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

According to him, many people are increasingly tapping into the opportunities that remote jobs and Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) present but the absence of proper regulations in this new field may have toll on the country in years to come.

Speaking on Joy Business Social, an online business engagement platform which seeks to promote pertinent issues in the business ecosystem, Mr. Ofori said, though remote jobs offer Ghanaians employment opportunities, there is more work to be done in terms of regulating the space to protect citizens who are now becoming familiar and embracing remote jobs outside of the country to avoid exploitation.

“If we fail to act now, Ghana will have to bear the cost of protecting remote workers”, he warned.

Citing an example, he pointed out that complains from drivers using ride hailing app could be avoid if there is proper regulation.

Mr. Ofori however agreed that technology is always ahead of regulations but called for expedited action in regulating the space.

He stated that one of the effects of the covid-19 lock down is the large number of the world’s working population who had to work from home.

Speaking at the program, a Human Resource Practitioner, Samuel Stephen Adjei called for a proper regulation framework to govern the fairly new space as the country’s current labour laws does not cover remote jobs.

He urged people who apply for remote jobs to demand full disclosure of their contracts and demand all necessary working benefits and compensation.