Sick Leave
Income
There is no clear provision in the Labour Act about paid sick leave and its length. It only says that sick leave certified by the medical practitioner is independent of annual leave.
Sources: §22 & 24 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651); ISSA Country Profile for Ghana
Medical Care
There is no mention in the Labour Act about the medical care; however, medical benefits are provided under the National Health Insurance Program. It provides a range of healthcare services free of charge, including inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, eye treatment, and dental and maternity care. The program does not cover costs for rehabilitation (other than physiotherapy), prostheses, certain surgeries (including organ transplants and cosmetic surgeries), antiretroviral treatment for HIV, dialysis, and cancer treatment (other than cervical or breast cancer).
Employers are required to pay the medical expenses in respect of the occupational injury.
Source: Schedule II under the Regulation 19 of the National Health Insurance Regulations 2004; ISSA Country Profile for Ghana
Job Security
The legislation does not guarantee job security for a worker during the first six months of illness.
According to the Labour Act, terminating a worker who is temporarily ill or injured (if certified by a recognized medical practitioner) is considered unfair dismissal. This protection also applies to cases of pregnancy or disability.
Sources: §63(2)(g) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651)
Regulations on Sick Leave
- Labour Act, 2003 (Act651)
- National Health Insurance Regulations 2004
- Workmen's Compensation Act, 1987 (PNDCL 187)
