(Ecofin Agency) - The government of Ghana started talks with unions and associations of employers in the country to fix a new minimum wage for 2021. The announcement was made by President Nana Akufo-Addo (pictured) himself on the occasion of the Labor Day placed under the theme “Economic Recovery in an Era of Covid-19; The Role of Social Partners.”

This initiative comes in addition to the ongoing measures set up by the government to preserve jobs and strengthen workers’ resilience against the Covid-19 pandemic. The minimum salary in Ghana is currently 11.82 cedis (about $2); the figure is expected to increase when the tripartite committee finds a common ground.

As part of this initiative, a technical team was established to examine the modalities for a new minimum wage. The team has two weeks to complete its mission and submit a report to the committee for further discussions. Speaking to reporters following the first meeting in Accra last April 22, the employment minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, said the negotiations will only start when the technical team submits its report.  

President Akufo-Addo invited unions to closely work with public authorities and accept the changes that would be decided. He said such an initiative is definitely part of the country’s economic recovery and development.

Séna Akoda