There will not be a raise for President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Ministers of State this year.

This was announced by the President in his May Day celebration speech on Saturday, 1 May 2021.

“I have taken the decision to freeze salary increases for this year, 2021 for myself as president, the vice-president, ministers, deputy ministers, and all appointees of the executive".

“It is our modest contribution to reduce the damage to our public revenue and to help hasten our nation’s recovery from the ravages of the pandemic,” the President said.

Speaking about minimum wage, the President expressed joy that negotiations within the Tripartite Committee have begun in earnest.

Meanwhile, former President John Mahama has criticised the government over the increase in taxes saying it will further burden Ghanaians.

In a Facebook post to mark May Day, the former Ghanaian leader said: “Incidentally, an increase in existing taxes & introduction of new ones, and which take effect from today, May Day, is leading to steep rises in the prices of fuel, food & every basic item.

“This will worsen the plight of citizens even further. This is in addition to power outages and shortage of water in many homes, cities and municipalities.

“On this May Day 2021, with hardship set to worsen, I call on His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo to stretch a hand of cooperation to all Ghanaians, able to play a role in rescuing our dear nation from the abyss it is falling.”