Austin Gamey, a Labour Expert has urged government leaders to resist the political pressure to overemploy in the public sector, as it could jeopardize the country’s economic stability.
Speaking on ABC News GH on Friday, February 14, he explained that, “Everybody will have to be patient.”
“If the financial health of the country is not properly in place, you don’t expect to keep the people in place. If you do that, you endanger the health of everyone in the country,” he added.
His comments come amid controversy over the dismissal of nurses and midwives employed after the December 7 elections, with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) threatening a nationwide strike.
Gamey, however, stressed that while employment opportunities are essential, sustainability must be prioritized to avoid financial collapse.
As political tensions rise over public sector layoffs, Austin Gamey has warned against retaining employees when the government lacks the resources to sustain them.
“There is an optimum level beyond which every company can go. If you force employing a number of people, that will be a major problem when you cannot afford to pay them,” he explained.
He urged those without financial clearance not to waste their time waiting for unrealistic employment promises.
While he expressed empathy for affected workers, he emphasized that Ghana’s economic challenges require tough decisions.
“Nonetheless, this is a nation we have to build,” he concluded, urging patience and pragmatic policy implementation.