Employers who fail to pay minimum wage will be prosecuted – Labour Minister-designate

Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo has stated that under his administration no employer will be made to violate the laws on minimum wage.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo noted that employers who fail to comply with the law will face prosecution.

“If we agree on a minimum wage, the law is that it cuts across every organization. You shouldn’t pay below that wage. So, if we find anybody doing that, you will be questioned and if you are found guilty you will face the law.

“Ghanaians should not be cheated. We know how much the minimum wage is and if you can’t pay up to that then it will bring many questions on your kind of organization,” he explained.

Commenting on the issue about review of retirement age in the country, the nominee stated that although he cannot make a definite pronouncement as a minister-designate, he will support the many calls by Ghanaians for a review of the retirement age when given the nod.

“There’s a lot of talk about reviewing the retirement age now. Some say up to 65 or 70. I think it should come as a result of a harmonious decision.

“We will need as Ghanaians to consider whether it is time for us to do so or not…I will go along with the many who would pose a view that there is a need for a reform given our economy and our capacity to deal with it.”

In Ghana, the statutory retirement age in the public sector is 60 years. However, civil servants can be appointed for up to five years after reaching the compulsory retirement age.

For the Private sector, there is no compulsory retirement age, but employers must set a minimum retirement age of 60 years.