FWSC CEO Proposes 3-Year Negotiation Cycle for Public Sector Wages
The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr. George Smith-Graham, has proposed a shift in the negotiation cycle for conditions of service from the current two years to every three years. According to Dr. Smith-Graham, this adjustment would help ease fiscal pressures, give the government more room to plan, and promote stability in the management of public sector wages
Promoting Fiscal Sustainability
Dr. Smith-Graham made this proposal on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during the 50th Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) Delegates Congress in Accra. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between meeting the needs of workers and ensuring fiscal sustainability. “A three-year cycle will give the government the necessary space to plan and budget effectively,” he stated.
Aligning Technical Education with Market Needs
The Congress, which was held on the theme “Sustainable Skills for a Sustainable Future: Aligning Technical Education with National and Global Development Goals,” highlighted the critical role of technical education in Ghana’s development. Dr. Smith-Graham called for policies that align training with market needs and compensation frameworks. He identified skills mismatch and graduate unemployment as major challenges, urging stronger industry-academic partnerships to co-finance research, allowances, and professional development.
Collaboration and Innovation
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, in a speech delivered on his behalf, also emphasized the importance of aligning technical education with market demands. He highlighted the transformative potential of technology in areas such as agriculture, safety, and waste management, urging universities to strengthen research, innovation, and digital literacy. Despite Ghana’s economic challenges, the Minister expressed optimism that collaboration, innovation, and community engagement could drive progress in technical education and technological development.
Call to Action
The National President of TUTAG, Prof. Uriah Stonewell Tetteh, urged academic unions to unite in tackling the challenges facing technical universities. He emphasized the need for technical universities to stay relevant by adapting to evolving labor market demands and technological changes. Prof. Tetteh described the Congress as a call to action, encouraging delegates to work collectively towards building a globally competitive and sustainable technical education system.
The proposal by Dr. Smith-Graham to shift to a three-year negotiation cycle for public sector wages is aimed at promoting fiscal sustainability and stability in the management of public sector wages. The Congress highlighted the importance of aligning technical education with market needs and promoting collaboration and innovation in the sector. As Ghana continues to navigate its economic challenges, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to drive progress in technical education and technological development
