Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, has warned that employers who fail to pay the minimum wage will face legal action under his leadership.

During his appearance before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, 30 January 2025, Dr. Pelpuo made it clear that employers must comply with the country’s minimum wage laws, and those found in violation will be prosecuted. “If we find anybody doing that, you will be questioned, and if you are found guilty, you will face the law,” he stated.

Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that Ghanaians should not be cheated, highlighting that the minimum wage is a legally binding standard for all organizations. He further remarked, “If you can’t pay up to that, it will raise many questions about your organization.”

On the issue of retirement age, Dr. Pelpuo noted that while he could not make a final pronouncement as a minister-designate, he would support the growing calls for a review of the retirement age in Ghana. “Some say up to 65 or 70. I think it should come as a result of a harmonious decision,” he said, adding that the country’s economic capacity would need to be considered before any changes are made.

In Ghana, the public sector retirement age is 60, with civil servants able to be reappointed for up to five years after reaching that age. The private sector has no compulsory retirement age, but employers are required to set a minimum of 60 years.

Source:TheDotNews