Work on an overall implementation strategy for public sector pay and specific enhancement schemes to raise the commitment of public servants is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff, said in Accra on Wednesday.

In line with the pay reform, a comparative survey of public and private sector salaries would start next month. In addition, a census to determine the actual size of the public service would be conducted.

Mr Mpiani announced this at a ceremony at which the government signed contract agreements with six public institutions to make them achieve financial success, improve their performances, productivity and effectiveness.

The institutions are the Ghana News Agency, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Controller and Accountant-General's Department, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Public Services Commission and the National Theatre of Ghana.

Mr Mpiani said the pay reform was in line with the government's commitment to reward hard work and productivity in the public service, adding that, public servants were expected to reciprocate this by respecting their work ethics.

"The government of President John Agyekum Kufuor has taken these matters seriously in order to raise the commitment of public servants to give up (sic) their best in providing service to our dear nation," he said.

"We would be glad, therefore, to receive in return increased discipline, accountability, transparency and productivity”, Mr Mpiani said, adding that work had started on a new regulatory framework to govern the public service. The draft would be submitted to the Cabinet by August.