By Lawrence Odoom
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that government is on the cusp of finalising a comprehensive new labour bill designed to extend robust protections to workers across emerging frontiers of employment, including remote work, the gig economy, and digital platforms.
Delivering his address at the May Day celebrations on Friday, May 1, the President stated that the proposed legislation seeks to recalibrate Ghana’s labour architecture to align with the evolving dynamics of global work.
According to President Mahama, the bill is meticulously crafted to guarantee that all workers, irrespective of sector or geographical location, are entitled to equitable contracts, statutory safeguards, and indispensable social benefits.
“This adaptation will ensure that every worker, regardless of sector or geographical location, gains protection, fair contracts and access to benefits such as secure pensions and clear rights,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the initiative constitutes a cornerstone of government’s broader “Resetting Ghana Agenda,” which places dignity, equity, and security at the heart of labour policy for both the formal and informal workforce.
“Our Resetting Ghana Agenda ensures that whether you work in an office or you work with an app, your rights are protected, your pension is secure and your dignity is non-negotiable,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, President Mahama revealed that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has commenced groundwork for the establishment of an Independent Emoluments Commission, tasked with overhauling public sector remuneration frameworks.
He explained that the proposed commission will institute a more transparent and equitable mechanism for determining emoluments across every stratum of public service.
The move, he noted, is anticipated to entrench fairness in compensation from the apex of governance to the lowest-paid public sector employee while fortifying accountability in the administration of public sector pay.