IS CHINESE INVESTMENT A ‘WIN’ FOR AFRICAN WORKERS? An investigative study on Chinese labor practices in Ghana’s construction sector.

Abstract

China has stepped up its activities on the African continent over the past decade, promoting its ‘win-win,’ non-interventionist agenda of development and investment as an alternative to Western donor institutions. However, a growing body of research shows a concerning lack of consideration for local labor laws and the use of substandard labor practices. Using key informant interviews and policy analysis, this qualitative case study looks at labor conditions for Ghanaian workers who are employed at Chinese construction firms operating in Ghana. These practices are compared to the Ghana Labour Act 2003 to see how they measure up to national labor standards. The collected data shows clear discrepancies and in some cases a blatant disregard for national labor laws.