The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonou, has urged the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to hold off on presenting the 2026 budget until negotiations on public sector base pay are completed.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Carbonou stressed that labour unions want the government to finalise discussions on salaries before the budget is submitted to Parliament later this month.
He cautioned that proceeding with the budget presentation without concluding the talks could undermine trust and limit the outcome of the negotiations.
“I will advise the Finance Minister, Ato Forson, not to read the budget until the negotiations with labour unions on the base pay are completed,” Mr. Carbonou said. “I cannot force him, but I can only plead with him. Once the budget is read, the base pay will be capped, assuming it is, say, 15 percent, and that would mean we have no option but to accept what is offered.”
He warned that such a move could make labour feel sidelined and disrespected.
“If the government goes ahead to read the budget without concluding negotiations, it will seem like the outcome has already been decided,” he cautioned. “That will make it difficult for us to accept any cap on the base pay because it would mean the negotiation is a foregone conclusion.”
The NAGRAT President explained that involving labour before the budget presentation would promote transparency and mutual respect.
“If government negotiates with labour and factors the outcome into the budget, everyone will feel consulted, and that will bring harmony,” he said.
Mr. Carbonou also dismissed any suggestion that labour is delaying the process, noting that unions are ready to engage with the government at any time.
“We are ready to be called even next week Monday or Tuesday to sit down. It’s not as if anybody has called labour and we refused to attend. If they call right now, labour will convene,” he emphasized.
He reiterated that the unions are entering the talks with a realistic understanding of the country’s economic situation but expect government to approach the process in good faith and prioritize the welfare of workers.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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