By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
At the recent National Economic Dialogue, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson expressed his deep appreciation to Organised Labour and the Ghana Employers Association for their cooperation in reaching an agreement on the national minimum wage and base pay.
In his address, Dr. Forson highlighted the government’s dedication to fiscal discipline, transparency, and good governance, emphasizing the leadership role played by President John Dramani Mahama.
“I’m pleased to note that His Excellency the President has taken the lead and has given the strongest signal to our commitment to sacrifice, in adherence to his commitment,” he stated.
Dr. Forson pointed out that as part of efforts to streamline governance, the size of government has been significantly reduced. The number of Ministers of State, which initially stood at 123, was later cut to 88, and has now been further reduced to 60.
He also revealed that the government is implementing major budget cuts, particularly for the Office of the President. In addition, a ban has been placed on first-class travel for all government officials as part of broader efforts to ensure prudent fiscal management.
“These actions represent merely the initial steps in our ongoing journey towards fiscal discipline and good governance,” he remarked.
Dr. Forson reassured Organised Labour that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under President Mahama’s leadership, remains committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration in addressing economic challenges.
The agreement on the minimum wage and base pay is seen as a significant achievement, reflecting a balanced approach that considers both workers’ welfare and economic sustainability. The Finance Minister’s remarks signal a commitment to continuous dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
Video below.
Video credits:Joy news
