By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
Professor Ransford Gyampo urged appointees of the Mahama administration to live modestly, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate for them to enjoy lavish lifestyles while asking labour unions to tighten their belts.
“As labour accepts this small 10% increment, we must also show restraint and acknowledge that times are tough,” he stated on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, February 22, 2025
Prof Gyampo who is also the President of the University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) who was vocal in criticizing the previous Akufo-Addo administration for doing little for labour, acknowledged that the increase was insufficient compared to previous increments of 23% and 25% but noted that labour accepted it due to the president’s direct involvement.
“Clearly, this [10% increment] is not enough. I had expected more, but if the situation is explained properly and the president himself is part of the negotiations, then what can you do?” he added.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama assured organized labour that his government would not engage in reckless spending. He criticized the previous NPP administration, stating, “We all knew the economy was struggling, but some of the things I’ve uncovered show criminal mismanagement. Ghana has become a crime scene because I cannot understand how a government could be so reckless.”
He emphasized the need for financial discipline, directing the Finance Minister to cut expenditures, including government budgets, to ensure shared sacrifices. “There is growing distrust in the political class because while others are tightening their belts, politicians seem to be doing the opposite. I want to assure you that we will all make sacrifices, and there will be no wasteful spending.”
President Mahama also urged labour unions to moderate their demands for now, promising that once the economy improves, benefits will be shared accordingly. “When the economy grows and the cake gets bigger, we will distribute it more generously,” he assured. He also proposed an independent emoluments committee to determine salaries for all, from the president to the lowest-paid worker.
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