by FCS
•
7 September 2023
As we all know, Africa is a developing continent with low wages - especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, in Ghana, the minimum wage in 2023 is 14.88 cedis which is just over $1 an hour. According to a report I found, the highest monthly salary in Africa is in Morocco which is $1,910 and the lowest is $61 in Sudan. The cost of living has increased significantly within the past year and with such low wages, any unexpected event can derail these employees and can be the difference between life and death. Employers who provide employee benefits can cushion their employees in times of difficulty when the unforeseen happens. The basic benefits which could bring assistance to employees in time of difficulties are: Healthcare The #healthcare system is often on a pay-as-you-go basis meaning if health insurance is not provided, employees and their dependents could die! Healthcare is a benefit enabling provision of medical services to an employee( including possible extension to dependents) benefits paid out depends on an event taking place (e.g. illness) Life Insurance Life insurance and funeral benefits are essential in these parts of the world as it ensures that unexpected costs of funerals of the immediate family are taken care of. Should an insured employee die, there is support for the spouse and dependents left behind... Provides a lump sum and/or income to surviving spouse Children’s pension also provided up to a certain age of the child (or linked to educational status) Lump sum is typically a multiple of salary of employee (e.g 2 x salary) Personal Accident Provides 24 hours comprehensive coverage for all expenses associated with accidents. It will ensure that employees are taken care of financially if an accident occurs. It provides financial coverage in the event of physical injuries, burns, death, and permanent partial or total disability due to an accident, medical. This cover can extend to spouse or children of the employee as well.. Workmens Compensation This is designed to help Employers fulfill their legal responsibility towards the Workmen’s Act. It is compulsory for any Employers of labour to set aside funds to compensate any worker who may sustain injury at the work place whether or not the Employer is to blame. Besides, compensation for injury, Death etc, there is provision for payment of Medical Expenses as a result of the injury an injury sustained whilst in the cause of employment. An employer may choose to insure his liability under the Act and in addition can extend his liability to cover medical expenses Disability Benefits Benefit payable on partial or total inability to continue working on the part of the employee Contact #fcsghana at info@fideleconsultancyservices.com for all your employee benefits and insurance needs in Ghana and #africa as a whole!