Workplace Violence & Harassment in Ghana (Episode 1)

LABOUR ACT 651 (2003) VS DRAFT LABOUR BILL 2025 (Episode 1)

Introduction

Violence and harassment at the workplace remain a major challenge in Ghana’s world of work. These acts undermine human dignity, equality, productivity, and social justice. Addressing them requires not only moral commitment, but also a strong and modern legal framework.

1.1 Under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), protection against workplace harassment is limited. The Act addresses only sexual harassment, defining it narrowly as unwelcome sexual advances or requests made by an employer, superior officer, or co-worker.

The Act does not recognise bullying, psychological abuse, intimidation, gender-based violence (GBV), online harassment, or harassment by third parties such as clients and customers.

1.2 Act 651 also places no clear obligation on employers to prevent harassment. There is no requirement for workplace policies, reporting systems, or investigation procedures.

1.3 As a result, protection for workers is largely reactive, responding only after repeated complaints and harm have already occurred.

1.4 The Draft Labour Bill, 2025 represents a significant shift. It recognises violence and harassment in broad terms, including physical, psychological, sexual, and gender-based violence.

1.5 The Bill imposes mandatory duties on employers to adopt zero-tolerance policies, establish complaint and investigation mechanisms, protect confidentiality, and prevent retaliation.

1.6 It further expands protection beyond the traditional workplace to include work-related travel, training, employer-provided accommodation, and digital or online platforms.
Importantly, it strengthens worker remedies by treating resignation due to violence or harassment as unfair termination, with remedies including reinstatement, re-employment, or compensation.

1.7 In essence, while Act 651 reacts after harm occurs, the Draft Labour Bill, 2025 institutionalises prevention, dignity, and accountability, aligning Ghana’s labour law with ILO Convention No. 190.

Kenneth Koomson
Member, Labour Bill Drafting Committee