The Head of Operations at the Ghana Digital Center, David Antwi Ofori, has called for a regulatory framework to protect Ghanaians working remotely.

Speaking on the importance of regulating this space, Mr. Ofori Antwi highlighted that, though remote jobs may reduce the country’s unemployment rate, regulation will be needed to protect Ghanaians from being exploited by foreign companies.

“Although remote jobs offer Ghanaians employment opportunities, there is more work to be done in terms of regulating this space to protect citizens who are now becoming familiar and embracing remote jobs outside of the country to avoid exploitation.”

Mr. Ofori Antwi who made the call on Joy Business Social, further remarked that the absence of a proper regulation could have an effect on the health of the people and the economy as a whole.

“As a country, we can have our brightest and sharpest talents working remotely for companies in Europe, but are we making sure that they are not taking advantage of these people for a ride? When these remote workers grow old, they will certainly depend on Ghana’s health care system. Who will ensure that they do not develop ailment as result of working remotely?” he asked.

He also cited demonstrations over unfavourable working conditions and improper compensations by ride-hailing drivers not only in Ghana as a clear example of some of the effects of lack of regulation in the remote working space.

A Human Resource expert, Samuel Stephen Adjei advised employees who engage in remote jobs to demand full disclosure of their contracts and all necessary working benefits and compensations due to the absence of a regulatory system to protect them.

“Currently, there is no specific law governing remote works. Acts 651 does not make mention of remote jobs but stresses on working conditions. For now, every employee must look out for the right working conditions in their offer. For instance, if you are a remote worker, you should be concerned about the ergonomics of your work space, its hazards and health risks as well as compensations”, he pointed out.

“Though remote jobs have been in existence since the last decade, the Covid-19 pandemic popularised the phrase ‘working from home’. Since then, a lot of people have become familiar with remote jobs and BPO activities”, he added.

For Ghana, the sighting of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Centre (AfCFTA) and tech giants like Twitter and Google will create many remote working opportunities, he said, adding, the country’s ability to formulate the right laws and regulations to govern this ecosystem will determine the country’s readiness to lead this new working trend and make the country a BPO Centre in Africa.