Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr Abraham Koomson, has endorsed the government’s 2026 Budget Statement, describing it as a strong demonstration of sincerity and commitment to addressing Ghana’s economic challenges.

Speaking on Ahotor FM on Saturday, Mr. Koomson said the assurances given by the Finance Minister during negotiations on the 2026 national minimum wage had been fully reflected in the budget, signalling genuine efforts to restore economic stability and growth.

He revealed that Organised Labour had initially demanded a minimum 10% increase in the national minimum wage after prolonged negotiations.

However, the Finance Minister cautioned that such an increment could derail the economic progress being made.

According to him, the eventual agreement on a 9% increase in both the minimum wage and base pay was influenced by the government’s demonstrated commitment to take bold measures to revitalise the economy.

“The budget statement indeed confirmed the honesty of the government in solving the economic crisis to bring relief to the people of this country by implementing policies to create jobs,” he stated.

Mr. Koomson assured that Labour would continue to monitor the economy closely to ensure that the projected gains translate into real improvements in the lives of workers.

“Organised Labour leadership has resolved to closely monitor the performance of the economy and its impact on the livelihood of workers.

We will not hesitate to draw the government’s attention to any deviation that may erode the benefits envisaged under these reforms,” he warned.

He described the dialogue between Organised Labour, the Finance Ministry, government officials, and the Ghana Employers Association as productive, adding that the clarity and consistency of the government’s position strengthened their confidence.

“What was said in the budget statement was exactly what the Finance Minister told us before we agreed to the 9% minimum wage and base pay adjustment.

We are very happy. This budget is the best we’ve had in about eight years,” he said.

The 2026 Budget Statement, presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 13 by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, was themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”

Dr. Forson noted that the budget marked a strategic shift from recovery to transformation, highlighting measures aimed at job creation, macroeconomic consolidation, and strengthening key social sectors.

He said the government had restored fiscal discipline, stabilised the cedi, reduced inflation, and renewed investor confidence—describing the moment as a national reset.

Mr. Koomson concluded by reaffirming Organised Labour’s satisfaction with the government’s fulfilment of its assurances and expressed confidence that the policies outlined in the budget would deliver tangible benefits to workers and the wider society.