Fair Wages Commission proposes 3-year pay negotiation cycle
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr George Smith-Graham, has suggested a revision of the negotiation cycle for public sector conditions of service, proposing a shift from the current two-year arrangement to a three-year cycle.
Addressing the 50th Delegates’ Congress of the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) in Accra on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Dr Smith-Graham explained that such a move would ease the management of wage agreements and allow government greater fiscal flexibility.
“Moving the negotiation cycle to every three years will give government room to plan and budget more effectively for implementing agreed conditions of service,” he said, stressing the importance of balancing worker welfare with fiscal sustainability.
Focus on Technical Education
The congress, which brought together representatives from all technical universities nationwide, was held under the theme: Sustainable Skills for a Sustainable Future: Aligning Technical Education with National and Global Development Goals.
In his remarks, Dr Smith-Graham emphasised the critical role of technical education in national development.
He called for greater alignment between skills training, labour market demands and compensation policies. He further suggested that partnerships between industry and academia could support allowances, research grants and professional development initiatives.
Dr Smith-Graham expressed concern about graduate unemployment and skills mismatches, urging closer collaboration between universities and industry to ensure employability and relevance of graduates.
Minister Calls for Re-examination
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, in a speech delivered on his behalf, called for a comprehensive re-examination of existing technical education programmes to ensure they respond effectively to both societal and market needs.
He highlighted technology as a transformative tool for innovation in agriculture, safety and waste management.
Mr Iddrisu also underscored the importance of research, digital literacy and an innovation culture in driving sustainable national growth.
Despite economic constraints, the Minister expressed optimism that Ghana could achieve substantial progress in technological development through collaboration and commitment.
TUTAG Urges Unity
Meanwhile, the National President of TUTAG, Professor Uriah Stonewell Tetteh, encouraged academic unions to work together to address the challenges confronting technical education.
He urged technical universities to adapt to shifting labour market needs and rapid technological changes in order to remain relevant.
Describing the congress as a collective call to action, Professor Tetteh challenged delegates to build a globally competitive and sustainable technical education system.
He also thanked the acting vice-chancellor and management of the host university, while urging members to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution.
