The amendment is expected to include key changes such as the introduction of paternity leave, which recognizes fathers’ roles in early childcare, define working shift for the 24-hour economic policy and updates to address issues related to remote and hybrid work models.
Dr. Pelpuo noted that this committee is expected to make amendments to some work done by the previous labor law amendment committee under the previous NPP administration.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues, Sunday, July 6, 2025, the Miniter stressed that it is important to ensure that the labor Act reflects the current circumstances while meeting the standards of the international labor law.
“When I got to office, I realize that the Committee had not finished the work, there was a proposal for me to change the committee and appoint a new committee. Because we wanted the thing urgently, I asked them to go back and present me a report of what they have done. They have done that.
“I have given it to another Committee to examine and finalize the issues. Government is a continuum, once it has been worked on by people who know the law, interpretations on the issues will only result in hear saying that these things does not mean what our policy stands for.
“But within the framework of how the labor law should look like, they are very basic areas that we don’t dispute about because we simply want it to reflect the present legal circumstance in our perspective about the policy of law,” stated.
He added that the Committee has also been tasked to ensure that the amendments are “captured in a manner that should not erase them or that should not warrant a second revision when a new government comes. They have to be permanently inscribed and serve the purpose of our advancement in the labor law of Ghana.”
The Minister said the Committee will present its report in two weeks after which the Attorney-General will revise the bill and forward to Cabinet before it goes to Parliament.
“In about a week or two the Committee will give me a comprehensive position they have, given the guidance we have given them, after which the Attorney-General will have a second look at it and then give it to Cabinet and Cabinet will determine when it should go to Parliament,” Dr. Pelpuo highlighted.
The review of the labor laws begun under the erstwhile NPP administration but the Committee responsible could not complete its work.
The Minister has since formed a new committee to finalize the review on amendments of the labor laws after which it will be presented to the Attorney-General.
With a focus on modernization and improvement of worker protections, the Revised Labour Bill, 2024, is expected to introduce significant changes, including extending maternity leave to between 17 and 26 weeks, introducing paternity leave, and allowing for flexible working conditions for pregnant and lactating women.
