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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Protecting gig workers in Ghana: A study of trade unionism, collective bargaining, and labour law reform
Authors
Abubakari Najimu, Halid Abdul-Rauf, Mohammed Aziz, Haruna Salima
Abstract
The rapid growth of the gig economy in Ghana,
propelled by digital platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and food delivery services,
has generated a new category of workers. However, their legal classification as
independent contractors exclude them from the fundamental protections
guaranteed under the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), including the right to
unionise, engage in collective bargaining, and access social security benefits.
This misclassification produces a significant protection gap, exposing gig
workers to unstable incomes, algorithmic management, and precarious working
conditions. Adopting a doctrinal and comparative approach, this study
interrogates the shortcomings of Ghana's labour legislation and trade union
structures in responding to these challenges. It draws on lessons from
innovative legal and collective bargaining responses in the European Union, the
United Kingdom, and South Africa, where courts and policymakers have sought to
extend rights to platform workers (International Labour Organization [ILO],
2021) [12]. The paper argues that urgent legal reform is required in
Ghana, including a statutory redefinition of workers and the
institutionalisation of sectoral bargaining, to guarantee meaningful protection
for gig workers and ensure that the digital economy contributes to decent work
and inclusive growth.
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Pages:1-11
How to cite this article:
Abubakari Najimu, Halid Abdul-Rauf, Mohammed Aziz, Haruna Salima "Protecting gig workers in Ghana: A study of trade unionism, collective bargaining, and labour law reform". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-11
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