Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has vowed to enforce strict compliance with labor laws, ensuring that businesses operating under Ghana’s ambitious 24-hour economic policy receive adequate security protection.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Dr. Pelpuo stated unequivocally that security measures would be put in place to safeguard businesses running around the clock.
“One of the challenges that businesses are facing working 24 hours is how much they can ensure security, and we say we will provide security.”
“Is how much they can ensure enough capacity, we say we will support them with the capacity.”
“It is simply to boost production. Create more opportunity for people to work, and to ensure that we reshape the economy to a manner that is going to be work and production based,” he said.
In addition to security guarantees, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized his commitment to upholding Ghana’s labor laws, particularly on minimum wage enforcement. He warned employers against exploiting workers, stressing that violations would not be tolerated.
“If we agree on a minimum wage, the law mandates that it applies across every organization. No employer should pay below that wage. Anyone found guilty of doing so will be held accountable before the law,” he asserted.
Dr. Pelpuo further urged Ghanaian workers to be vigilant and report cases of wage underpayment. “Ghanaians should not be cheated. We all know the legally established minimum wage, and if any employer fails to comply, serious questions will be raised about their operations,” he added.
On the contentious issue of retirement age, the nominee indicated a willingness to support a review. However, he insisted that any decision should be the product of broad national consensus.
“There’s a lot of talk about reviewing the retirement age—some say up to 65 or 70. I believe this should be the outcome of a well-balanced national discussion. If the consensus supports a reform, I will align with it,” he stated.
Currently, Ghana’s statutory retirement age for public sector workers is set at 60, with an extension option of up to five years. In the private sector, employers determine their own minimum retirement age, which must be no less than 60 years.
