Ghana’s labour laws set for major overhaul, says Ignatius Baffour-Awuah

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, has announced plans for a new labour bill to address the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace and build on the achievements of the Labour Act (2003), Act 651.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday (28 August), Baffour-Awuah acknowledged the positive impact of the current labour law but highlighted the need for reforms. 

“There’s no doubt that the current Labour Act has served the nation well. A trip down memory lane will reveal that prior to his promulgation in 2003, the right to freedom of association was problematic; this was contrary to Article 21(1)(e) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana,” he said.

Baffour-Awuah said the current Labour Act has fostered trade union pluralism, liberalised industrial and labour relations, and established a legal framework that has facilitated proactive labour issue resolution, maintaining harmony among tripartite stakeholders.

However, Baffour-Awuah warned that the current legislation risks becoming outdated. 

“The world of work has undergone dramatic changes to the extent that if care is not taken, the current labour law may soon not be fit for purpose,” he said.

“As a result, a new labour bill 2024 has been developed to consolidate the gains made by Act 651.”

The proposed Labour Bill 2024 aims to consolidate the gains made by Act 651 and introduce significant updates. 

Key provisions include stricter regulations on private employment agencies, an extension of maternity leave by an additional two weeks, the introduction of paternity leave, and enhanced protection against workplace violence and harassment.

The bill, once approved by the cabinet and enacted by Parliament, is expected to modernise Ghana’s labour laws, ensuring they remain relevant in the face of rapidly changing employment trends.

“If approved by cabinet and subsequently enacted by parliament, the bill will provide the following: prohibited actions of private employment agencies, extension of maternity leave by an additional two weeks and introduction of paternity leave, protection against violence and harassment in the world of work,” Baffour-Awuah concluded.

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