Ghana's Labor Act 2003 (Act 651) governs the relationship between employers and employees. Whether you're a worker or a business owner, understanding these rights prevents disputes, lawsuits, and penalties.
Basic Employee Rights
Employment Contract
Every employee has the right to a written contract of employment within 2 months of starting work. The contract must state:
- Job title and description
- Salary and payment frequency
- Working hours
- Leave entitlements
- Probation period (if any)
- Notice period for termination
Working Hours
- Standard: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
- Overtime: Must be compensated at 1.5x normal rate (2x on public holidays)
- Rest: Minimum 48 consecutive hours of rest per week (usually Saturday-Sunday)
- Night work: Additional compensation required for work between 8 PM and 6 AM
Minimum Wage
The national daily minimum wage for 2026 is GHS 18.15 (approximately GHS 400/month for full-time work). Many employers pay above this, but none can pay below it.
Leave Entitlements
- Annual leave: Minimum 15 working days per year (after 12 months of service)
- Sick leave: Up to 5 days per year with full pay (with medical certificate)
- Maternity leave: 12 weeks with full pay (for women)
- Public holidays: 13 gazetted public holidays per year
- Bereavement: Not specified in law but commonly 3-5 days
SSNIT Contributions
Your employer MUST register you with SSNIT and make contributions:
- Employer: 13% of basic salary
- Employee: 5.5% of basic salary (deducted from your pay)
- Total: 18.5%
If your employer deducts but doesn't pay SSNIT, report to the nearest SSNIT office.
Termination Rights
Notice Periods
- Probation period: 1 week notice
- After probation (less than 3 years): 2 weeks notice
- 3+ years service: 1 month notice
- Or payment in lieu of notice
Unlawful Termination
You CANNOT be fired for:
- Joining or forming a trade union
- Filing a complaint about working conditions
- Pregnancy or maternity leave
- Race, gender, religion, disability, or social status
- Absence due to certified illness
Redundancy
If laid off due to restructuring, you're entitled to:
- Negotiated redundancy pay (no fixed formula, but typically 1-3 months per year of service)
- Priority for re-employment if the position reopens
- Proper notice period
Filing Complaints
If your employer violates your rights:
- Internal grievance: Use your company's complaint procedure first
- Labor Department: Visit the nearest District Labor Office to file a formal complaint (free)
- National Labor Commission: For disputes that can't be resolved at the district level
- Court: Labor cases are heard by the High Court
For Employers: Compliance Checklist
- Written contracts for all employees
- SSNIT registration and monthly payments
- Compliance with minimum wage
- Proper record-keeping (salaries, hours, leave)
- Safe working conditions
- Non-discrimination in hiring and promotion
Whether you're an employee protecting your rights or an employer ensuring compliance, proper legal structure matters. Use our free Business Structure Finder and read about common legal mistakes businesses make.