Labour Minister-designate Dr. Pelpuo Vows to Prosecute Employers Underpaying Workers
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo pledges strict enforcement of minimum wage laws and supports a potential retirement age review
- Employers failing to pay minimum wage will face prosecution, says Dr. Pelpuo
- The Labour Minister-designate supports calls for raising the retirement age to 65 or 70
- No compulsory retirement age in the private sector, but a minimum of 60 years must be set
Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has made it clear that employers who fail to adhere to minimum wage laws will be prosecuted under his leadership.
During his appearance before the Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that the law regarding minimum wage applies to all organizations, and any employer found in violation will face legal action.
“If the minimum wage is agreed upon, it must be paid. Any employer failing to comply will be held accountable, and if found guilty, prosecution will follow,” Dr. Pelpuo stated. “Ghanaians deserve to be paid fairly. If an organization cannot meet the minimum wage, questions will be raised about its legitimacy.”
Regarding the review of the national retirement age, Dr. Pelpuo expressed support for the ongoing public discussions, signaling a potential shift to a retirement age of 65 or 70. While he did not commit to a firm position, he stated that the matter should be settled through a collective decision. “We must consider whether it’s time for a reform, given the economic realities and our ability to manage the change,” he concluded.
Currently, the statutory retirement age for the public sector is 60, but civil servants may serve up to five additional years. The private sector, however, does not have a compulsory retirement age, but employers must establish a minimum retirement age of 60.
