Rapid assessment on access to labour justice for migrant workers in Ghana

This study examines how Ghanaian migrant workers can access labour justice to seek remedies for employment-related grievances, both in Ghana and in destination countries. Based on field research with institutions and returnee migrants, it maps existing grievance mechanisms, identifies barriers to justice, and proposes concrete reforms to make redress systems more accessible, effective, and gender responsive.

Ghana’s evolving migration landscape involves a growing flow of workers, particularly women in domestic work, to the Gulf and Middle East. While Ghana has established legal and institutional frameworks aligned with international labour standards, migrant workers often struggle to use these mechanisms due to limited awareness of rights, high costs, bureaucratic delays, weak enforcement, and fear of retaliation or deportation. These obstacles are most acute for women, who face additional gender-specific risks such as restricted mobility, social stigma, and heightened vulnerability to abuse.

Based on mixed methods (including desk research, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with returnees) the study provides a detailed mapping of formal and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms through various institutions and highlights the role of trade unions, civil society organisations, and recruitment agencies in assisting migrant workers, while underscoring persistent gaps in coordination, resourcing, and outreach.

Conducted under the ILO’s Integrated Programme for Fair Recruitment (FAIR Phase III) and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the study concludes that improving access to labour justice requires stronger law enforcement, pre-departure training, expanded legal aid, digital complaint channels, and enhanced cooperation between Ghana and destination countries to ensure migrant workers can safely seek remedies throughout the migration cycle.