The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has announced cost savings of GHS 345 million through payroll monitoring and the successful resolution of negotiations involving 44 unions and institutions this year.
Chief Executive Ing. Benjamin Arthur, addressing the press in Accra yesterday, highlighted the commission’s efficiency, stating, “For the first time in history, we concluded four negotiations in a single day, and another in under 20 minutes.”
He cited an example of increased accountability, where dormant offices became active upon the commission’s presence during monitoring exercises.
However, Ing. Arthur acknowledged challenges, including encroachments on the FWSC’s mandate and instances of unauthorized pay determinations by certain entities.
He emphasized the need for closer collaboration with Parliament to prevent such occurrences, stating, “All public funds, irrespective of their source, must be accounted for and regulated.”
The FWSC also faces labor unrest, with 14 industrial actions recorded this year. Ing. Arthur appealed for continued media support to foster peaceful labor relations and public education on the commission’s role, underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness in salary administration.
While the FWSC celebrated the commissioning of its new office block, Ing. Arthur urged stakeholders to support efforts to maintain a stable labor environment, as the consequences of industrial disharmony could deter investment and economic growth.
The commission pledged to address grievances and ensure equity in public sector pay systems, reinforcing its mandate to uphold transparency and excellence in salary administration.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
