One of the most pervasive issues confronting the judicial system in Ghana is the congestion of courts across the country. This has impeded the smooth administration of justice through delays and extensive bureaucratic procedures. Some administrative and quasi-judicial bodies have been clothed with jurisdictional and adjudicatory powers to deal with sector specific disputes. The Labour Act 2003, (Act 651) established the National Labour Commission (NLC) to be instrumental in the adjudication and the enforcement of labour rights and obligations.

The Act guarantees the independence of the National Labour Commission in an attempt to protect it from external interference. There appears to be some variance with the practice however, where several limitations can militate against the independence of the Commission. This article interrogates the extent of the NLC’s independence and dispute settlement functions. It explores the regulatory framework of the Commission, its adjudicatory and dispute resolution powers under Act 651 and what forms of limitations, if any, impede the NLC in its dispute resolution functions. It further recommends viable solutions to safeguard the independence of the Commission.