HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Ghana

Introduction

Ghana is one of West Africa’s most stable and business-friendly economies, recognized for its strong democratic institutions and investor-oriented reforms. With a rapidly growing middle class, abundant natural resources, and a thriving services sector particularly in fintech, energy, and agribusiness — the country offers diverse opportunities for expansion. Its strategic position as a gateway to the ECOWAS market makes Ghana an ideal hub for companies seeking regional growth.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Ghana

If you’re looking to hire employees in Ghana without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Ghana acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Ghana quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Ghana?

An Employer of Record Ghana (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Ghana employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Ghana, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Vietnam but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Ghana hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Ghana

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Ghana, access top talent in Ghana, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Ghana

Ghana is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Ghana successfully, it’s important to understand your options — especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Ghana.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Ghana makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Ghana

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Ghana:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Ghana?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Ghana

Understanding how employment in Ghana works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Ghana to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Ghana

All employees in Ghana must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Ghana, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Ghana employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Ghana are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Ghana involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Ghana handles this for you, managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Ghana receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Ghana requires compliance with the Labour Act, which sets clear rules on notice periods, severance, and fair grounds for termination. Notice typically ranges from one to three months depending on the employee’s role and length of service, and in some cases payment in lieu of notice may apply.

Partnering with an Employer of Record ensures that these processes are managed lawfully and transparently, reducing risk for employers while safeguarding employee rights.

Visas & Permits in Ghana

If you’re planning to hire employees in Ghana or bring in foreign talent, understanding Ghana’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Ghana makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Ghana with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Ghana

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Ghana must secure the appropriate work and residence authorizations, typically sponsored by the employing entity. The process involves approvals from the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior, with requirements that can be complex and time-sensitive.

Engaging an Employer of Record streamlines these steps, ensuring compliance with immigration laws while enabling businesses to onboard international talent quickly and efficiently.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Ghana, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Ghana or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Ghana solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Ghana, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Ghana and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Ghana to bypass the need for a local entity. The Ghana employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Ghana.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Ghana, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Ghana

How are employment contracts structured through an EOR?

Contracts are drafted in compliance with Ghana’s Labour Act and may be indefinite, fixed-term, or project-based. They include mandatory clauses on probation, leave, working hours, and termination to ensure enforceability under Ghanaian law.

What happens if an employee needs to be terminated?

EORs oversee terminations in compliance with Ghana’s Labour Act, which requires valid grounds, notice periods, or payment in lieu of notice, and in some cases severance pay. This ensures both employer and employee rights are protected.

How quickly can employees be onboarded through an EOR?

Local employees can usually be onboarded within a few days, while onboarding foreign hires may take longer due to visa processing. The EOR manages all compliance steps to ensure a smooth and lawful start date.

What industries benefit most from EOR services in Ghana?

EOR is particularly valuable in sectors such as technology, energy, agribusiness, and professional services, where companies want to test the market, run projects, or scale teams quickly without committing to a full legal entity setup.

What risks does an EOR help mitigate in Ghana?

An EOR shields companies from compliance risks tied to payroll errors, labor disputes, or mismanaged immigration processes. By ensuring adherence to Ghanaian labor and tax laws, the EOR reduces exposure to fines, reputational damage, and legal disputes.