Finance Minister Confirms Public Sector Recruitment Despite High Wage Bill.

 

Finance Minister Confirms Public Sector Recruitment Despite High Wage Bill.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government has started preparing to recruit staff into the public service, even as the country faces financial pressures. 

Speaking at a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama on March 17, Dr. Forson explained that this recruitment is part of the government’s agreement with Organized Labour to increase staffing levels across state agencies while keeping within budget limits.

Dr. Forson said that under the November 9, 2025, agreement on the 2026 base pay, the government promised to work with unions and carry out essential public service recruitments. 

He stressed that these processes are being managed carefully to make sure all hiring stays within budget. "Government has commenced processes for the recruitment of staff into the public service," he stated.

The announcement comes at a time of high financial pressure. Ghana’s compensation-to-tax revenue ratio is currently 44%, which is higher than the ECOWAS standard of 35%. 

In 2025, the public sector wage bill was GHS 78.9 billion, exceeding the available non-oil tax revenue by GHS 17 billion. The government had to cover this shortfall through borrowing.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Forson reassured the public that recruitment will continue responsibly. He said the government is committed to increasing staffing levels without putting extra strain on the budget. The plan is to fill needed positions in state agencies while carefully managing costs.

Source: myjoyonline