Ghana nets GH₵345m savings from Payroll cleanup

Accra, Ghana - The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has announced a significant saving of GH₵345 million for the Ghanaian government through a nationwide payroll monitoring exercise conducted in 2023.

The 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, revealed the savings during a press briefing, highlighting the exercise's success in reducing the wage bill and promoting transparency.

The Minister also praised the peaceful and stable labour environment in Ghana, attributing it to collaborative efforts between social partners.

He noted that the Ministry had successfully resolved all industrial disputes in the past seven and a half years, ensuring a peaceful labour front.

Additionally, the Minister discussed 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 Ministry will continue with the work of improving the welfare of workers and employers while maintaining a peaceful labour front" he said.

The new Labour Bill includes reforms such as prohibiting certain actions by private employment agencies, extending maternity leave, and providing protection against violence and harassment in the workplace.

The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining industrial peace and harmony, ensuring the welfare of workers and employers, and focusing on maintaining high levels of income for both workers and pensioners.

The Fair Wages Commission's Chief Executive, Benjamin Arthur, emphasized that the payroll monitoring exercise aimed to ensure public sector employees received accurate salaries, allowances, and benefits, uncovering several anomalies and minimizing ghost workers on the government payroll.

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

Source:Lead News Online