The Law Behind the Hustle: Yes, You’ve Entered a Contract Even If You Never Held a Pen

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At some point, you’ve agreed to do something for someone in exchange for money. Maybe to sew a dress, cater an event, deliver drinks, braid hair or design a logo.
You didn’t sign a form, you didn’t print a document but the job happened. The service was delivered. Money was expected.
That is a contract! What then is a contract? A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more people that law will enforce.
Under Ghanaian law, there are different types of contracts that can still be considered valid and binding even without a signed piece of paper. (Yes, there are exceptions)

Types of Contracts

1. Implied Contracts
An implied contract is a legally recognized agreement that’s never written or even said aloud but it’s clear from the behaviour of both parties that a deal exists. In other words, nobody needed to say anything but you both knew what to expect.

Example:
A customer walks into your salon, sits in the chair and you begin her usual treatment. She doesn’t explain what she wants. You don’t mention the price but  based on your history, both of you know exactly what’s happening and what’s expected after.
The risk? When something goes wrong like payment being delayed or denied there’s no paper trail to prove what was agreed.

2. Verbal Contracts
Verbal (or oral) contracts are based on spoken agreements. They’re real, legal  and binding but only if both parties can agree on what was said. A verbal contract is a real contract. The law recognises verbal contracts but here’s the thing,just because it’s valid  doesn’t mean it’s safe. 

Verbal agreements are based on spoken words only, nothing is written, nothing is documented. That means when things go wrong  later,  like a dispute about price, deadline or delivery,you have nothing in writing to prove the agreement and the specific terms that were agreed on and that can quickly turn into your word against theirs.

 

3. Written Contracts
A written contract simply means the terms of your agreement are clearly documented.
Written contracts outline:
a)     What service or product is being provided
b)    How much will be paid
c)     When payment is due
d)    Any special conditions or responsibilities

 

When things go wrong (and sometimes they do), your written contract becomes your shield.
So what’s the takeaway?
Yes, verbal and implied contracts are valid, but written contracts protect you more. Why? Because memory fades. People switch up.Stories change and when they do, clarity is your defense.

 



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