The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to improve wages and working conditions for workers to prevent the loss of skilled professionals from various institutions. The Union warned that the increasing migration of skilled Ghanaian workers to Europe and North America poses a significant threat to national development and economic progress.
Speaking at a labour forum in Accra on Friday, April 25, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the TUC, emphasized the urgent need for better labor policies to retain critical talent within the country.
“We are seeing a steady drain of professionals, especially doctors, nurses, teachers, and engineers who are leaving in search of better opportunities abroad,” Dr. Otoo stated. He highlighted the factors driving this exodus, including low wages, unsafe working conditions, and limited career growth, which must be addressed promptly.
Dr. Otoo advocated for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage, arguing that it should be aligned with the real cost of living to help lift workers out of poverty.
“The reasonable proposition is that we need to raise the minimum wage to a level that allows minimum wage earners to escape poverty,” he said.
He also clarified the critical difference between a minimum wage and a living wage, noting that the former considers an individual worker, while the latter supports both the worker and their family.
“Whatever I earn at work should be enough to cater for my family, not just for myself. That’s the essence of a living wage,” he added.
Ghana’s current minimum wage of GH₵18.15 per day (as of 2024) is deemed inadequate by many labor experts, especially given persistent inflation and the rising cost of living in urban areas.
The TUC has consistently advocated for a living wage policy, asserting that decent work and fair pay are essential for national productivity and social stability.
Dr. Otoo also underscored the need for stronger enforcement of labor laws, improved workplace standards, and investment in worker protections to enhance morale and prevent further loss of skilled labor.
“Improving worker welfare is not just a moral duty; it’s an economic strategy. Countries that prioritize decent jobs experience better productivity, reduced inequality, and more inclusive growth,” he said.
He concluded by calling for a national conversation on wage reform and workforce retention.
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