Accra:The Presidential Candidate of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG), Dr. John Enyonam Kpikpi, has criticized the proposed salary increases for public sector workers, labeling them as woefully inadequate and pitiful. He highlighted a significant disparity between the remuneration of ordinary workers and political office holders as a pressing issue.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Kpikpi emphasized that the current pay increments for public sector employees do not adequately reflect their contributions to the country's development, particularly when compared to the benefits enjoyed by political office holders. He argued that some officials receive benefits estimated to be about ten times higher than those of regular public sector workers.
Dr. Kpikpi expressed concern over the existing arrangements under Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution, which determine salaries and benefits for specified public office holders. He urged for a review of these arrangements, advocating for a national discussion on the disparity in earnings and benefits, and encouraging political leaders to reconsider the justification of such differences.
Furthermore, Dr. Kpikpi proposed that public sector workers should receive a more substantial salary adjustment, suggesting negotiations start from a 20 percent increase. However, he cautioned that the final figure should be informed by the country's financial position. He criticized the current increases of nine and ten percent as insufficient in demonstrating a commitment to improving workers' welfare.
Dr. Kpikpi outlined a different economic approach his party intends to pursue if elected, focusing on wealth creation and ensuring that workers benefit directly from the country's prosperity. He explained that a PAG government would prioritize creating wealth across the economy and channel part of the gains towards improving workers' remuneration and living conditions, thus fostering economic opportunities for public sector employees.