Debts and Money Advice
Collecting Information About Your Debts
- List all your debts: loans (e.g. susu loans, salary advance, microfinance), credit purchases, mobile money loans (e.g. Quick Loan), utility arrears, school fees, rent, etc.
- Include creditor names, amounts owed, interest rates, due dates, and any guarantors.
Prioritising Debts
- Identify urgent debts (e.g. rent, utility bills, school fees, loans with high interest or legal consequences).
- Deal with high-priority debts first to avoid severe consequences.
Budgeting
- Track all sources of income (salary, business, remittances, etc.) and expenses (food, transport, airtime, utilities, etc.).
- Use a simple notebook, phone app, or spreadsheet to record your budget.
- Identify areas to cut back and set realistic spending limits.
Banking and Savings
- Open a savings account or use mobile money savings features (e.g. MTN Y’ello Save, Vodafone Cash Save).
- Save a small amount regularly, even if it’s GHS 1 a day.
- Consider joining a trusted susu or credit union for disciplined savings.
Pensions and Retirement Planning
- Check your SSNIT contributions and ensure your employer is paying regularly.
- Consider voluntary contributions or private pension schemes for extra security.
- Plan for retirement early, even if you are self-employed or in the informal sector.
Dealing with Creditors
- Contact creditors early to explain your situation and negotiate payment plans.
- Get any new agreements in writing (SMS, WhatsApp, or letter).
- Do not ignore creditors; communication helps prevent legal action or harassment.
Where to Get Help
- Contact Citizens AdviceGeek Centre for free, confidential advice.
- Seek help from legal aid, faith-based organisations, or trusted community leaders.
- Do not pay for debt advice from unlicensed agents.
🛠️ If You Run a Business and a Client Hasn’t Paid
- Send a formal demand letter
- Keep invoices and delivery records
- Consider mediation or small claims action
CAC can help you write demand letters and understand your contractual rights as a service provider.
🏢 If the Company Has Closed Down
- Try to contact directors or management
- Report the issue to the Labour Department
- You may claim unpaid wages through liquidation or insolvency proceedings
Sometimes workers can claim priority payment when a business goes bankrupt.
🗣️ Ask Your Employer to Pay What They Owe
Start with a polite and clear conversation:
“I believe I’ve not been paid correctly. Here’s what I expected and why. Could we go over this together?”- A copy of your contract
- A payslip or salary breakdown
- Timesheets or duty rosters
- Bank statements showing partial or missing pay
📌 If you can’t speak directly, put your concerns in writing (letter).
🧰 Use Workplace Grievance Procedures
Check for a formal grievance process in:
- Employee handbooks
- HR manuals
- Internal policies
If there's no formal process, submit a written complaint stating:
- What you were paid
- What you were expecting
- Why you believe there’s a discrepancy
- What resolution you’re seeking
📩 Keep a copy of your letter or message.
💪 Get Support from a Union or Workers’ Association
- Ask your representative to raise the issue
- Get advice and help with filing a grievance
- Use collective negotiation if several workers are affected
💸 Check You’re Getting At Least the Legal Minimum Pay
You must be paid at least the National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW).
As of January 2025, the NDMW is 19.97Ghs per day.
This applies to:
- Full-time or part-time workers
- Probation or casual workers
- Paid daily, weekly, or monthly
🧾 Common Pay Issues
- Overtime or weekend work
- Sick leave or maternity leave
- Public holidays
- Training time
- Accrued leave not taken
- End-of-service benefits
⚖️ Decide Whether to Take Legal Action
If your employer refuses to pay:
- Report to the Labour Department
- Visit your nearest Labour Office
- Make a formal complaint
- They can summon your employer for mediation
- Seek Help from CHRAJ
- If your rights were abused or unfair treatment occurred
- Take Civil Action
- File a case in the Labour or District Court
📌 Legal action is more effective if:
- You have a contract or written proof
- You tried other means first
- You are ready for mediation or hearings
CAC can help you:
- Draft letters
- Prepare evidence
- Refer your case to the right legal body
✅ Summary: What to Do
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 🗣️ 1 | Talk to your employer and ask for the payment |
| 🧾 2 | Check your documents — payslips, contracts, attendance |
| ✉️ 3 | Raise a written grievance or formal complaint |
| 💪 4 | Get support from a union or CAC |
| ⚖️ 5 | Report to the Labour Department or take legal action |
📞 Need Help?
Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC) can help you:
- Write formal complaints or demand letters
- Report wage issues to the Labour Department
- Understand your rights under Ghanaian employment law
- Support you through mediation or legal action
When you leave a job — whether by resignation, redundancy, contract expiration, or dismissal — your employer must pay you everything you’re owed under your contract and Ghanaian labour law. You have a right to your final pay, and you can take steps if you believe you haven’t been paid correctly.
💰 What You May Be Owed
Your final payment should include:
- Basic salary up to your last working day
- Accrued but unused leave (holiday) pay
- Notice pay, if your employer didn’t give you the required notice
- Severance or redundancy pay, if applicable
- End-of-service benefits, if stated in your contract or collective agreement
- Any outstanding allowances, bonuses, or commissions
- Maternity or paternity pay, if eligible
📅 When to Expect Final Pay
In most cases, your final pay should be processed on your regular payday. For example:
If you usually get paid on the 25th of each month, and you leave on the 10th, you’ll likely be paid on the 25th — unless your employer agrees to pay you earlier.
💬 It’s best to ask HR or payroll to confirm when and how your last payment will be made.
📑 Check Your Final Payslip
Your final payslip should show:
- Your total gross and net pay
- Any deductions (e.g. SSNIT, tax, loans)
- Leave days paid out
- Bonuses or commissions included
- End-of-service pay (if applicable)
- Explanations for any deductions
📌 Ghanaian law requires employers to give all workers and employees payslips showing a breakdown of pay and deductions. If you’re paid hourly or per task, the number of hours or units worked must be stated.
If your payslip is missing or unclear, ask for clarification from your employer or HR.
💼 Before You Leave: What to Clarify
Before your final day, try to confirm:
- 🟩 That you will be paid for all unused leave
- 🟩 If you owe the employer (e.g. for loans, uniforms, equipment), and how that will be deducted
- 🟩 When your final salary will be paid
- 🟩 That you will receive a payslip or breakdown of final payment
- 🟩 Whether you will be issued a certificate of service
If you’re unsure about any deductions, ask for it in writing.
📣 What If You’re Underpaid?
If your final pay is incorrect or missing:
- Speak to your former employer informally
- Call or message the HR officer, supervisor, or company accountant
- Be clear and respectful — give them a chance to correct it
- Request a breakdown
- Ask: “Please explain how my final pay was calculated, and why I have/haven’t been paid for my leave/overtime/bonus.”
- Send a formal letter or message
- If they don’t respond, write a formal complaint asking for your pay or an explanation
- Keep a copy of all communication
- Ask CAC or the Labour Department for Help
- We can help you write to your employer, or refer your case to the Labour Officer
⚖️ Taking Further Action
If your employer refuses to pay what you’re owed, you can take legal steps. You have the right to:
- Report the employer to the Labour Department in your district
- Ask the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to assist
- File a case at the National Labour Commission or in the Labour Court
📌 Time Limit: In Ghana, wage disputes should be reported within 6 years, but it’s best to act quickly — especially for severance or redundancy issues.
🧾 Final Pay Checklist
| Item | Confirm You Received |
|---|---|
| Basic salary to last working day | ✔️ |
| Leave days not used | ✔️ |
| Notice pay (if applicable) | ✔️ |
| Redundancy or severance pay | ✔️ |
| Bonus or commission earned | ✔️ |
| Payslip or breakdown | ✔️ |
| Certificate of service | ✔️ |
If you’re unsure what you’re owed or how to claim it, Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC) can support you with:
- Letters to your former employer
- Payslip reviews
- Labour Department referrals
- Legal advice where needed
"Leaving a job doesn’t mean leaving your rights behind."
