By:Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Mohammes Issahak
The Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Mr. George Graham, has proposed the adoption of an hourly wage system across all sectors to promote fairness, transparency, and broader economic growth.
Speaking during a recent visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, Mr. Graham said hourly wage payments would help bridge gaps in the current system, particularly for casual and informal workers who are often excluded from formal compensation frameworks.
“This system could increase disposable income for workers, formalise the informal sector, and widen access to social protection schemes,” Mr. Graham stated, adding that these steps could significantly stimulate the national economy.
The committee’s familiarisation tour included key labour institutions such as the FWSC, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), and the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI).
At the NPRA, discussions focused on pension accessibility and sustainability. Officials reiterated that individuals aged 50 and above who are permanently unemployed may access their Tier-2 pension funds, provided they obtain confirmation from their former employers and approval from the Labour Department.
In a related proposal, NPRA CEO Mr. Chris Boadi-Mensah suggested raising the national retirement age from 60 to 65 to ensure the long-term viability of the pension system and minimise policy abuse.
Meanwhile, at the MDPI, Director General Professor Elijah Yendaw raised concerns over persistent challenges affecting the institute, including limited office space and a lack of resources for staff development.
“We have the experience and institutional knowledge to contribute to national development. What we need now is the support to unlock our full potential,” Prof. Yendaw said.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Employment and Labour, Hon. Joseph Appiah Boateng, said the tour was aimed at gaining first-hand insight into the operations of labour-related agencies, identifying gaps, and helping shape effective policy reforms.
“We are here to listen, to understand, and to work together to improve service delivery in the labour sector,” he concluded.
