Contract of Employment

Get all the information about long term and short term employment contract laws in Ghana. Know more about Contract of Employment and Wages at Workplace in Ghana.

A contract of employment may be in the form of oral expression or in writing and must state in clear terms the rights and obligations of the worker and the employer. A worker must demand a writing contract from his or her employer if he or she is employed for a period of six months or more or for a number of working days equivalent to six months or more within a year. 

How long must it take for my employer to give me a contract of employment?

After commencement of the employment your employer shall within two months furnish you with a written statement of the particulars of the main terms of the contract of employment.

Should my employer sign my contract of employment?

Yes. The contract of employment must be signed by your employer.

Can my employer force me to join a trade union or prevent me from joining a union before offering me employment?

No. An employer shall not in respect of any person seeking employment or a of persons already in his employment require that person to form or join a trade union or to refrain from forming or joining a trade union of his or her choice. Also an employer cannot discriminate against the employee on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, social or economic status, disability or politics.

On what grounds can I, as a worker, terminate my contract of employment?

A contract of employment may be terminated by a worker on the following grounds:

  • By mutual agreement between the worker and the employer
  • By the worker on grounds of ill-treatment or sexual harassment.

What can I do, as a worker, if I want to terminate my contract of employment?

A contract of employment may be terminated at any time by a worker by giving to the employer:

  • One month’s notice or one month’s pay in lieu of notice, in case of a contract of three years or more
  • Two weeks’ notice or two weeks’ pay in lieu of notice, in case of a contract of less than three yearse
  • Seven days’ notice in case of a contract from week to week
  • A contract of employment determinable at will by either party may be terminated at the close of any day without notice.

What form of notice should I give to my employer?

A notice required to be given during termination of contract of employment shall be in writing. The day on which the notice is given shall be included in the period of notice.

Can I terminate my contract of employment without notice?

Yes. Either party to a contract of employment may terminate the contract without notice. The employer must pay the employee a sum equal to the amount of remuneration which would have accrued to the worker during the period of the notice.

What should I expect from my employer if my contract of employment is terminated on fair grounds?

The employer shall pay to the worker:

  • Any remuneration earned by the worker before the termination
  • Any deferred pay due to the worker before the termination
  • Any compensation due to the worker in respect of sickness or accident
  • In the case of foreign contract, the expenses and necessaries for the journey and repatriation expenses in respect of the worker and accompanying member of his or her family in addition to any or all of the payments. 

How long should it take for my employer to pay me if my contract of employment is terminated fairly?

The employer is expected to pay the worker not later that the date of expiration of the notice and where no notice is required, the payment of all remuneration due shall be made not later than the next working day after the termination.

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