The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) is set to introduce a performance-based pay system for public sector workers, replacing the traditional model of promotions based solely on years of service.
This announcement was made by Ing. Benjamin Arthur, CEO of FWSC, during a media soiree in Accra on Monday under the theme, “FWSC: Connection with the Media.”
“We are working with stakeholders to link pay to productivity and have so far sensitised nine institutions,” Ing. Arthur revealed, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to fostering fairness and efficiency in public sector compensation.
The FWSC, tasked with managing salaries and benefits for public servants paid from the Consolidated Fund, has already achieved several milestones, including implementing the Single Spine Salary Structure to harmonize wages and reduce disparities.
Key achievements include saving GH¢345 million this year through nationwide payroll monitoring, concluding negotiations with 44 unions and institutions, and migrating seven institutions to a new grade structure. The Commission also credited whistle-blowers for exposing irregularities, which have enhanced accountability within the public sector.
Addressing challenges, Ing. Arthur noted that Article 71 office holders, whose pay falls outside the Commission’s scope, remain a constitutional issue requiring review. He also acknowledged the difficulty of managing industrial actions, particularly in election years, reporting that 14 strikes this year were successfully resolved.
The CEO urged media and stakeholders to support the reforms, arguing that linking pay to performance would boost productivity and improve public service delivery.
