X, formerly known as Twitter, has reached a settlement with employees laid off from its Africa headquarters in Ghana in November 2022.
The approximately 20 staffers were terminated without severance during mass layoffs after Elon Musk’s takeover. But after 14 months of tensions, legal representatives say X has now paid out redundancy and repatriation packages.
Employees were initially told they would receive one month’s notice pay despite contract termination. But they were immediately locked out of systems and emails without further salary.
Stranded in Ghana with families, the group threatened legal action for unpaid severance. X had not commented despite the staff’s difficult financial situations.
Musk claimed laid-off staffers globally received 3 months’ severance. But Ghana staff disputed this, saying they were ‘ghosted’ by corporate.
With X non-responsive, employees secured representation from local agency Seven Seven. After BBC coverage brought wider attention, the company finally entered negotiations.
Seven Seven now confirms it has secured redundancy settlements and repatriation assistance for foreign staffers, although exact amounts remain undisclosed.
Staff say they are relieved to achieve closure and move forward after a year of frustration. The saga caused significant mental stress and financial uncertainty.
X’s Ghana office was opened in 2021 as its Africa headquarters. But employees had only worked from the new Accra premises for 8 months before termination.
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The settlement follows X facing a separate $500 million lawsuit in California court by ex-staffers alleging unpaid severance packages.
While small, the Ghana team’s case highlights ongoing criticisms over lack of communication and support for laid-off staffers globally.
Their persistence has finally paid off, but employees lament losing dream jobs only months after relocating to Ghana.
With the matter resolved, X can hope to refocus and rebuild its Africa presence after the damaging saga.