The gig economy initiative hosts key session on fair work

 …during Ghana Digital and Innovation Week 2024

On the second day of Ghana Innovation Week 2024, the Gig Economy Initiative organized a highly engaging session on the theme, “Gig Economy: Fair Work and the Future of Work.”

The event, led by Mr. Walter Yao Dzimey, Technical Advisor at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aimed to explore the transformative potential of the gig economy while advocating for fairness and worker protection in this rapidly growing sector.

“The Gig economy is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors globally, and Ghana is no exception.

“However, this growth must be matched by policies that protect workers and promote fairness. Our initiative is dedicated to advocating for labor laws that recognize gig work and provide the necessary protections for those involved,” Mr. Dzimey said.

A key focus of the Gig Economy Initiative is to advise policymakers, platform owners, and gig workers themselves. Mr. Dzimey underscored the need for comprehensive policy reforms to officially recognize gig work under Ghana’s labor laws.

“There are currently no formal policies governing this sector, which leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation. We are committed to raising awareness and advising central stakeholders to ensure that gig workers receive the same protections as those in traditional employment,” he added.

In addition to policy advocacy, the initiative is working to educate gig workers on their rights and responsibilities. Mr. Dzimey explained that the Gig Economy Initiative plans to host regular programs to equip workers with essential knowledge about their skills and rights, provide insights on platform performance, and help them make informed decisions when seeking employment.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, during which audience members contributed their perspectives and posed questions on the future of the gig economy in Ghana. Mr. Dzimey extended an open invitation to the next event—a policy roundtable aimed at fostering dialogue between key stakeholders in the gig economy, including policymakers, platform owners, and workers. The event is to take place on 29 October 2024.

About Gig Economy Initiative

The Gig Economy Initiative Ghana is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The initiative is committed to its mission of promoting fairness, advocating for worker rights, and ensuring that the future of work in Ghana is inclusive and equitable. The Initiative had hosted similar sessions in Koforidua, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi during a road tour in 4 regions during the Road to GDIW event series.

About GIZ Ghana

As a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is our main commissioning party.

Currently, GIZ promotes sustainable development in Ghana via about 50 programmes and projects. GIZ is boosting Ghana’s potential by focusing its projects on three priority areas: Responsibility for our planet – climate and energy, Training and sustainable growth for decent jobs as well as Peaceful and inclusive societies. For more information, please visit www.giz.de/ghana .

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