Kwame Kyeretwie-Amponsah calls 9% public sector pay rise an insult

Kwame Kyeretwie-Amponsah, a communicator for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has condemned the government's proposed 9% base pay increase for public sector workers scheduled for 2027. He characterized the increment as an "insult" to the economic hardships currently faced by Ghanaians, arguing that the figure is woefully inadequate given the prevailing financial climate under the John Mahama administration.

Kyeretwie-Amponsah highlighted a disconnect between the government's rhetoric on economic recovery and the tangible experience of citizens. He questioned why the reported improvements in the national economy are not translating into significant relief for households and businesses. According to the NPP communicator, a 9% increase fails to account for the rising cost of living, effectively diminishing the purchasing power of public servants rather than enhancing it.

The opposition communicator's critique focuses on the perceived lack of empathy from the government toward the workforce. He argued that for any wage adjustment to be meaningful, it must be indexed against inflation and the actual cost of basic commodities. By setting the rate at 9%, Kyeretwie-Amponsah suggested the government is ignoring the "economic reality" of high utility tariffs, food prices, and transportation costs that continue to burden the average worker.

The NPP is now calling for a substantial review of the base pay structure to ensure that upcoming salary adjustments reflect the true financial pressures on the ground. As the 2027 implementation date approaches, the debate over public sector compensation is expected to intensify, with the opposition positioning itself as an advocate for a more robust wage policy that prioritizes the welfare of the Ghanaian workforce.