Act 651 sets out leave entitlements for workers in Ghana, and one rule stands out for how firmly it is expressed.
Annual leave cannot be waived
Annual leave cannot be waived or replaced by a cash payment, except upon termination of employment.
That means an employer cannot buy out your leave to keep you working, and you cannot agree to give it up. The purpose of the entitlement is rest.
At termination, accrued and untaken leave is paid out.
Annual leave entitlement
Workers are entitled to paid annual leave after a qualifying period of continuous service, with the entitlement set out in the Act and frequently improved by contract or collective agreement.
Sick leave
Provided for under the Act, subject to medical certification.
Maternity leave
Female workers are entitled to maternity leave with protections around dismissal during that period.
Worth noting: a Draft Labour Bill, 2024 has been under review, which among other things proposes extending maternity leave and introducing paternity leave. If it passes, entitlements will change.
Rest periods
The Act provides for rest during the working day and for weekly rest.
Public holidays
Ghana observes public holidays declared by the government, with pay implications where you are required to work.
Keep your own record
If your employer does not maintain a formal leave register, keep your own note of days taken and any requests refused.
Because untaken leave is paid at termination, that record has real financial value at the end of the relationship.
Where to raise a problem
The Labour Department handles complaints, and the National Labour Commission handles disputes including unfair termination.