Ceramic manufacturing giant KEDA Ghana has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that it has failed to remit Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions for over 4,000 of its workers, sparking outrage among labor unions and civil society groups.
According to documents and testimonies obtained by sources close to the matter, the company—located in the Tema Industrial Enclave and a subsidiary of Chinese multinational KEDA Industrial Group—is alleged to have employed thousands of Ghanaian workers under conditions that circumvent statutory social security obligations.
The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), which has taken a keen interest in the issue, described the situation as a “flagrant abuse” of workers’ rights and a violation of Ghana’s labor laws.
“We are talking about thousands of workers who have been deprived of their basic entitlement to social security, which is not only illegal but inhumane,” said Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the GFL. “This raises serious concerns about the regulatory oversight in Ghana’s industrial zones.”
Workers at KEDA Ghana, many of whom are employed on a casual or contract basis, reportedly receive daily wages without proper employment documentation. Several employees, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, said they had worked at the factory for over a year without SSNIT registration or any form of pension contribution.
One former worker, who left the company late last year, revealed that “people are working six days a week, often in hazardous conditions, and when you ask about SSNIT, they tell you the company will sort it out later.”
Efforts to obtain a formal response from KEDA Ghana were unsuccessful as of press time. However, labor analysts say the government and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust must launch an urgent investigation into the claims.
“This case, if confirmed, reflects a broader pattern of exploitation that must be addressed. Foreign investors must not operate above the law,” said Dr. Yvonne Asare, a labor rights researcher with the University of Ghana.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations has yet to comment on the matter, but sources within SSNIT have hinted that a probe may already be underway.
The allegations come at a time when Ghana is aggressively courting foreign investment to drive industrialization and job creation under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy. Critics argue that without adequate enforcement of labor regulations, such investments risk enabling corporate malpractice at the expense of Ghanaian workers.
If proven, KEDA Ghana could face sanctions under the National Pensions Act, including fines and possible legal action to recover unpaid contributions.