Leader of the Union Government (UG), Akwasi Addai Odike, has said, politicians in Ghana receive disproportionately large salaries compared to the ordinary worker.
Speaking on Angel Morning Show (AMS) on Monday, November 10, 2025, Odke addressed the government’s minimum wage increase, highlighting that politicians rely on Article 71 of Ghana’s constitution to justify their substantial salaries.
“Under Article 71, politicians are taking large sums of money for themselves, while state enterprises report losses each year.
“Yet, when the government intervenes and purchases Land Cruisers for them, these politically exposed individuals are allocated more funds, leaving teachers and other essential workers behind,” Odike revealed.
He emphasised that the significant amounts given to politicians are insufficient when considering the additional benefits they receive.
“It’s woefully inadequate that a parliamentarian receives between 20,000 and 24,000 cedis per month, plus committee allowances, travel expenses, and then, upon leaving office, also collects an ex-gratia payment.”
Odike noted that the disparity in wages causes discontent among the populace, which he believes hinders the country’s progress.
“Only 2% of those at the top receive more than 60% of the total wage bill, while workers at the lowest levels must share the rest and are left feeling aggrieved,” he opined.
He warned that the country cannot progress if its citizens are suffering.
Mr. Akwasi Addae further urged the government to refine the wage bill and address wage disparities to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“We’ve created first and second class citizens in our country. Let’s fine-tune the wage bill so that our wage disparities do not cause undue suffering for the people.”
Source: Christabel Opare
