The labour act must be revised to deal with the idea of shift work

Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu has stated that Ghana must change its labour laws to make the proposed 24-Hour Economy work.

Minister Iddrisu explained that the 24-Hour Economy is not just about longer working hours in public offices such as the Passport Office. It is a broader plan to help businesses stay open all day and night, create more jobs and improve productivity.

“There will be some changes to the laws that govern work in Ghana. For example, the Labour Act must be revised to deal with the idea of shift work” he said.

He noted that current labour laws limit working hours to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This makes it difficult for businesses to run through the night. He said new laws are needed to let certain categories of workers legally work beyond these hours.

The Minister also said the changes must involve key groups such as the Trade Union Congress. He pointed to examples from countries like Germany and the Netherlands where labour laws allow for flexible shift work and longer hours.

“You need a law that says a group of workers can work after 4:30 p.m.” he said.

Minister Iddrisu added that the 24-Hour Economy will mostly be led by the private sector with a focus on manufacturing. He gave the example of factories in Guangzhou China that operate non-stop as a model Ghana can learn from.

He said President John Dramani Mahama will lead the effort if re-elected and Goosie Tanoh will head an inter-ministerial team to coordinate the plan. This team includes ministers for finance agriculture trade fisheries and transport.

The Minister said the 24-Hour Economy will not remain a policy idea. It will be supported by law and include incentives to help businesses operate around the clock.

Changing the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) will show the government’s commitment to this plan. The current law allows shift work but limits average hours to eight a day or forty a week over a four-week period.

The planned reforms will give businesses more flexibility while protecting worker rights and ensuring fair pay. Labour unions have raised concerns and the government says it will work with them to address these issues.