9% increments for public sector workers is very bad – Nana Adjowa Kwartema slams Government

In an Official Facebook Post on 28 October 2026, Nana Adjowa Kwartema directed a strong message to President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, urging them to reconsider the government’s recent decision to increase public sector salaries by only 9%. According to her, governance should not be reduced to the construction of roads, hospitals, and markets alone. She emphasized that while infrastructure is important, it is ultimately the people who go to the polls to vote, not the physical projects.

Kwartema argued that the 9% increment is inadequate and risks alienating the very workers who supported the NDC at the ballot box. She described the decision as “very bad,” warning that it could generate widespread anger among public sector employees. For her, empathy and respect for workers must be central to governance, and leaders should not take lightly the frustrations of those who form the backbone of the state.

Her post carried a cautionary tone, reminding Mahama and Forson that ignoring the concerns of workers could have political consequences. She warned that if the government fails to act, it may later regret the decision, possibly even setting up committees to investigate why the NDC lost the 2028 elections. By highlighting the negative feedback already coming from workers, she underscored the urgency of addressing their grievances before discontent grows deeper.

Kwartema’s commentary reflects a broader debate in Ghana about the balance between infrastructure development and human welfare. While roads, hospitals, and markets are visible symbols of progress, they do not directly address the daily struggles of workers who demand fair compensation for their labor. Her words suggest that political leaders must prioritize both physical development and the well‑being of citizens if they hope to maintain trust and loyalty.

Public reaction to such a post is likely to be divided. Supporters of the government may argue that the 9% increment reflects economic realities and fiscal constraints, especially given Ghana’s debt challenges. Critics, however, will echo Kwartema’s view that the increment is insufficient and risks undermining morale among workers. For many, the issue is not just about numbers but about respect, empathy, and recognition of the sacrifices made by public servants.

Ultimately, her message was clear: governance must be people‑centered. Roads and hospitals may stand as legacies, but they cannot cast votes. It is the citizens — teachers, nurses, civil servants, and other workers — who determine electoral outcomes. By treating them right, the government secures not only their loyalty but also the stability of the nation. Kwartema’s post serves as both a warning and a plea: respect public sector workers, listen to their concerns, and act before frustration turns into political backlash.

Source: Nana Adjowa Kwartema, Official Facebook Post, 28 October, 2026.