Dr Smith-Graham Replaces Benjamin Arthur as Acting Chief Executive of FWSC
Dr George Smith-Graham has officially taken over from Ing. Benjamin Arthur as the new Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
At a brief handing-over meeting, outgoing Chief Executive Ing. Benjamin Arthur, who had served for over three years, handed over key documents to his successor.
With over three decades of experience in compensation management, public service reforms, and strategic leadership, Dr. Smith-Graham is poised to lead the government’s drive toward establishing an Independent Emoluments Commission.
The proposed commission will determine pay and compensation for public sector workers, seeking to eliminate disparities and enhance productivity.
Call for Teamwork
In a meeting with FWSC staff after the handover ceremony, Dr Smith-Graham stressed the importance of teamwork, noting that the Independent Emoluments Commission would represent a significant shift from the current Fair Wages Commission, expanding its mandate to determine salaries for all public workers, including ministers, judges, and parliamentarians
He stressed that collective effort would be essential to successfully establish the new Commission and urged the Commission’s workforce to fully prepare for the responsibilities ahead.
The new Chief Executive acknowledged the complexity and challenges inherent in negotiating salaries and compensation packages but expressed confidence that with teamwork and unity of purpose, these obstacles could be overcome.
“When challenges come, you should know that as an organisation, we need to stand firm and rely on those with the expertise to deliver,” he said. “Once we work together, we can cross over together.”
He urged staff to stay informed about developments in government pay systems and be ready to adapt, in order to elevate the Commission’s work to the next level.
“I assure you of my commitment to teamwork as we work together to meet the targets set before us,” he added.
Staff Pledge Support for New CEO
Outgoing Chief Executive, Ing. Benjamin Arthur, expressed his gratitude to the staff for their support during his tenure, which he described as a period marked by several notable achievements.
He encouraged them to extend the same level of support to his successor, stating, “The next phase will be more demanding.”
The staff pledged their commitment to supporting Dr. Smith-Graham and to working diligently to make the vision of the Independent Emoluments Commission a reality.
Dr Smith-Graham’s Background and Expertise
Dr Smith-Graham is an accomplished international consultant and transformational leader with over three decades of experience in compensation management, public service reforms, and strategic leadership.
He is also a renowned expert in talent management, human capital management, business development, and leadership development.
He successfully implemented government pay and compensation policy as the first substantive Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission between 2009 and 2017.
In 2018, he led reform efforts in Sierra Leone, where he served as international consultant and provided technical assistance to establish the country’s Wages and Compensation Commission.
Dr Smith Graham, who holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), is a Certified Management Consultant, a Certified International Professional Manager, a Fellow of the International Professional Managers Association (UK), and serves as an Adjunct Professor.
Dr Smith-Graham has previously held senior leadership positions, including Senior Vice President for Human Capital Management and Administration at Databank Financial Services Group, as well as Human Resources Manager at the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
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