The rule: no statutory rate, set by the employer
Ghana's Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) sets normal hours at 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week (section 33), but it does not fix a statutory overtime multiplier. Section 35 requires the employer (or undertaking) to fix and disclose the overtime rate in advance — so the rate comes from your contract, workplace policy, or collective agreement. In practice employers commonly pay +50% (1.5x) on a normal day and +100% (2x) on a rest day or public holiday, but these are conventions, not a legal minimum.
What the law sets vs. what it leaves open
| Normal hours | 8/day or 40/week (s.33) |
| Statutory overtime rate | None — employer fixes & discloses (s.35) |
| Common practice | +50% normal / +100% rest & holiday |
Worked example
Enter the rate from your contract or workplace policy in the calculator above. At GH₵20/hour with a +50% rate, two overtime hours = 2 × 20 × 1.5 = GH₵60.
Who to contact
Because the rate is employer-set, a dispute is about whether the disclosed or agreed rate was actually paid. Complaints go to the Labour Department and, if unresolved, the National Labour Commission.
- Is there a statutory overtime rate in Ghana?
- No — the Labour Act requires the employer to fix and disclose the rate (s.35); it sets no fixed multiplier.
- When does overtime start?
- After 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week (s.33).
- What is the common rate?
- Often +50% on a normal day and +100% on a rest day or holiday, by convention.
- What rate should I enter?
- The one disclosed by your employer or set in your contract or collective agreement.