GFL accuses NPP of exploiting some labour groups to derail 2026 base pay negotiations

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of attempting to use some labour groups to derail the ongoing 2026 base pay negotiations.

Mr Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, has expressed concern that the NPP's actions could undermine the credibility of the negotiations and harm workers' interests.

He explained that the 2026 base pay negotiations have been ongoing, with labour unions pushing for a significant increase in the minimum wage. However, disagreements have emerged within the labour movement, with some groups breaking ranks and accusing the leadership of being too soft on the government.

Mr Koomson, in an interview with Modern Ghana News on Monday, explained that the opposition NPP is attempting to exploit the frustrations of some labour groups to derail the negotiations and discredit the current administration.

The GFL Secretary General urged union members to channel their grievances through appropriate structures rather than attacking leadership publicly, stressing that just like how parliamentarians consult their constituents, frustrated union members should meet their representatives on the Organised Labour team to express their concerns.

He emphasised that organised labour is strictly following the legal framework guiding the negotiations, citing Section 97 of the Labour Act as the key provision governing the process.

Mr Koomson, therefore, urged disgruntled labour union members to remain calm and allow the negotiations to proceed within the framework of the country's labour laws.

The GFL Secretary General explained that the unions during the negotiations, as always, strictly followed the legal framework guiding the negotiations, based on Section 97 of the Labour Act.

Mr Koomson warned that such actions could derail the negotiations and harm workers' interests, stressing that “labour union leaders are working and negotiating for the interest of labour, employers, consumers and the general public.”

Some disgruntled unions also raised concerns about secrecy and lack of transparency, alleging that the media was barred from covering post-negotiation briefings—a move they described as a sharp departure from established practice.

They noted that a deliberate act of secrecy raises legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability.

Mr Koomson, however, dismissed the claims, saying confidentiality is part of the negotiation process as provided for under the law.

“That’s why you have representatives in the negotiation room,” he explained. “Section 97 of the Labour Act allows confidentiality during negotiations, and that’s why the media cannot be present. Upcoming leaders must be trained to understand this process,” he added.

On the issue of the proposed percentages, Mr Koomson defended the government’s cautious approach, warning that an excessive increase in base pay could destabilise the economy and affect future job creation.

“Government has genuine reasons for being cautious. A sharp and abnormal increase could derail economic gains and impact employment opportunities,” stressing that “We have met with government officials, and it’s clear they have good plans for workers,” Mr Koomson stated.

Mr Koomson, therefore, appealed to disgruntled labour union members to remain calm and allow the 2026 Base Pay negotiations to proceed within the framework of the country’s labour laws.

He said the wave of accusations directed at the leadership of Organised Labour — including claims of weak leadership and a lack of transparency — only serves to undermine the credibility of the ongoing negotiations between government and labour representatives.