The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has assured that Ghana’s ongoing labor law reforms will extend legal recognition and protection to platform and gig workers, strengthening labor standards as the country’s digital economy continues to expand.
Speaking at the maiden Labour Law Annual Conference in Accra, the Minister said the review of the Labour Act seeks to align Ghana’s labour framework with evolving work arrangements driven by technological advancement. He expressed confidence that the amendment process would be completed before the end of the year, paving the way for digital workers to access the same legal protections and labour practices afforded to other categories of workers.
Pelpuo acknowledged that existing labour legislation does not explicitly recognise platform workers, influencers and other participants in the digital economy. However, he indicated that government was already taking steps to address the gap by reflecting these emerging forms of employment in the revised law.
According to him, Ghana is moving through a “new technological era” in which the “content and nature of work are changing,” making it imperative for legislation to evolve alongside new employment models and workplace realities.
He noted that the government “recognises that these new forms of work exist” and is incorporating them into the amended Labour Act to ensure digital workers benefit from established labour protections and standards.
The Minister further stressed that extending social protection to workers in the digital economy would require reforms that are “legally binding and compelling,” supported by a clear regulatory framework that defines the obligations of all actors operating within the platform economy.
He added that the Ministry was also investing in institutional readiness to respond effectively to the changing world of work. As part of these efforts, management and staff are receiving training in Artificial Intelligence and related digital systems to build the expertise needed to implement future policies.
According to Pelpuo, the Ministry is “upgrading the knowledge and skills” of its workforce, with directors already undergoing AI training to better understand the technologies shaping emerging labour trends.
