Ghana > General provisions

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) (No. 5) Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 68 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-04-17 | GHA-2020-M-110065

Extension of restrictions on travel to Ghana

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) (No. 4) Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 67 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-04-11 | GHA-2020-M-110064

Extension of restrictions concerning public gatherings.

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) (No. 3) Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 66 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-04-03 | GHA-2020-M-110063

1. Extension of restrictions on travel to Ghana
2. Review of restrictions

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Imposition of Restrictions Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic (No. 2) Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 65 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-03-30 | GHA-2020-M-110062

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Declaration of Public Health Emergency Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 61 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-03-23 | GHA-2020-M-110057

Executive Order made under section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
1. Declaration of public health emergency
2. Testing and quarantine directives
3. Preventive measures

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Emergency Communications System Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 63 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-03-23 | GHA-2020-M-110058

Executive Order made under section 100 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). Stipulates that a Network Provider is to put the network of the network provider or service provider at the disposal of the State for the mass dissemination of information to the public. The Central Subscriber Identity Module Register is to be the responsible for the centralised database for validly registered Subscriber Identity Module cards and subscriber numbers on all networks of mobile and service providers in the country.

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) Instrument, 2020 (Executive Instrument 64 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-03-23 | GHA-2020-M-110061

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012). -

Adoption: 2020-03-21 | GHA-2020-L-110060

The Act provides for powers to impose restrictions on persons, to give effect to paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of clause (4) of article 21 of the Constitution in the event or imminence of an emergency, disaster or similar circumstance to ensure public safety, public health and protection (section 1). Restrictions can be imposed if is reasonably required in the interest of defence, public safety, public health or the running of essential services; on the movement or residence within Ghana; to restrict the freedom of entry in to Ghana, or movement in Ghana, of a person who is not a citizen of Ghana; or for the purpose of safeguarding the people of Ghana against the teaching or propagation of a doctrine which exhibits or encourages disrespect for the nationhood of Ghana, the national symbols and emblems, or incites hatred against other members of the community.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851). -

Adoption: 2012-10-09 | GHA-2012-L-110059

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845). -

Adoption: 2012-05-31 | GHA-2012-L-92285

AN ACT to establish arrangements for the political transfer of administration from one democratically elected President to another democratically elected President, to provide for the regulation of the political transfer of power and for related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 Act (Act No. 749). -

Adoption: 2008-01-22 | GHA-2008-L-92293

AN ACT to prohibit money laundering, establish a Financial Intelligence Centre and to provide for related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Labour Regulations, 2007 (L.I. 1833). -

Adoption: 2007-05-28 | Date of entry into force: 2007-07-31 | GHA-2007-R-77273

Contains regulations concerning employment agencies, conditions of employment, organised labour, employment of persons with disability, health and employment, restriction on recruitment including prohibition of human trafficking.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act No. 732). -

Adoption: 2007-05-03 | GHA-2007-L-88525

AN ACT to provide protection from domestic violence particularly for women and children and for connected purposes.

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), National HIV/AIDS and STI Policy [2004]. -

Adoption: 2004-08 | Date of end of application: 2007 | GHA-2004-M-92294

1. Introduction
2. The Policy Framework
3. Implementation Strategies
4. Research
5. Legal and Ethical Issues
6. Institutional Framework
7. Conclusion

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Local Government Service Act, 2003 (Act 656). -

Adoption: 2003-12-24 | GHA-2003-L-88537

AN ACT to establish a Local Government Service and to provide for the objects,functions, administration and management of the Service and for connected purposes.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653). -

Adoption: 2003-10-28 | GHA-2003-L-88528

Contains procedures for the processing of juvenile offences with respect to criminal procedures (arrest, court, sentencing, incarceration).

