Stephen Osei-Kissi, Head of the Greater Accra Regional Secretariat of the National Labour Commission (NLC), has advocated for Ghanaian workers to receive a living wage during a recent webinar organized by the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) on ‘Navigating Ghana’s Labour Laws and Regulations’.

Mr. Osei-Kissi highlighted that a living wage should consider essential factors such as food, water, housing, transportation, healthcare, electricity, clothing, and provisions for unexpected events. He expressed his belief that the current minimum wage of ¢14.88 per day, negotiated by the government, is inadequate when compared to the elements of a living wage.

The Head of the NLC’s Greater Accra Regional Secretariat emphasized the need to consider factors such as marital status, the number of children, position, transportation, and housing when determining a fair wage. He advocated for the implementation of a living wage, which takes into account these crucial factors.

Theophilus Tawiah, Managing Partner at WTS Nobisfields and a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, agreed with Mr. Osei-Kissi, noting that the current daily wage undermines the economic growth of workers who receive it.

Responding to a question about the possibility of an hourly wage in Ghana, Mr. Osei-Kissi expressed hope based on the number of calls supporting such a policy. However, he stated that the implementation of an hourly wage is unlikely in the near future due to a lack of support from both society and the government.

Mr. Osei-Kissi highlighted the importance of the Labour Act of 2003, which consolidated various labor laws and aligns with the International Labour Organization’s conventions. He explained that the Act applies to all workers and employers except for the Armed Forces, Police Service, Prison Service, and other security agencies under the Security and Intelligence Act of 2020.

During the webinar, Mr. Osei-Kissi also discussed other labor-related topics such as employment contracts, employee leave, termination of appointment, redundancy, employment of foreign nationals, and payment of bonuses. He emphasized the need for employers to document the recruitment process and develop policies that regulate issues related to sick leave and misconduct. Additionally, he stressed the importance of investigating termination issues and finding a fair balance for all parties involved.

The webinar, organized by the UKGCC and WTS Nobisfields, focused on providing insights into Ghana’s labor laws and regulations to ensure mandatory regulatory compliance for businesses operating in the country.