The Acting Regional Labour Officer for the Upper East Region, Abdulai Salifu, has cautioned employers—particularly media houses and small business owners—to strictly adhere to the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which mandates the provision of annual leave and written contracts for all employees. Speaking on A1 Radio, he emphasized that denying workers their annual leave is not only unlawful but also a serious breach of labour rights.
According to him, inspections conducted at various establishments, including A1 Radio, revealed mixed levels of compliance. “An employee is entitled to annual leave. When we inspect your organization and realize employees are not enjoying it, we advise you because it is an affront to the law,” he stated.
He added that every establishment is required to maintain an annual leave roster, clearly indicating when each employee is scheduled to take their leave.
Mr. Salifu explained that negotiations between employers and employees are permitted only for rescheduling, not for denial. “Let’s assume you chose November 2025 for your leave, but there’s an emergency. The employer can ask you to take it in December. That is allowed. What is not allowed is refusing you leave entirely,” he stressed.
He further clarified provisions for situations where employees on leave may be recalled to support urgent organizational activities. In such cases, he said, the employer must bear the full cost of recalling the employee and compensate for any lost leave days. “If you come back on the 20th to help run a programme, the employer must facilitate your return and later top up the days you lost. You don’t lose them,” he explained.
On employment contracts, Mr. Salifu expressed concern that many businesses still engage workers without written agreements. “In our observations, too many employers rely on verbal arrangements. This is wrong. The Labour Act requires a written contract outlining terms of engagement, responsibilities, remuneration, and rights,” he emphasized.
He urged employers to recognize that proper labour practices—annual leave, clear contracts, and fair engagement—not only protect workers but also enhance productivity, workplace harmony, and reduce legal risks.
Mr. Salifu reaffirmed his office’s commitment to continuous inspections and education to ensure full compliance across the region.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
