Workers Rights
Your Rights as a Worker in Ghana
Every worker in Ghana is entitled to fundamental rights and protections under the law. Understanding these rights is the first step toward ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Labour Act
Act 651, 2003
ILO
International Standards
24/7
Union Support
Fundamental Workers Rights
These core rights are protected by Ghana's Labour Act and international labour standards
Fair Wages
Right to receive fair and timely compensation for work performed, including minimum wage compliance and overtime pay.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Section 68
- Minimum Wage Act
- Collective Agreements
Reasonable Working Hours
Maximum 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, with provisions for overtime compensation and rest periods.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Sections 33-37
- ILO Convention No. 1
- Overtime Regulations
Safe Working Conditions
Right to work in an environment free from hazards, with proper safety equipment and training provided by employers.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Sections 118-126
- Factories, Offices and Shops Act
- OSHA Standards
Freedom of Association
Right to join or form trade unions, participate in union activities, and engage in collective bargaining without interference.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Sections 79-82
- 1992 Constitution, Article 21
- ILO Convention No. 87
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and compassionate leave as provided by law and collective agreements.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Sections 20-32
- Social Security Act
- Maternity Protection
Protection Against Discrimination
Equal treatment regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or political affiliation in employment matters.
Legal Basis:
- Labour Act, Section 68
- 1992 Constitution, Article 17
- ILO Convention No. 111
Sector-Specific Rights & Protections
Additional rights and protections that apply specifically to different sectors
Teacher-Specific Protections
- Academic freedom and professional autonomy
- Class size limits for quality education
- Professional development opportunities
- Protection against arbitrary transfer
- Recognition of teaching qualifications
- Fair evaluation procedures
Private School Workers
- Contract security and renewal rights
- Tuition fee payment protection
- School facilities and resources
- Parent-teacher relationship boundaries
- Examination supervision allowances
- Holiday and vacation entitlements
Farm & Field Workers
- Protection from hazardous chemicals (pesticides)
- Weather-appropriate protective gear
- Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities
- Seasonal work contracts and guarantees
- Harvest bonus and incentive schemes
- Transportation to remote farm locations
Processing Plant Workers
- Food safety and hygiene training
- Temperature-controlled working environments
- Protective equipment for machinery operation
- Shift work compensation and breaks
- Export processing standards compliance
- Quality control role protections
Factory Workers
- Machine safety guards and emergency stops
- Noise protection in loud environments
- Ventilation and air quality standards
- Production line speed limits
- Regular equipment maintenance schedules
- Breakdown and repair time compensation
Quality & Safety
- Right to refuse unsafe work
- Quality control standards training
- Product defect reporting protection
- Safety committee representation
- Accident investigation participation
- Hazardous material handling training
Airport Ground Staff
- International aviation security standards
- Runway and tarmac safety protocols
- Baggage handling equipment safety
- Extreme weather working conditions
- Flight schedule disruption compensation
- Security clearance and badge protection
Service Personnel
- Customer service training and support
- Uniform and appearance standards fairness
- Shift rotation and rest period compliance
- Emergency response training
- Airline policy change consultation
- International travel regulations training
Workers Rights Quick Guide
Essential information every worker should know about their rights and responsibilities
What You Should Know
Employment Contracts
You have the right to a written contract specifying terms of employment, duties, salary, and working conditions.
Termination Procedures
Employers must provide valid reasons for termination and follow proper procedures, including notice periods.
Grievance Procedures
You have the right to raise concerns through established grievance procedures without fear of retaliation.
Social Security
Your employer must register you with SSNIT and make regular contributions on your behalf.
What to Watch Out For
Unpaid Overtime
Working beyond normal hours without proper compensation violates labour laws and your rights.
Safety Violations
Inadequate safety equipment, training, or hazardous working conditions are illegal and dangerous.
Discrimination
Unequal treatment based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability is prohibited by law.
Union Interference
Employers cannot prevent you from joining or participating in union activities.
Legal Resources & Support
Access to legal support and resources for enforcing your rights
Labour Commission
The statutory body responsible for settling labour disputes and enforcing labour laws in Ghana.
Contact: 0302 665 104
Website: www.labourcommission.gov.gh
SSNIT
Social Security and National Insurance Trust for pension, invalidity, and survivors benefits.
Contact: 0302 680 880
Website: www.ssnit.org.gh
National Tripartite Committee
Platform for government, employers, and workers to discuss labour policy and minimum wage.
Contact: Through Ministry of Employment
Role: Policy formulation & consultation
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
Steps to take when you believe your workers' rights have been infringed upon
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of incidents, dates, times, witnesses, and any communication related to the violation. Take photos if applicable.
Report to Management
Follow your company's internal grievance procedures. Make formal complaints in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
Contact UNEAGES
Reach out to our union representatives immediately. We provide guidance, mediation, and legal support for members facing rights violations.
Emergency Support: 0246943226
Formal Complaint to Labour Commission
If internal resolution fails, file a formal complaint with the National Labour Commission within 12 months of the violation.
Legal Action
As a last resort, with union support, pursue legal action through the appropriate courts or arbitration processes.
Downloadable Resources
Free guides and resources to help you understand and protect your rights
Workers Rights Handbook
Comprehensive guide to Ghana's labour laws and your rights as a worker.
Download PDFRights Checklist
Quick reference checklist to ensure your workplace respects all your rights.
Download PDFGrievance Template
Sample letters and templates for filing formal workplace complaints.
Download DOCNeed Help With Workers Rights?
If you're facing rights violations at work or need guidance on your legal protections, our union representatives are here to help you 24/7.
24/7 Emergency Hotline: 0246943226
Rights Support: rights@uneages.org