The Dream of a 24-Hour Economy: Let’s Bridge Public Sector Salary Disparities

The idea of a 24-hour economy is seen as a major advancement for Ghana. It promises greater productivity, job creation, and a more diverse economic landscape.

In this model, businesses, services, and government operations would function continuously, improving efficiency and fostering economic opportunities. The model could transform areas such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and hospitality, thereby increasing national income and job opportunities for the expanding population. For example, hospitals could provide round-the-clock care, transportation could meet the demands of night-time travellers, and industries could enhance production through multiple shifts. This shift would improve service delivery, alleviate rush hour congestion, and optimize the use of infrastructure.

Nonetheless, successfully establishing a 24-hour economy would depend on several key elements. These encapsulate a motivated workforce, fair resource distribution, and the removal of systemic inefficiencies. Another critical issue to address is the significant salary disparities present in the public sector. The issue of salary differences has long been controversial. It affects morale, productivity, and fairness among employees. The occurrence of individuals receiving outrageously high salaries-sometimes amounting to the total pay of 10 or 20 other public workers-underscores a huge structural imbalance that could jeopardize the success of a 24-hour economy. Tackling this problem is not only a matter of equity but also a crucial step toward Ghana’s economic development.

The Salary Disparity Conundrum

Ghana’s public sector salary system is fraught with inequities. Some public employees receive modest incomes that barely cover their living expenses, while others earn salaries sufficient to support many of their peers. This disparity is not only unfair but also harmful to the workforce’s morale and productivity.

Take the healthcare sector, for instance, where junior nurses and doctors often endure long hours in tough conditions for low pay, while top executives in other public entities reap substantial compensation. Likewise, in education, committed teachers who are shaping the nation’s future earn significantly less than their counterparts in various administrative positions. These discrepancies foster resentment, diminish motivation, and create a sense of undervaluation among many public servants.

The situation is worsened by a lack of transparency and accountability in how salaries are managed. Problems like “ghost” names on payrolls, unexplained pay raises for certain job categories, and inconsistent application of benefits weaken trust in the system. If these issues are left unresolved, they could undermine the goal of achieving a 24-hour economy, as employees in essential sectors may be disincentivized to meet the demands of round-the-clock operations.

The Need for Salary Harmonization

To create a sustainable 24-hour economy, we should focus on harmonizing salaries within the public sector. This requires implementing policies that provide fair and just compensation for all workers, taking into account the complexity and relevance of their roles.

• Creating a Clear Pay Structure: A clear and standardized pay framework should be established to eliminate arbitrary salary differences. This can be done by using a systematic approach to job evaluation, where salaries are based on the required skills, responsibilities, and risks related to each position.
• Limiting Excessive Salaries: There is an immediate need to set limits on excessively high salaries in the public sector. This doesn’t mean punishing high performers or undervaluing expertise, but rather ensuring that no one is compensated significantly more than their colleagues. The funds saved from these limits can be used to enhance the pay of those who are underpaid, promoting a fairer distribution of resources.
• Encouraging Night Shifts and Overtime: As a 24-hour economy takes shape, night shifts and extra hours would become commonplace. To motivate workers to accept these changes, sufficient incentives such as overtime pay, night shift bonuses, and performance incentives should be provided. These rewards should be fairly allocated across all sectors.
• Improving Accountability: The effort to combat payroll fraud should be intensified to remove ghost employees and other forms of financial misconduct. Strengthening payroll management systems and conducting regular audits will ensure that public funds are spent responsibly and equitably.
• Engaging Stakeholders: Successfully implementing these reforms will require the support of all stakeholders, including employees, unions, and policymakers. Open communication and consultation will be essential for addressing concerns and achieving consensus on future actions.

 Putting Ghana First

At The essence of these reforms lies in prioritizing Ghana’s goals over personal interests. Public sector employees, policymakers, and citizens need to cultivate a collective mind-set that emphasizes the nation’s well-being. A 24-hour economy could bring significant advantages, but its success hinges on the commitment of all parties to sacrifice and adapt.

Those in high-paying sectors should acknowledge the need for fairness and support initiatives to equalize salaries across different roles. At the same time, individuals in lower-paying positions must stay dedicated to excellence, understanding that their efforts are valued and that improvements to their circumstances are in progress.

Conclusion

A 24-hour economy could hold the promise of making our country a centre of productivity and innovation, generating jobs and enhancing living conditions for many. Nonetheless, achieving this vision requires addressing the longstanding salary inequalities within the public sector. By adopting equitable and transparent pay practices, rewarding diligence, and promoting accountability, we could build a foundation for a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Let us rise to this challenge with a sense of responsibility and national pride. Although the journey towards a 24-hour economy may be challenging, with united effort and a dedication to fairness, we could realize this ambitious vision. It is crucial to prioritize the nation’s goals, address the salary discrepancies, and collaborate to create a prosperous future for all.

WRITTEN BY:

WISDOM KOUDJO KLU,

EDUCATIONIST/COLUMNIST,

GREATER ACCRA REGION.

[email protected]