By Ashiadey Dotse
Labour Consultant Austin Gamey says workers in Ghana must be paid based on their performance and proper appraisal, not simply for showing up at the workplace.
Speaking in an interview on GTV Current Agenda on Saturday March 21, 2026 after government’s recent engagement with organized labour, Mr. Gamey stressed that Ghana’s labour system must focus on productivity if the country wants to improve efficiency and ensure fair wages.
Mr. Gamey warned that Ghana must exercise caution in managing its rising public sector wage bill, stressing that the current level of expenditure remains a concern.
“if we are spending, indeed, 44% of national income on the public sector wage bill alone, clearly what it means is that we are not out of the woods yet” he said.
He explained that the Labour Act clearly requires employers to link pay to output, adding that salaries should reflect what workers actually contribute to their organizations.
“You cannot negotiate salaries based on feelings,” he said. “Workers must be paid because they have met set targets and gone through proper performance appraisal.”
Mr. Gamey noted that the current system, where many workers are paid regardless of productivity, is creating challenges for both employers and the national economy.
He also raised concerns about the increasing use of allowances instead of basic salaries, warning that this practice weakens workers’ retirement benefits. According to him, heavy reliance on allowances reduces contributions to pensions and affects long-term income security.
The labour consultant called for the establishment of an independent emoluments commission to regulate pay structures and ensure that negotiations are guided by law and best practices.
He further revealed that Ghana is not fully implementing its labour laws, estimating that only about 30% of the provisions are being followed.
Mr. Gamey added that improving productivity could also lead to proper “right-sizing” in the public sector, where some areas are overstaffed while others, especially rural communities, lack enough teachers and health workers.
He emphasized that if the labour law is properly enforced and supported with reliable data systems, workers would be fairly rewarded based on their output, while helping to reduce unemployment and improve economic performance.
Mr. Gamey expressed optimism that ongoing discussions between government and labour groups will help build a more efficient and productive labour system in the country.
