotiations in resolving labour disputes.
He said while government faced fiscal constraints, Organised Labour had legitimate concerns about the welfare of workers, adding that the final agreement reflected a balanced approach acceptable to both sides.
The Labour Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting existing jobs while implementing policies aimed at creating more employment opportunities for young people.
He emphasised that maintaining strong labour relations remains one of the ministry’s key priorities, describing industrial peace as essential to boosting productivity and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Pelpuo, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Wa Central, has recently received recognition from several organisations for his contributions to labour relations and public service.
Among the honours is a citation from a parliamentary group acknowledging his commitment to community development, including support for education and other development initiatives in his constituency.
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has also recognised the minister for his efforts to strengthen labour relations and promote the welfare of Ghanaian workers.
Several local and international organisations have similarly honoured Dr. Pelpuo for his contributions to national development, labour relations and public service.
Source: 3news
