By Agnes Ansah
Accra, Aug. 26, GNA – The Association for the Defence of the Rights of Domestic Workers (ADDAD-Ghana) has urged employers to obey labour laws and treat domestic workers with dignity.
Ms Essi Eva Dumenu, Director of ADDAD-Ghana, said employers had a legal obligation to respect the rights and entitlements of domestic workers and ensure that employment arrangements complied with the law.
She made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), stressing the need for employers to comply with the Labour (Domestic Workers) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2408).
Ms Dumenu said the regulations required employers to have written contracts with domestic workers, with copies retained by both parties and a third copy submitted to the labour office in the district where they resided.
She said the contracts could specify remuneration, the frequency and mode of payment, entitlement to meals and accommodation, working hours, leave days and holidays.
Ms Dumenu said compliance with the law could help prevent conflicts and provide a basis for resolving disputes between employers and domestic workers.
“There is a law that regulates and facilitates things between and employer and the domestic worker. You need to abide. It is good that we do things in the legal way because of tomorrow’s issue. In case of any issue, you can look back to the contract you have signed with the person,” she said.
Ms Dumenu also urged employers to treat domestic workers with dignity, noting that people entered the occupation because of various circumstances.
She said the need for respectful treatment was particularly important because domestic workers were entrusted with the care of children and older persons, including those suffering from dementia who required patience and special care.
“If you do not treat me well, how do you think I will treat your parents? I will leave her in a wet diaper till evening,” she cautioned.
On the rights of domestic workers, Ms Dumenu said domestic work was decent work that contributed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and urged workers to take pride in their contribution.
She advised domestic workers to know their rights, fulfil their responsibilities and use their earnings to pursue further education or establish businesses.
Ms Dumenu also urged domestic workers to join associations such as ADDAD-Ghana for support and protection throughout their employment journey.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Agnes Ansah
Email:[email protected]