Amends the Criminal Procedure Code, 1960 (Act 30).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Labour Act, 2003 (Act No. 651). -

Adoption: 2003-10-08 | Date of entry into force: 2004-03-31 | GHA-2003-L-66955

Part I: Preliminary
Part II: Public employment centres and private employment agencies
Part III: Protection of employment (rights and duties of employers and workers, contract of employment, grounds for termination, etc.)
Part IV: General conditions of employment (annual leave with pay, hours of work, rest periods)
Part V: Employment of persons with disabilities (incentives, public service posts, employment not to cease upon disablement, training, etc.)
Part VI: Employment of women (night work, prohibition of assignment of pregnant women, maternity leave, etc.)
Part VII: Employment of young persons (hazardous work, health, etc.)
Part VIII: Fair and unfair termination of employment
Part IX: Protection of remuneration (equal pay for equal work, prohibited or permitted deductions, paid public holidays, etc.)
Part X: Special provisions relating to temporary workers and casual workers
Part XI: Trade unions and employers' organisation (creation, registration, protection against discrimination, federation, etc.)
Part XII: Collective agreement
Part XIII: National Tripartite Committee
Part XIV: Forced labour (prohibition, interpretation)
Part XV: Occupational health, safety and environment
Part XVI: Labour inspection
Part XVII: Unfair labour practices (discrimination, interference by employers in union affairs, employer to facilitate workers' trade union business, union activities during working hours, complaints, etc.)
Part XVIII: National Labour Commission (establishment, functions, settlement of industrial disputes)
Part XIX: Strikes
Part XX: Miscellaneous

Repeals the following Acts:
- The Conspiracy and Protection of Property (Trade Disputes) (Cap 90)
- The Trade Unions Ordinance (Cap 91)
- The Trade Unions (Amendment) Ordinance, 1953 (No. 19)
- The Trade Unions (Amendment) Decree, 1966 (NLCD 110)
- The Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Inquiry) (Cap 93)
- The Industrial Relations Act, 1965 (Act 299)
- The Industrial Relations Act, 1965 (Amendment) Decree, 1967 (NLCD 189)
- The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Decree, 1972 (NRCD 22)
- The Labour Decree, 1967 (NLCD 157)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1967 (NLCD 212)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1969 (NLCD 331)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1969 (NLCD 342)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1969 (NLCD 368)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1973 (NRCD 150)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1976 (SMCD 33)
- The Labour (Amendment) Decree, 1976 (SMCD 42)
- The Public Service (Negotiating Committee) Law, 1992 (PNDCL 309)

Amends the Children's Act, 1998 (sections 93, 95 (1) and 124).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, 2002 (No. 633).

Adoption: 2002-08-12 | GHA-2002-L-62635

Amends Criminal Procedure Code, 1960. Makes provision for appointment of public prosecutors, sentencing of pregnant women convicted of capital and non-capital offences, revision of fines, as well as for some related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Free Zones (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act No. 618). -

Adoption: 2002-04-05 | GHA-2002-L-92292

Amends section 34 by adding a new subsection (4) concerning tax obligations foreign employees towards the Ghana Government.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

National Reconciliation Commission Act, 2002 (No. 611). -

Adoption: 2002-01-09 | GHA-2002-L-61829

Provides for establishment of National Reconciliation Commission. Its purpose is to seek and promote national reconciliation among people of Ghana by recommending appropriate redress for persons who have suffered any injury, hurt, damage, grievance or who have in any other manner been adversely affected by violations and abuses of their human rights arising from activities or inactivities of public institutions and persons holding public office during periods of unconstitutional government. Part II regulates investigations and proceedings by the Commission.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574). -

Adoption: 2000-02-23 | GHA-2000-L-56820

Comprehensive legislation on political parties. Regulates founding and registration of political parties, operation of political parties, funding of political parties, and some related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 1998 (No. 554).

Adoption: 1998-08-19 | GHA-1998-L-64035

Amends Criminal Code, 1960. Increases age of criminal and sexual responsibility, includes specific offence of indecent assault and revises provisions regarding sexual offences. Also abolishes customary or ritual servitude and provides for some related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Constitution

Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Act, 1996 (No. 527).

Adoption: 1996-12-16 | GHA-1996-C-51622

Amendments concerning dual citizenship, vacancies in Parliament, and the composition of the National Media Commission. An amendment to Article 199 provides for the hiring of retired civil servants (who must normally retire at age 60) on a consultancy basis for tasks requiring specific expertise.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Statute Law Revision Act, 1996 (No. 516).

Adoption: 1996-08-08 | GHA-1996-L-50156

Repeals numerous Acts.

Ghana - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Free Zone Regulations, 1996 (L.I. 1618 of 1996).

