Former Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, has called on the government to increase the country’s minimum wage, stressing that fair pay is essential for improving productivity and economic growth.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Dr. Baah described Ghana’s current minimum wage as disgracefully low, highlighting that workers earn as little as $1 a day for eight hours of work.
“This is not the Ghana we wanted to build. After 68 years of independence, people are still working for a dollar a day. This is unacceptable and shameful,” he stated.
Government and Employers Must Act
Dr. Baah blamed both the government and employers for failing to prioritize wage increases, arguing that poor compensation discourages workers and hampers national productivity.
“I always put the blame on government and employers for keeping the minimum wage so shamefully low. It’s simply wrong,” he said.
“I hope that in this ongoing national tripartite committee negotiation, employers and the government will recognize that change is necessary.”
Read Also: Global campaign calls for ban on dog and cat meat trade over health risks
Beyond wages, he noted that many workers lack the tools and incentives needed to maximize efficiency, worsening productivity challenges across sectors.
Kaizen Approach to Productivity Growth
As the Executive Director of the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, Dr. Baah outlined the institute’s vision to support better employment policies, enhance workplace productivity, and promote peaceful industrial relations.
The Kaizen approach, a Japanese management philosophy focused on continuous improvement, has been credited with Japan’s economic success.
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, emphasized its potential to help Ghana improve efficiency, innovation, and economic growth.
“Socio-economic development is not just about creating jobs but also ensuring that workplaces promote innovation, efficiency, and worker welfare,” Ambassador Hiroshi said.
Call for Collaboration
Stakeholders at the event, including the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, and former TUC Secretary General, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, stressed the need for a productivity-driven approach to national development.
The event was attended by key figures such as TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah, Acting Head of Labour Statistics at the Ghana Statistical Service Anthony Oduro-Denkyira, and Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Ghana Office David Marcos.
Dr. Baah reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for wage and productivity reforms, urging both the government and private sector to recognize that fair wages are not just a labour rights issue but a crucial factor in national development.
“The time for action is now,” he declared.
