Academy›👥 Employing people

Hiring under the Labour Act

Contracts, the minimum wage, leave and the new Labour Bill.

⏱ 7 min Lesson 1 of 3

The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) sets the rules for most employers and workers.

Give every worker written terms: job, pay, hours, leave and how either side can end it.

From 1 January 2026 the national daily minimum wage is GH¢21.77.

Workers are entitled to at least 15 working days of paid annual leave; women to maternity leave.

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📌What you need to know

The minimum wage rose 9% from GH¢19.97 in 2025 to GH¢21.77 a day in 2026 — about GH¢588 for a 27-day month.
The minimum wage applies to casual and part-time workers too, for each day worked.
Act 651 gives 12 weeks of maternity leave.
A new Labour Bill (covering remote and gig work, 14 weeks' maternity leave and paternity leave) was being finalised in 2026 but was not yet law in October 2026. Follow Act 651 until it passes.
Keep a staff file for each worker: contract, Ghana Card, SSNIT number, and leave taken.

In Ghana: the numbersChecked 14 October 2026

Daily minimum wage (2026)GH¢21.77

Annual leaveAt least 15 working days

Maternity leave (Act 651)12 weeks

Governing lawLabour Act, 2003 (Act 651)

Paying casual workers below the daily minimum.

Hiring on a verbal promise with nothing in writing.

Assuming the new Labour Bill already applies.

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Tip. Write one simple contract template and use it for everyone; change only the name, role and pay.

Do it in DatanaDatana handles this part for you.

Sources · checked 14 October 2026