Adoption: 1996-02-22 | GHA-1996-R-44649

Regulations governing enterprises in free zones. Free zone enterprises shall comply with the Factories, Offices and Shops Act 1970 (Act 238) on health and safety requirements. Employees shall not be paid below minimum wage; except where provided, all laws regarding conditions of employment and social security shall apply to workers in free zones. Made under the Free Zone Act 1995 (Act 504).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Free Zone Act (No. 504 of 1995) -

Adoption: 1995-08-31 | Date of entry into force: 1995-09-15 | GHA-1995-L-42005

Provides for the establishment and regulation of import and export free zones. Part VI contains incentives for investors, including employment practices. Free zone developers and enterprises shall be free to negotiate and establish contracts of employment, provided such terms of employment are consistent with I.L.O. standards (section 34 (1)).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act (No. 478 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-08-29 | GHA-1994-L-38746

Reestablishes the Ghana Investment Centre as an agency of the Government for the encouragement and promotion of investments, revises the laws relating to investments, and provides for related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Masters of the High Court (Powers and Duties) Instrument (No. 1593 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-06-28 | GHA-1994-M-37996

Concerns duties of the Masters of the High Court, and their power to refer applications for reassignment to the High Court and to give directions to both practitioners and staff of the Judicial Service on questions of practice and procedure.

Ghana - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Local Government (District Assemblies) (Establishment) (Amendment) Instrument (No. 1591 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-05-12 | GHA-1994-R-37729

The membership of District Assemblies shall consist of the District Chief Executive, one elected person from the District, the member or members of Parliament from the constituencies falling within the area of authority of the Assembly, and other members (not exceeding 30) of the Assembly appointed by the President in consultation with traditional authorities and other interested groups in the District.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Representation of the People (Amendment) Act (No. 471 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-02-14 | GHA-1994-L-37362

Provides that where at the close of nominations and after the expiry of ten days only one candidate stands nominated, there shall be no election and that candidate shall be declared elected.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

District Assembly Elections Act (No. 473 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-02-14 | GHA-1994-L-37363

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Courts (Amendment) Act (No. 464 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-12-30 | GHA-1993-L-36211

Rules in respect to jurisdiction of Circuit Court and District Court and appeals from Circuit Court and District Court.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Local Government Act (No. 462 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-12-24 | GHA-1993-L-35993

Regulates the system of local government with detailed provisions concerning districts, district assemblies and their planning functions, regional councils and related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Presidential Office Act (No. 463 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-12-22 | GHA-1993-L-36265

Establishes a Presidential Office to provide the President and the Vice-President such services as they may require for the efficient and effective implementation of the executive functions under the Constitution. Repeals sections 9 and 10 of the Civil Service Law, 1993.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Parliamentary Service Act (No. 460 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-11-23 | GHA-1993-L-36210

Provides for the establishment of a Parliamentary Service comprised of departments (prescribed by regulations), membership and functions of the Service, governing body named Parliamentary Service Board, tenure of office, and related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - International agreement

Traité révisé de la Communauté économique des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO), fait à Cotonou le 24 juillet 1993. -

Adoption: 1993-07-24 | INT-1993-IA-39591

Les Etats membres (Côte d'Ivoire, Sénégal, Ghana, Gambie, Bénin, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Mauritanie, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigéria, Libéria, Sierra Leone, Mali et Togo) s'engagent à abolir tous les obstacles à la liberté de circulation et de résidence à l'intérieur de la Communauté (art. 27.1) et à dispenser, par accords mutuels, les citoyens de la détention de visa touristique et de permis de résidence. Les Etats membres permettront aux ressortissants de la Communauté d'exercer des activités commerciales et industrielles sur leur territoire (art. 27.2).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Electoral Commission Act (No. 451 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-07-06 | GHA-1993-L-34171

Provides for the establishment of the Electoral Commission, functions of the Commission, qualification and appointment of members of the Commission and related matters.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Act (No. 456 of 1993) -

Adoption: 1993-07-06 | GHA-1993-L-34172

Establishes a Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to investigate complaints of violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, injustice and corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment of persons by public officers in the exercise of their duties, with power to seek remedy in respect of such acts or omissions. Repeals the Ombudsman Act, 1980.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Code (Amendment) Act (No. 458 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-07-06 | GHA-1993-L-34185

