The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has called for urgent reforms to Ghana’s labour and regulatory framework to safeguard the country’s rapidly expanding digital workforce and unlock its full economic potential.
Speaking at the launch and maiden conference of the Labour Law Society of Ghana in Accra, Mr. Ayariga said thousands of young Ghanaians are generating income through digital platforms but remain excluded from formal labour protections such as pensions, health insurance and job security.
The conference, held on the theme “Navigating the Frontiers of Digital Labour in Ghana,” brought together policymakers, legal practitioners, academics, industry leaders and digital entrepreneurs to examine the implications of technology-driven employment on Ghana’s labour market.
Mr. Ayariga noted that digital labour has become a significant source of employment for young people, with ride-hailing drivers, software developers, content creators, freelancers and online entrepreneurs increasingly contributing to economic growth.
However, he warned that existing labour regulations have not kept pace with the changing nature of work, creating a gap that leaves many digital workers vulnerable.
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“The digital economy is creating new opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship, but our policies and labour systems must evolve to ensure workers are protected while innovation continues to thrive,” he said.
The NYA CEO highlighted the Authority’s ongoing efforts to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy through targeted skills development programmes.
According to him, the Authority has trained 3,000 young people in digital entrepreneurship and online marketing, with each participant receiving a tablet to support business operations.
In addition, 300 young people have completed training in mobile application development, while another 1,000 are currently undergoing training in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
He said these initiatives are designed to equip Ghanaian youth with skills that are increasingly in demand globally and position them to participate in the fast-growing digital services sector.
Mr. Ayariga stressed that digital employment has the potential to become a major driver of job creation, innovation and export earnings, particularly as Ghana seeks to diversify its economy and reduce youth unemployment.
To maximise these benefits, he called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the judiciary, private sector actors and development partners to create an enabling environment for digital businesses and workers.
He advocated inclusive labour legislation, fair taxation policies, improved access to financing, stronger cybersecurity protections and support systems to address mental health challenges associated with digital work.
According to him, creating a balanced regulatory framework that protects workers while encouraging innovation will be critical to ensuring sustainable growth of Ghana’s digital economy.
“The future of work is digital, and Ghana’s youth are already participating in that future. Our responsibility is to ensure that the opportunities created are inclusive, secure and capable of driving long-term economic prosperity,” he said.
As digital platforms continue to reshape employment patterns globally, industry stakeholders say Ghana’s ability to modernise its labour laws could play a crucial role in attracting digital investment, supporting entrepreneurship and creating quality jobs for the country’s growing youth population.
