More jobs, better pay: The budget Ghanaian workers deserve

As Ghanaians await the presentation of this year's national budget, expectations are understandably high. Reports suggest that job creation will be a major focus, offering hope in a country where unemployment and underemployment continue to affect millions, particularly young people. Yet many citizens approach the budget with cautious optimism. The challenge before the government is not simply creating jobs. The challenge is creating enough jobs while ensuring that workers earn incomes that allow them to live with dignity.

For years, unemployment has remained one of Ghana's most pressing socio-economic concerns. Every year, thousands of graduates leave universities, technical institutions, and vocational centres in search of opportunities that are often difficult to find. Many others remain trapped in informal employment, short-term engagements, or low-productivity activities that offer little security and limited prospects for growth. While successive governments have introduced employment initiatives, the demand for decent work continues to outstrip available opportunities.

However, unemployment is only one side of Ghana's labour market challenge. The other side is the growing number of workers who are employed but poorly paid. Across the country, many people wake up each day, faithfully report to work, and contribute to the growth of businesses and the economy, yet struggle to meet their basic needs. Rising prices of food, transportation, rent, healthcare, education, and utilities have significantly increased the cost of living, leaving many working families under considerable financial pressure.

The current national daily minimum wage of GH₵21.70 illustrates this reality. For a worker employed over a standard 25-day working month, this amounts to approximately GH₵542.50, or about GH₵547.50 by some calculations. The question policymakers must ask themselves is simple: can any worker realistically maintain a decent standard of living on less than GH₵550 a month in today's economy? For many households, the answer is clearly no. Such income levels leave little room for savings, emergency expenses, children's education, or long-term financial security.

As a result, many Ghanaian workers find themselves in a troubling paradox. They have jobs but remain economically vulnerable. Employment, which should be a pathway to prosperity and social mobility, has become for many merely a struggle for survival. A budget that focuses only on the number of jobs created without considering the quality of earnings risks overlooking this important reality.

This year's budget therefore presents a unique opportunity to address both challenges simultaneously. Ghana needs policies that generate sustainable employment opportunities while improving wages and living standards. A successful jobs agenda should not be measured solely by employment statistics but also by the ability of workers to afford a decent life from the fruits of their labour.

A bold review of the national minimum wage should therefore be a key component of the budget. Incremental increases that are quickly eroded by inflation are no longer sufficient. What is required is a significant upward adjustment that reflects prevailing economic conditions and the true cost of living. Such a move would not only improve the welfare of workers but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusive economic growth.

Admittedly, concerns about the impact of higher wages on businesses are legitimate. However, the solution cannot be to maintain wage levels that perpetuate hardship among workers. Government can complement wage reforms with measures such as tax incentives, access to affordable financing, productivity enhancement programmes, and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Economic growth is strongest when businesses succeed and workers share fairly in the benefits.

Indeed, higher wages can contribute positively to economic growth. Workers with increased disposable income spend more on goods and services, creating demand that supports local businesses and stimulates economic activity. Stronger purchasing power translates into healthier domestic markets and can help drive further job creation.

Ultimately, the success of this year's budget will be judged not only by how many jobs it promises but by how effectively it improves the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The unemployed need opportunities. Workers need better pay. Families need relief from the mounting pressure of rising living costs.

As the Finance Minister prepares to present the budget, Ghanaians will be looking beyond projections and policy statements. They will be looking for practical solutions to the challenges they face every day. A budget that confronts both unemployment and low wages head-on would send a powerful message that economic growth must be matched by improved livelihoods.

The choice before policymakers is clear. Ghana does not simply need more jobs. Ghana needs more jobs, better pay, and a renewed commitment to the dignity of work.