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Workman’s Compensation LawThe Workman’s Compensation Law primarily regulates compensation awarded to employees for personal injuriesarising out of and in the course of their employment. It governs, inter alia, the employer’s liability in such cases, thecriteria for the computation of compensation for injuries, and liability in the event of an employee’s death.Employment of ChildrenThe Children’s Act prohibits the engagement of children in any form of employment that deprives them of theirhealth, education, or development. The minimum age of employment for a child is 15 years. A child who is 13 yearsof age may be engaged in light work, but for hazardous work the child must be 18 years of age.According to the Children’s Act, work is hazardous when it poses a danger to the health, safety, or morals of aperson. Light work is defined as work that is not likely to be harmful to the child’s health or development and thatdoes not affect the child’s attendance at school or the child’s capacity to benefit from schoolwork.Employment of Foreign NationalsThe employment of foreign nationals is governed by law. Application for an immigrant quota may be submitted by acompany that is registered with the GIPC. Such applications will be dealt with by the GIPC in consultation with theImmigration Service. The number of automatic immigrants allowed by the law is dependent on the capitalinvestment made by the company. A capital investment of between US $10,000 and US $100,000 entitles thecompany to one immigrant employee. A capital investment of between US $100,000 and US $500,000 entitles acompany to two automatic immigrant visas. A capital investment of more than US $500,000 entitles a company tofour immigrant employees.Free zone companies are required to submit their work and residence permit applications to the FZB, for onwardtransmission to the Ghana Immigration Service for approval. Work permits must be submitted to the Board twomonths prior to the date of commencement of the intended employment. Resident permits may not exceed twoyears.National Labor CommissionThe Labor Act established the National Labor Commission (NLC) as the lead agency for the resolution of all labordisputes and related matters. The NLC maintains a database of qualified persons to serve as mediators andarbitrators in the resolution of all labor-related disputes.In the performance of its functions, the NLC enjoys privileges and immunities as if it were a High Court. It has thepower to enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them on oath, to compel parties and witnesses to producedocuments, and to issue requests to examine witnesses overseas.Pension PaymentsThe National Pensions Act provides for a contributory three-tier pension scheme for employees in Ghana.Employers are required to contribute 13 per cent and the employee contributes an amount equal to 5.5 per cent(deducted at source by the employer) of his basic salary to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust(SSNIT), and this money is invested (in trust) for the employee’s pension.