Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, has linked Ghana's low salaries and wages to colonial-era labour practices. Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Tuesday, August 25, Dr Otoo made the claim.
The Colonial Legacy of Low Wages
Dr Otoo said historical accounts suggested that Ghanaian workers who received comparatively high wages were able to meet their financial targets, save money, and leave their jobs within about six months. This, he claimed, created labour shortages despite the availability of jobs, prompting colonial employers to reduce wages to retain workers for longer periods.
The Birth of the Target Mentality
According to Dr Otoo, the British introduced a wage policy that viewed the Ghanaian worker as having a "target mentality." If paid well, they would hit their targets within six months and stop working. To counter this, colonial employers extended the pay period from six months to a year, creating a low-wage structure that has persisted to this day.
A Legacy of Low Earnings
Dr Otoo argued that the colonial wage policy compelled employees to remain at work for longer as they struggled to achieve their financial goals, helping employers maintain a stable workforce. Although colonial rule has ended, the low-wage structure it created has remained embedded in Ghana's labour market, contributing to the persistently low earnings of many workers.
The Cost of Living in Ghana
Dr Otoo was on the show to discuss the cost of living in the country. His comments on the colonial roots of low wages highlight the need for a re-examination of Ghana's labour market and the policies that govern it. The TUC's Deputy Secretary-General is calling for a shift away from the colonial-era mindset that prioritises short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is one of Ghana's largest labour unions, representing workers from various sectors. Dr Otoo's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the need for a living wage in Ghana. As the country grapples with rising inflation and a growing cost of living, the TUC's call for a re-evaluation of the labour market is likely to gain traction.
Source: Joy Online
