The Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has pledged to strictly enforce laws on minimum wage compliance if confirmed for the position. Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that no employer will be allowed to exploit workers by paying below the legally mandated minimum wage.
According to Dr. Pelpuo, any employer found violating the minimum wage law will face legal action. “When we agree on a minimum wage, it becomes binding for every organization. No employer has the right to pay less than that. If anyone does, they will be investigated, and if found guilty, they will face prosecution,” he asserted.
The nominee stressed the importance of protecting Ghanaian workers from exploitation, noting that non-compliance with the minimum wage law raises serious concerns about the operations of such organizations. “We cannot allow Ghanaians to be cheated. The minimum wage is a standard, and any employer unable to meet it must rethink their capacity to do business,” he added.
On Retirement Age Review
Dr. Pelpuo also addressed the growing debate on revising the country’s retirement age, indicating his openness to the idea. While he refrained from making a definitive statement as a minister-designate, he expressed his willingness to support a thorough national discussion on the matter.
“There’s increasing conversation about reviewing the retirement age to 65 or even 70. Any decision on this should be based on consensus. As a nation, we need to assess whether the time is right and whether our economy and systems can support such reforms. Personally, I align with those who believe there is room for reform,” he stated.
Currently, Ghana’s statutory retirement age in the public sector is 60 years. Civil servants, however, may be retained for up to five additional years upon reaching this age. In the private sector, there is no fixed compulsory retirement age, although employers are required to set a minimum retirement age of 60 years.
Dr. Pelpuo’s remarks highlight his focus on strengthening labor laws and addressing workforce concerns, positioning him as a potential advocate for fairness and reform in Ghana’s labor sector.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
