Government is moving to centralise and standardise public sector salaries with a new proposal to establish an independent body to oversee remuneration across all levels of public service.
President John Dramani Mahama announced plans for a National Emoluments Policy aimed at eliminating long-standing pay disparities and introducing a more structured and performance-driven compensation system.
Speaking during a Presidential Dialogue with Organised Labour at Jubilee House, the President said the reform would lay the foundation for an Independent Emoluments Commission—a constitutional body expected to determine salaries and benefits for all public officeholders.
Under the proposal, the Commission would have oversight ranging from the highest office to the lowest-paid public sector worker, ensuring consistency and fairness in remuneration.
The planned policy will also harmonise allowances and align public sector pay with the country’s broader fiscal realities and development priorities. According to the President, the goal is to shift toward a system where compensation reflects productivity and national economic goals.
The initiative forms part of a broader review of the Single Spine Salary Structure, which has faced criticism over inequities and inefficiencies since its implementation.
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Government says the new framework will initially apply to public institutions, agencies, and state-owned enterprises, with flexibility to account for differences in financial capacity and operational demands.
The inclusion of Article 71 officeholders—whose salaries are constitutionally determined—will be addressed through amendments and further legislative processes.
President Mahama also assured Organised Labour of transparency throughout the process, pledging regular updates on the state of the economy as reforms are rolled out.
