The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has marked this year’s Workers’ Day with a pointed demand for the Ghanaian government to overhaul the nation’s “outdated” wage and labour framework.
In a statement released by Executive Director Michael Donyina Mensah, the advocacy group warned that the current daily minimum wage model is failing to protect the workforce, particularly those within the informal sector who face increasingly exploitative conditions.
Central to CenPOA’s concerns is the prevalence of excessive working hours.
The organisation noted that many employees are frequently required to work between 10 and 12 hours a day without receiving any proportional increase in pay.
This disparity exists because Ghana lacks a legally binding hourly wage system, meaning those working extended shifts often earn the same as those on standard hours.
The structure, the group argues, not only undermines the dignity of labour but also creates a loophole for employers to bypass fair compensation.
The statement further highlighted the escalating public health crisis linked to workplace fatigue. CenPOA cautioned that chronic stress and burnout among the workforce are placing an avoidable burden on the national healthcare system and dragging down overall national productivity.
Beyond the economic arguments, the group maintains that a fair labour system is a moral imperative necessary for sustainable growth.
To address these systemic flaws, CenPOA has proposed a five-point reform strategy to the National Tripartite Committee.
Key among these recommendations is the transition from a daily minimum wage to an enforceable hourly rate and the introduction of regionally differentiated wages to reflect the varying costs of living across Ghana.
The group also called for stricter enforcement of overtime regulations and a robust public education campaign to inform workers of their legal rights.
As the country celebrates the contributions of its workforce, CenPOA stressed that national development must be anchored in fairness.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to lobbying for policies that reflect the lived realities of Ghanaians, urging stakeholders to move beyond celebratory rhetoric toward substantive legislative change.
Below is the full statement
CenPOA Marks Workers’ Day with a Call for Urgent Reform of Ghana’s Wage and Labour Framework
On the occasion of Workers’ Day, the Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) extends warm congratulations to all hardworking Ghanaians whose dedication and resilience continue to drive the nation’s growth and development. Your contributions remain the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our collective progress.
While today is a moment of recognition and celebration, it is also a time for reflection on the conditions under which many Ghanaians work.
CenPOA expresses deep concern over the current structure of Ghana’s minimum wage regime, which fails to adequately protect workers—particularly those in the informal sector—from excessive and often exploitative working hours. It is not uncommon for employees to work beyond 10 to 12 hours a day without proportional compensation, due largely to the absence of an enforceable hourly wage framework.
The current daily minimum wage model does not reflect the true value of labour in today’s economy and creates room for abuse. Workers who put in extended hours are often paid the same as those working standard hours, a situation that undermines fairness, dignity, and productivity.
Beyond economic implications, prolonged working hours pose significant risks to public health. Fatigue, stress, and burnout are becoming increasingly prevalent, with long-term consequences not only for individuals and families but also for Ghana’s healthcare system and national productivity.
In light of these challenges, CenPOA calls on the Government of Ghana, the National Tripartite Committee, and all relevant stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of the current wage and labour framework. We specifically recommend:
The introduction of a legally binding hourly minimum wage system to ensure fair compensation for all hours worked;
The strict enforcement of maximum working hours and overtime regulations;
The adoption of a regionally differentiated wage structure that reflects the cost of living across various parts of the country;
Strengthened monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, especially within the informal sector;
Increased public education on workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.
A just and equitable labour system is not only a moral imperative but also a critical driver of sustainable economic growth. Ghana’s development must be anchored on fairness, dignity, and respect for the workforce.
As we celebrate Workers’ Day, CenPOA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies that protect workers, promote equity, and reflect the lived realities of the Ghanaian people.
Signed,
Michael Donyina Mensah
Executive Director
Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA)
Contact:
0244912814
mmensah@cenpoa.org
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
