Payroll

Payroll Cycle

The payroll cycle in Ghana is monthly, and payments must be made on the same day of each month and no later than the last working day of each month. However, some employers choose to pay their employees on a bi-weekly basis.

13th Salary

There are no provisions in the law regarding 13th salaries.

Working Hours

General

The standard workweek in Ghana consists of 40 hours a week and typically is broken down to 8 hours per day for a five-day workweek. The workweek can be increased to 48 hours a week in specific sectors.

Overtime

Work in excess of the standard weekly work hours is considered overtime and is regulated by the employment contract or collective agreements. When an employee is requested to work overtime or work on holidays, there are maximums in relation to the number of hours allowed. These maximums are 48 hours per week. There are also different maximum working hours for minors.

Overtime hours in excess of 40 hours a week are paid at 150% of the regular pay rate.

Working Week

Monday-Friday

Leave

Paid Time Off

After one year of employment for a full-time employee, the annual paid leave entitlement is 15 working days.

Public Holidays

There are 13 public holidays in Ghana.

Sick Days

There is no statutory legal requirement for paid sick leave in Ghana.

Maternity Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to 12 weeks (increasing to 14 weeks in the case of multiple or complicated births) of paid Maternity leave at 100% of the employee’s regular pay rate.
After returning from maternity leave, the woman is entitled to one hour’s leave during the workday to nurse the child until the child reaches the age of one.

Paternity Leave

There are no statutory laws regarding paternity leave.

Parental Leave

There are no statutory laws regarding parental leave.    

Other Leave

An employee may be allowed additional leave types pending employer approval for the following:

• Adoption: A person who adopts a child under the age of 10 is entitled to paid leave based on the employee’s average salary.
• Childcare leave: A mother or father can take paid leave (equal to the minimum wage) and varies based on the age of the child:

• Up to 2 children under the age of 14: 3 days’ leave
• 3+ children under the age of 14: 6 days’ leave
• For parents with a disabled child: The mother or father can take off an additional day of work each month until the child reaches the age of 18

Termination

Termination Process

The termination process varies according to the employment agreement or collective bargaining agreement and is based on the type of contract and reason for termination.

Either the employee or employer can terminate the employment contract at any time. Notice in writing is required.

If the termination is deemed unfair, the employee may make a claim with the labor court and in some cases, have their employment re-instated.

If the employment is considered ‘at-will,’  either the employer or employee may terminate the employment at the end of the day without notice.

When there is no ‘at will’ clause in the employment contract, it is possible to pay the employee in lieu of notice.

Notice Period

Notice period in Ghana is as follows:  

• For a contract of 3 or more years, one months’ notice or one month pay in lieu of notice
• For an employment contract less than three years, two weeks’ notice or two weeks’ pay in lieu of notice
• In the case of a contract from week to week, seven days’ notice
• A contract determinable at will by either party may be terminated at the end of the day without any notice

Severance Pay

There is no severance pay in the case of individual dismissals (for non-economic reasons).

When the termination is due to redundancy, compensation is subject to negotiation between the employer and the employee.

In the event of unfair dismissal, an employee may file a complaint with the labor commission. If the labor commission finds that the termination of employment was unfair, it may order the employer to reinstate the employee from the date of termination of employment. The employee may be reinstated to the same position or in a reasonably suitable role on the same terms and conditions as before termination. Alternatively, the labor commission may order the employer to compensate the employee.

Probation Period

Probation in Ghana is generally outlined in the employment agreement or collective bargaining agreement.

VISA

VISA

Ghana is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional treaties that provides a specific framework for member states. ​

Most business visitors to Ghana require a Business Visa (B-1). Some foreign nationals are visa-exempt based on their citizenship. B-1 visas allow for single or multiple entries. B-1 visa applicants may request an initial stay of 30 to 60 days. Business visas may be extended once for 60 days for a total maximum stay of 120 days.

The three main types of work authorization in Ghana which can be granted for up to 12 months are:

• ​The In Quota Work Permit for companies with a pre-approved quota;
• The Standard Work Permit for all other foreign national workers (no quota but longer processing time)
• The PC (Petroleum Commission) Work Permit for companies active in the oil and gas sector.

All travelers coming into or transiting through Ghana are required to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least Ten (10) days from the proposed date of travel and where already vaccinated, provide evidence(certificate) indicating the duration of the vaccination status of not more than ten (10) years before entering Ghana.

VAT

General

The standard VAT rate is 12.50%.