Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has confirmed that the government has begun the process of recruiting new personnel into the public service, despite the fiscal challenges highlighted in recent reports.

Speaking during a dialogue with President John Mahama on March 17, 2026, Dr Forson explained that the recruitment initiative forms part of the administration’s commitments to Organised Labour, aimed at increasing staffing levels across various state agencies.

He emphasised that the recruitment drive aligns with the November 9, 2025 agreement on 2026 base pay, under which the government promised to consult unions and undertake essential staffing expansions, while remaining mindful of budget limitations.

The announcement arrives amid significant financial pressure.

Dr Forson noted that Ghana’s compensation-to-tax revenue ratio is currently at 44 percent, exceeding the ECOWAS ceiling of 35 percent.

Last year’s public sector wage bill of GHS 78.9 billion surpassed the available non-oil tax revenue—after statutory allocations and debt service—by GHS 17 billion, a deficit that was financed through borrowing.

Nevertheless, the minister assured that all recruitment would adhere to existing budget constraints.