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Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Legal Affairs and Justice, Economic Planning, and Private Sector Development, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday, has described the Daily Paid and Minor Salaried Officers (Compassionate Gratuity) Bill, 2026, as a landmark piece of legislation designed to provide greater financial security, transparency, and dignity for daily-paid and minor salaried public officers.

Speaking during the July 21st sitting of the House of Assembly, Dr. Friday said the legislation addresses long-standing concerns affecting a category of public servants that has been overlooked for approximately 25 years. He noted that the bill establishes a clear legal framework governing gratuity payment, replacing previous practices that relied largely on administrative discretion.

The Prime Minister explained that the legislation improves gratuity benefits by increasing the maximum period used in the calculation of gratuity from 26 to 33.3 weeks, while also providing greater certainty for employees regarding their entitlements.

Dr. Friday also outlined provisions that simplify the process for claiming compassionate gratuity. Under the bill, officers will be able to designate a beneficiary to receive the gratuity in the event of death or incapacitation, reducing delays, unnecessary legal expenses, and administrative hurdles for grieving families.

He said the legislation is intended to make the process more accessible for ordinary public servants, ensuring benefits are delivered promptly and efficiently.

Addressing concerns raised during the parliamentary debate, the Prime Minister maintained that the bill strengthens, rather than limits, the rights of daily-paid and minor salaried workers by providing a transparent legislative basis for gratuity payments. He noted that the legislation includes safeguards allowing gratuity to be reduced or withheld only in clearly defined cases involving negligence, irregularity, or misconduct, helping to protect the integrity of the system while ensuring fairness.

Dr. Friday emphasised that the bill was developed through extensive consultation with public service unions and members of the public, including town hall meetings, with feedback shaping the final legislation.

He said the government’s objective is to ensure that daily-paid and minor salaried officers receive the recognition, protection, and financial security they deserve through a modern, transparent, and legally established gratuity system.

The Daily Paid and Minor Salaried Officers (Compassionate Gratuity) Bill, 2026 forms part of the government’s broader commitment to improve the welfare of public servants and strengthen good governance through fair and accountable legislation.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information (API)