African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover) | 22 December 2005
Labour Law and Workers' Rights in Ghana's Informal Economy: A Policy Analysis
K, o, f, i, A, s, a, r, e
Abstract
Labour law in Ghana's informal economy is underdeveloped, leading to significant gaps in workers' rights protection. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach combining legal document review with semi-structured interviews among informal economy stakeholders, including workers, employers, and government officials. Interview data reveals inconsistencies in how labour laws are applied across different regions of Ghana's informal economy. For instance, while some areas enforce provisions strictly, others observe compliance loosely, resulting in uneven protection. The proportion of workers who report having access to basic rights such as health insurance or social security is notably low. Current policies inadequately address the needs of the majority of Ghana's informal economy workforce, necessitating a more comprehensive and equitable approach to labour law reform. Develop targeted legislative amendments and enforcement mechanisms tailored specifically for the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector. This includes strengthening legal frameworks related to health insurance and social security rights.