Independent emoluments commission to determine pay of all public officials — Mahama announces plan
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish an Independent Emoluments Commission to determine the salaries and benefits of all public office holders, in a major step toward reforming Ghana’s public sector compensation system.
Speaking during engagement with organised labour, President Mahama said the proposed Commission would eventually be elevated into a constitutional authority to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in the determination of public sector pay.
“At that stage, the Commission will be elevated into a fully fledged constitutional authority responsible for determining the emoluments of all public office holders—from the President to the lowest-paid security officer,” Mr Mahama stated.
He explained that the initiative is intended to address long-standing concerns about disparities and inefficiencies within the current pay structure, while promoting a more sustainable and equitable system across the public sector.
“In preparation for the new framework, the Independent Emoluments Commission will develop a comprehensive National Emoluments Policy,” he said.
According to the President, the policy will serve as a blueprint for reforming public sector compensation and aligning it with national priorities and fiscal realities.
“The policy will address pay disparities, harmonise allowances, strengthen performance-based compensation, and align public sector pay with Ghana’s long-term development and fiscal priorities,” Mr Mahama noted.
Mr Mahama emphasised that the establishment of the Commission forms part of a broader effort to build a credible and transparent framework that rewards productivity while safeguarding the economy.
“Ultimately, we seek a system in which rewards are aligned with productivity, fairness and national development goals,” he added.
He also underscored the need for prudent implementation of the reforms, assuring stakeholders that government would proceed carefully to maintain economic stability.
“As we undertake this transition, government must act with prudence and responsibility,” the President said.
Mr Mahama further reassured organised labour that the reform process would remain inclusive and consultative, dismissing concerns that the move signals a withdrawal from engagement.
“Let me be clear: this is not a withdrawal from engagement with labour. It is a strategic effort to address the structural foundations of our compensation system in the interest of everybody,” he emphasised.
