Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan II has announced significant salary reforms to improve government employees’ welfare. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Ngafuan confirmed that starting in January 2025, no central government employee will earn less than USD 150 monthly. These adjustments align with the Decent Work Act of 2015 and are intended to ensure fair compensation for public sector workers.
Ngafuan also revealed that approximately 28,200 civil servants—representing 45% of government workers—will receive salary increases ranging from $30 to USD 40 per month. In addition, more than 5,000 police officers will be enrolled in a government-funded insurance scheme for the first time in accordance with the National Security Act of 2015.
Specialized doctors earning below the $150 minimum will receive an additional USD 225 monthly. Other groups, such as teachers, AFL soldiers, and EPS personnel, will also benefit from the reforms to improve wages and benefits for public sector workers.
The salary reforms are part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft National Budget, which totals USD 851.8 million. The budget includes provisions for timely salary payments and equitable compensation. Minister Ngafuan assured that all government workers will receive their salaries on or before the 24th of each month immediately from November 2024.
Ngafuan also outlined the budget’s revenue projections, which expect USD 791.76 million from domestic revenue, including USD 633.72 million from taxes and USD 138.5 million from non-tax sources. External funding of USD 60 million, sourced from the World Bank and the European Union, represents a 50% increase from the previous fiscal year.
The proposed reforms are expected to address wage disparities, improve working conditions, and boost the morale of public servants, signaling the Boakai administration’s commitment to economic stability and support for public sector workers.
