The Government of Ghana successfully saved a total of GHC895 million in 2023 through a nationwide payroll monitoring exercise and the deactivation of nearly 19,000 ghost pensioners from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) payroll.
This achievement was announced by the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, during a news briefing in Accra.
The savings included GHC345 million recovered from a comprehensive payroll monitoring exercise conducted by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) across 120 public sector institutions. Additionally, GHC550 million was saved through the SSNIT’s deactivation of non-existent pensioners.
Mr. Baffour Awuah emphasized that these efforts reflect the government’s dedication to improving the management of public funds, particularly in the area of pensions. He highlighted the importance of these savings in strengthening the financial health of the government and supporting ongoing development initiatives.
“The government remains unwavering in its commitment to improving the welfare of workers while maintaining a peaceful labor front,” the Minister stated, commending various stakeholders, including Parliament, the Ministries of Finance, National Security, Education, and Health, the Ghana Employers’ Association, Organised Labour, and development partners for their collaboration in resolving labor-related issues.
The Minister also announced the development of the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), an online platform designed to improve the services of the Labour Department. The GLMIS will provide valuable data on job vacancies, skills in demand, and training opportunities, helping to reduce job mismatch, unemployment, and underemployment. The system is part of the third component of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, funded by the World Bank, aimed at enhancing skills development and job creation.
“The GLMIS will enable employers to declare job vacancies and allow job seekers to upload their CVs for job matching, facilitating a more efficient labor market,” Mr. Baffour Awuah explained. He expressed optimism that this platform would support the government’s efforts to address challenges in the labor market and improve policy interventions for sustainable economic development.