In Ghana, you may be entitled to sick leave with pay if you are a worker under a contract of employment.
✅ Basic Sick Pay Rights
- 6+ months continuous work with your employer
- Certified illness or injury
- Medical certificate from a recognised practitioner
- Sick leave allowance not yet used
⏳ Length of Paid Sick Leave
“...entitled to sick leave of not less than 2 weeks with full pay...” — Labour Act, Section 24
Some contracts allow longer or more generous sick leave (contractual sick pay).
📝 Review Your Contract
- Annual sick leave allowance
- Whether pay begins on first day of illness
- Document requirements
- Unpaid/half-pay extension options
🩺 Medical Certificate Requirement
- Sick more than 1 day
- Even 1 day, if employer policy requires it
⚖️ Sick Pay by Worker Type
| Worker Type | Can You Get Sick Pay? |
|---|---|
| Full-time employee | ✔️ Yes |
| Part-time employee | ✔️ Based on contract |
| Casual/temporary | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Contract staff | ✔️ If contract allows |
| Self-employed | ❌ No legal right |
| National Service | ✔️ GHS 559 allowance (verify) |
🛑 If Employer Refuses Sick Pay
- Request written explanation
- Review contract or HR policy
- Talk to your union
- Report to CAC or Labour Department
📣 Special Cases
🤰 Maternity: Sick leave cannot replace maternity leave. Illness before it starts may qualify for sick leave.
🧑🏾🤝🧑🏾 Chronic Conditions: May require periodic reports; some contracts allow extended unpaid or half-paid leave.
🧾 Sick Pay Checklist
| 📌 Requirement | ✅ Needed? |
|---|---|
| Worked for 6+ months | ✔️ |
| Medical certificate provided | ✔️ |
| Sick leave not yet exhausted | ✔️ |
| Employer contract allows it | ✔️ |
📞 Need Help?
- Contract or payslip review
- Writing to employer
- Speaking to Labour Officers
- Informal/self-employed guidance
“Being sick shouldn’t cost you your livelihood.”
Under the Labour Act, you are entitled to certain types of leave. Your contract or HR policy may offer additional leave.
📅 1. Annual Paid Leave
- Minimum 15 working days per year after 12 months
- Sick leave and public holidays don’t count
- Cannot be paid in lieu — unless your contract ends before use
🤒 2. Sick Leave
- At least 2 weeks paid with medical certificate
- Extended or better terms if your contract allows
🤰 3. Maternity Leave
- 12 weeks paid leave (plus 2 weeks for complications or twins)
- Cannot be fired due to pregnancy
👨👧 4. Paternity Leave
- Not in national law
- 5–10 days may be granted by some employers
- Check contract/HR policy
🎉 5. Public Holidays
- Paid time off for statutory holidays (e.g. Workers' Day, Independence Day)
- If you work, you get double pay or time off in lieu
6. Compassionate Leave or Family Emergencies
- The Labour Act does not guarantee time off for emergencies, but some employers allow a few days’ leave for funerals, marriages, or family issues.
- This may be paid or unpaid — check your workplace policy or negotiate with your employer.
7. Study Leave (Especially for Public Sector Workers)
- Some employees in education, health, or civil service may apply for study leave with pay after a number of years of service.
- This is usually governed by internal HR policy.
🗓️ Medical Appointments
There is no statutory right to take time off for doctor or hospital visits. However:
- Many employers allow short absences if supported by a doctor’s note or appointment slip.
- These are often taken from your annual leave, or as permission hours (permission to be absent for part of the day).
- You are more likely to get paid time off if the appointment is urgent or related to work injury.
Special Note for People with Disabilities:
Under the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), employers must make reasonable accommodations, which may include time off for medical care or therapy.
