Assessing Decent Work in the Informal Economy in Sunyani West District, Ghana.

Abstract

The increasing growth of Ghana's informal economy with it related decent work deficit is of great concern. The study assessed decent work in the informal economy in Sunyani West District. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 participants from two categories of respondents (workers and employers) in the informal economy. Two (2) government officials at the district assembly and two (2) trade union representatives were purposively selected for in-depth interviewing. Mixed method design with descriptive survey design was employed. The population of the study comprised all wage workers in the Sunyani West district. Questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analysed data. Additionally, document analysis was used as part of data analysis. The study revealed that many a time workers’ rights are infringe upon in that most informal wage workers are paid far below the minimum wage, dismissed without notice and compensation for the mere fact of working informally. The study indicated that most workers in the informal sector do not belong to any trade unions and as such did not enjoy the corresponding benefit. The few associated with trade unions indicated that trade unions often serve as their mouth piece in fighting for their interests. The study further enumerated a number of challenges confronting the achievement of decent work. Among these were maximization of profit by employers and low sales. Finally, the finding suggests that decent work results in reduction of poverty. It was therefore recommended that government and trade unions needs to implement appropriate measures to help reduce decent work deficits in the informal economy.