In Ghana, every employee has the right to a minimum of 15 working days of paid vacation leave, also known as annual leave, after each full year of continuous service. Although it's generally anticipated that employees will take their leave after completing a full year of service, leave can accrue proportionally during the year of employment.

Salary During Vacation

Employees receive their full, regular salary during vacation periods. This ensures that their income is not disrupted while they are on leave.

Collective Agreements

In some cases, collective agreements may provide for more generous vacation leave entitlements, surpassing the legal minimum. This means that some employees may receive more than the minimum 15 days of annual leave.

Legal Framework

These entitlements are outlined in the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). This Act is the primary legal source outlining labor regulations in Ghana, including vacation leave entitlements. It provides the legal framework for all matters related to employment, including leave.

Ghana celebrates several fixed date holidays throughout the year. New Year's Day on January 1st marks the beginning of the calendar year. Independence Day is celebrated on March 6th, commemorating Ghana's independence from British rule in 1957. Labor Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1st, honoring workers' contributions internationally. Republic Day on July 1st commemorates the day Ghana became a republic in 1960. Farmers' Day, celebrated on the first Friday in December, honors the contributions of farmers and fishers in Ghana. Christmas Day on December 25th is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, followed by Boxing Day on December 26th.

Holidays with Variable Dates

In addition to fixed date holidays, Ghana also celebrates holidays with variable dates. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The exact date varies yearly. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son. The exact date of this holiday also varies yearly.

Additional Commemorative Days

Ghana observes several days without a full public holiday status. These include African Union Day on May 25th and Constitution Day on January 7th.

In Ghana, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to at least 15 working days of paid vacation (annual leave) for each full year of service. During these vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay.

Sick Leave

Employees become eligible for paid sick leave after completing their probationary period. The specific duration of paid sick leave might depend on the length of employment and stipulations within employment contracts. Paid sick leave compensation amounts and duration can vary based on employment duration, workplace policies, and the nature of the illness. Employers may require a medical certificate to validate the need for sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to at least 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave. Eligible employees are entitled to receive full pay during maternity leave.

Paternity Leave

While not broadly established by the Labour Act, some employers and collective agreements may offer a short period of paid paternity leave.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member. The specific provisions usually depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

Special Circumstance Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term leave for circumstances such as marriage, religious observances, or civic duties. The specific provisions may depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.