Provides that whoever commits genocide shall on conviction be sentenced to death.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Courts Act (No. 459 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-07-06 | GHA-1993-L-34186

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

National Media Commission Act (No. 449 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-07-06 | GHA-1993-L-34187

Rules in respect of the establishment of a National Media Commission and functions and composition of the Commission.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Council of Indigenous Business Associations Act (No. 312 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-01-05 | GHA-1993-L-33023

Provides for the establishment of the Council of Indigenous Business Associations, the composition and functions of the Council, associations to be registered with the Council, Executive Committee of the Council, executive secretary and regional treasurer, national, regional and district offices, district branches and functions of the regional and district branches. Made under the Provisional National Defence Council (Establishment) Proclamation 1981.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Patent Act (No. 332 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-12-30 | GHA-1992-L-34097

Concerns rights regarding patents as well as applications for such rights and related licences. Provides sanctions for infringements of patents, and establishes a Patent Policy Committee to provide advice on policy matters, and a Patent Tribunal responsible for questions over which it has jurisdiction under the Act.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Representation of the People (Amendment) (No. 2) Act (No. 298 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-11-01 | GHA-1992-L-32379

Provides for rules in respect of withdrawal of nominated candidate from a constituency and the renomination of a candidate. Made pursuant to the Provisional National Defence Council (Establishment) Proclamation, 1981.

Ghana - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Technology Transfer Regulations (No. 1547 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-09-09 | GHA-1992-R-32377

Provides for rules in respect of registration of all technology transfer agreements, unenforceable clauses of technology transfer agreements, training by transferor, taxes on royalties, confidentiality obligation of transferee, duration of agreement, applicable law, dispute, performance guarantee, payment of technology, management service fees and management and technical services. Made under the Investment Code (No. 116 of 1985).

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Representation of the People Law (No. 284 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-07-24 | GHA-1992-L-31892

Provides for constituencies of Ghana for parliamentary elections, qualification of voters and members of parliament, nomination of candidates and voting at elections, election petitions and other legal proceedings and election offences. Made pursuant to the Provisional National Defence Council (Establishment) Proclamation, 1981.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Presidential Elections Law (No. 285 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-07-24 | GHA-1992-L-31893

Provides for qualifications for election as President, qualifications and disqualifications of Vice President, election of President, election results for Presidency, challenge of elections and application of existing electoral laws. This Act is made pursuant to the Provisional National Defence Council (Establishment) Proclamation, 1981.

Ghana - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Public Elections (Parliament) Regulations (No. 1537 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-07-20 | GHA-1992-R-31891

Provides for, inter alia, notice of election, nomination of candidates, withdrawal of candidature, provision of polling station, presiding officers and polling assistants, number of votes and place of voting, voting procedure, results of elections and declaration and publication of results of contested elections. These Regulations are made under the Interim National Electoral Commission Law, 1991.

Ghana - General provisions - Law, Act

Consultative Assembly (Dissolution) Law (No. 286 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-05-14 | GHA-1992-L-31894

Dissolves the Consultative Assembly and repeals the following enactments: the Consultative Assembly Act (No. 253 of 1991); the Consultative Assembly (Amendment) Act (No. 273 of 1992); the Consultative Assembly (Commencement of Proceedings) Act (No. 261 of 1991); the Committee of Experts (Constitution) Act (No. 252 of 1991); the Committee of Experts (Constitution) (Amendment) Act (No. 258 of 1991). This Act is made pursuant to the Provisional National Defence Council (Establishment) Proclamation, 1981.

Ghana - General provisions - Constitution

Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (No. 282 of 1992) -

Adoption: 1992-04-28 | Date of entry into force: 1993-01-07 | GHA-1992-C-31976

Contains 26 Chapters and 179 sections, covering matters including fundamental human rights and freedoms, composition of the government and the public service, electoral rights, the judiciary and courts, freedom and independence of the media, the armed forces, and citizenship. Among protected human rights are the right to protection from slavery and forced labour, equality and freedom from discrimination, freedom of association, women's rights, children's rights, rights of disabled persons, and the right to work under satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions.