The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) is taking decisive steps to link pay to performance in the public sector, departing from the traditional system of basing promotions on longevity of service.
This was disclosed by Ing. Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of the FWSC, during a media soiree themed: “FWSC: Connection with the Media,” held in Accra on Monday.
Ing. Arthur explained that the Commission was collaborating with stakeholders to establish a pay structure that rewards productivity.
“We are working with stakeholders to link pay to productivity and have so far sensitised nine institutions,” he revealed.
As the organisation responsible for determining and managing salaries, benefits and allowances for public servants paid from the Consolidated Fund, FWSC remains committed to transparency and equity in salary administration.
Ing. Arthur elaborated some of the successes chalked by the Commission since the successful implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure, which has harmonised the public service salaries and reducing disparities.
One of the major achievements highlighted by him was the nationwide payroll monitoring, which saved the country GH¢345 million only this year.
He said the Commission had completed negotiations and agreements with 44 unions and institutions this year.
Furthermore, the Commission had successfully migration of seven institutions to a new grade structure.
The FWSC also acknowledged the pivotal role of whistle-blowers in uncovering irregularities within the public sector.
He also stated that the Commission’s mandate does not cover Article 71 office holders, adding that it would require a review, as outlined in the Constitutional Review Report, to bring those beneficiaries under the FWSC.
However, the FWSC continues to grapple with challenges, particularly in addressing industrial actions during this election year.
“There were 14 industrial actions this year, but all have been successfully called off,” Ing. Arthur noted, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to fostering peaceful labour relations.
The CEO called on the media and other stakeholders to support the Commission’s efforts to enhance efficiency in public service delivery through performance-based incentives.