👶🏾 Time Off for Parents and Caregivers
If you are a parent:
- Mothers get maternity leave (see earlier section).
- Fathers may get informal or contractual paternity leave.
- There's no legal provision for shared parental leave or adoption leave, but some employers may provide it voluntarily.
- There is no guaranteed unpaid parental leave in Ghana law.
If you're caring for a sick child or family member:
- There's no legal right to time off unless it's covered by your leave policy.
- You can request time off, but it may be deducted from annual leave or marked as unpaid leave.
- Some organizations allow “compassionate leave” for family-related emergencies.
⚠️ What If You Need More Leave Than You're Entitled To?
- You can request unpaid leave — your employer is not obliged to grant it.
*Not legally mandated, but increasingly common in contracts.
- Always check your employment contract for leave policies.
- Keep a written record of any leave request and approval.
- Get a doctor’s note for medical leave or appointments.
- Don’t assume a right exists if it isn’t in your contract or the law.
📞 Need Help Understanding Your Leave Rights?
- Understand your contract
- Draft a leave request
- Report unfair treatment to the Labour Department
“Your time is valuable — and your rights matter.”
🗣️ Talking to Your Employer About a Problem
If you're having a problem at work — like being treated unfairly, not being paid properly, or working under unsafe conditions — it’s usually best to start by talking to your employer informally.
Many workplace issues can be solved amicably if you approach your employer calmly and clearly.
✅ Step 1: Prepare Before You Talk
- Write down what happened, including dates, times, and people involved.
- Gather evidence:
- Contract or appointment letter
- Payslips
- Messages
- Written warnings, if any
- Know what outcome you want (e.g. back pay, apology, safer work conditions).
✅ Step 2: Request a Meeting
- Speak to your supervisor or a senior officer if needed.
- Politely request a meeting to discuss your concern.
- Ask to bring a trusted person if you're uncomfortable going alone.
✅ Step 3: During the Meeting
- Be respectful and clear.
- Describe the issue and present any evidence.
- State what action you expect.
- Take notes, especially on what is promised and by when.
✅ Step 4: Follow Up in Writing
If no change happens after the meeting, send a message or letter with:
- A summary of your concern
- What was discussed
- Your current request
- Any supporting documents
Send it to:
- Supervisor or manager
- HR officer
- Business owner
✅ Step 5: File a Formal Grievance
If the matter persists, raise a formal complaint using your workplace’s grievance procedure (Labour Act Section 127).
- Write a formal letter
- Attend hearings if necessary
- Seek support from a union if applicable
✅ Step 6: Report to the Labour Office
- For unpaid wages
- Unfair dismissal
- Unsafe conditions
- Breaches of contract or labour law
Contact your nearest Labour Office or ask CAC for assistance.
🤝 Settling the Matter
If you're considering legal action, the employer may offer a settlement:
- They may compensate you or end the bad treatment.
- You agree not to take the case further.
Ensure any agreement is:
- Written and signed
- Reviewed by a legal expert or CAC adviser
📋 Workplace Issues & Grievances
| Problem | Can you talk to your employer? | Legal Protection? |
|---|---|---|
| Not being paid wages | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Section 67–69) |
| Being insulted or harassed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Section 118–121) |
| Unsafe working conditions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Section 118–119) |
| Discrimination (gender, disability) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (CHRAJ & Act 715) |
| Wrong dismissal or suspension | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Section 62–63) |
🧾 Keep Records!
- ✔️ Notes from your meetings
- ✔️ Copies of letters, messages, or WhatsApp chats
- ✔️ Any audio or video (if lawful and safe to record)
These can help you prove your case if things go further.
📞 Getting Emotional Support
- Talk to family, pastor, imam, or counsellor
- Visit your local health centre
- Call Mental Health Authority Ghana: 📞 0800-111-222 (Toll-free)
📬 Need Legal Help?
