The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has joined the global community to mark International Equal Pay Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the gender pay gap and promoting equal pay for work of equal value.
The United Nations International Day of Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value is commemorated annually on September 18 to address issues of unequal pay between men and women, which has negative impacts on economies worldwide.
This year’s celebration focuses on the theme “Equal Pay for Equal Work Value,” aimed at promoting equal pay for equal work regardless of gender and addressing the gender pay gap globally.
As a vital player in public sector wage management, the FWSC actively works towards implementing policies that support transparent and equitable pay structures. Equal Pay Day serves as a crucial reminder to the Commission of the importance of addressing pay disparities and ensuring that every worker in public sector is compensated fairly for their work.
The issue of gender pay disparity is not considered prevalent among government employees, as workers in the public service are compensated fairly for the work they do. However, research has proven the existence of pay disparities particularly in the private and informal sectors.
Ghana’s constitution and labor laws frown upon such practices. The country benefits from the laws and structures that ensure the application of the principle of equal pay for work.
The 1992 Constitution and Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) protects the right to fair remuneration and equal pay for work of equal value. Article 17 (1) of the Constitution states that “all human beings are equal before the law and shall not be discriminated against on any grounds, including gender, race, color, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social or economic status.”
Section 68 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) enforces the issue of equal pay, stipulating that every worker shall receive equal pay for equal work without distinction of any kind.
Guided by the constitution and labor laws, the FWSC marks Equal Pay Day, underscoring its dedication to addressing wage disparities and advancing pay equity across all sectors.
This year, the FWSC is focused on reinforcing its commitment to ensuring fair compensation practices and reducing wage discrepancies.
To mark International Equal Pay Day, the FWSC in addition to issuing this press release is launching a social media campaign featuring staff members expressing their thoughts on the issue of equal pay in Ghana. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of equal pay and encourage all stakeholders to take action to address pay disparities.
Regarding gender disparity in public services, the Chief Executive of the FWSC, Ing Benjamin Arthur said Ghana has a good pay structure that prevented gender pay disparity and could serve as an example for other countries.
“When it comes to evaluating jobs, we do not refer to gender. We consider what you have been hired to do, the value of your work and how you should be remunerated. These are the key areas we focus on. You will not hear a female teacher complaining about being paid less than her male counterpart,” he said.
Ing Arthur emphasised that the FWSC is dedicated to promoting equal pay for workers, regardless of gender, stating, “We recognise the importance of equal pay in achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth.”
He said the FWSC is committed to promoting and enforcing fair wages and salaries in the public sector and also recognise that achieving pay equity requires continuous effort and collaboration.
The FWSC calls on all stakeholders to join forces in promoting equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. Together, we can create a more equitable and just society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