- Write a complaint or appeal to your employer
- Report to Labour Commission
- Ask for mediation
- Go to court (last resort)
- Unions/legal aid may support you
📍 Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC) Can Help You
- Understand your rights after dismissal
- Recover unpaid wages or entitlements
- Connect you to job training and grants
- Offer free budgeting, debt, and legal advice
- Refer to a lawyer
“Every worker in Ghana has the right to be treated fairly and to speak up when something is wrong. Don’t keep silent — get advice, take action.”
After You’ve Been Dismissed
Losing your job — whether by dismissal, redundancy, or termination — can be a painful experience. It often affects not only your income but also your confidence, mental health, and family life. Here’s what you can do next under Ghanaian law and what support may be available.
✅ 1. Check That You Were Paid All You're Owed
- 👷♂️ Outstanding salary or wages
- 🗖️ Payment in lieu of notice (if you weren’t given notice)
- 🌴 Pay for unused annual leave
- 💰 Any bonuses, commissions, or agreed incentives
- 🚗 Benefits like company car or phone, if allowed for personal use
According to the Ghana Labour Act (Section 17–18), termination must be accompanied by proper notice or payment in lieu of notice, and employers must settle all outstanding entitlements within a reasonable time.
📌 If your employer hasn't paid you what you're owed, you can report them to the Labour Commission or seek mediation.
💼 2. Finding a New Job
- Check local job boards, community groups, church noticeboards, and radio stations.
- Register with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) or private recruitment agencies.
- Consider temporary, contract, or part-time work — these often lead to permanent positions.
🔄 Some employers don’t ask about your previous job. If they do, keep your explanation short and professional.
🧾 3. Explaining Your Dismissal to New Employers
- Be honest, but avoid oversharing
- Keep it factual and respectful
- Emphasise what you learned and how you’ve moved on
📌 Lying about your dismissal can backfire if the truth comes out later.
🗂️ 4. Getting a Reference
In Ghana, there’s no legal requirement for an employer to give you a reference, but many do.
You can ask for a “basic reference”, which includes:
- Your job title
- Dates you worked there
- Confirmation you were employed
If your previous employer gives a negative reference, they must be able to prove what they said. If it’s false or damaging, you can complain to:
- The Labour Commission
- CHRAJ (if the reference is discriminatory or malicious)
💸 5. Managing Your Finances After Dismissal
Check for Emergency Support:
- Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR) or local Social Welfare offices
- LEAP support if eligible
- NGOs, churches, mosques for emergency support
Budget What You Have:
- Track weekly spending
- Cut unnecessary costs
- Focus on essentials like rent, food, transport, school fees
Avoid Debt Traps:
- Avoid quick loans unless absolutely necessary
- Don’t borrow from multiple sources
📌 Already in debt? Seek free advice from CAC, CEPIL, Legal Aid, or ISODEC.
🏫 6. Want a Career Change or Further Training?
- Apply to NVTI, Ghana TVET, vocational schools
- Take free online courses (Coursera, Alison, Ghana Code Club)
- Look for entrepreneurship grants from NEIP, MASLOC, NBSSI
- Visit Labour Department or career centres for advice
📞 7. Getting Emotional Support
- Talk to family, pastor, imam, or counsellor
- Visit your local health centre
- Call Mental Health Authority Ghana: 📞 0800-111-222 (Toll-free)
📬 8. Need Legal Help?
- Write a complaint or appeal to your employer
- Report to Labour Commission
- Ask for mediation
- Go to court (last resort)
- Unions/legal aid may support you
📍 Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC) Can Help You:
- Understand your rights after dismissal
- Recover unpaid wages or entitlements
- Connect you to job training and grants
- Offer free budgeting, debt, and legal advice
- Refer to a lawyer
🌐 Website: citizensadvicegeek.com
📍 Visit us in Accra or nationwide branches
“Being dismissed doesn’t mean you failed — it just means you’re being redirected. Take your next step wisely. Ghana’s laws and systems are here to protect you.”
