Employers who underpay workers will face legal action – Rashid Pelpuo
The Minister designate for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring that no employer in Ghana violates the laws governing minimum wage.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, he stated that employers who failed to comply with the law would face prosecution.
"If we agree on a minimum wage, the law is that it cuts across every organisation. 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," he explained.
He emphasised that Ghanaians should not be cheated and that those who cannot meet the minimum wage requirement will have to answer for it.
Mr Pelpuo’s remarks come at a time when issues surrounding workers' rights and fair compensation are at the forefront of national discussions. His firm stance on the issue has been met with support from various stakeholders, who are eager to see the implementation of policies that protect workers, particularly in the private sector.
During the session, he also addressed concerns about frequent labour strikes in the country, particularly within the public sector.
Of the 27 industrial actions recorded in 2024, 21 occurred in the public sector, with 40 per cent of these strikes coming from the tertiary education sector, making up 66 per cent of the total industrial actions by public sector workers.
To mitigate these challenges, he outlined his approach to engaging with organised labour. "There are already laid-down rules that we follow to tackle these challenges," he said, adding that he would work closely with seasoned labour experts and union leaders.
He underscored the importance of listening to workers, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that their demands are understood and managed within the confines of the law.
The Minister-designate further stressed the need for a balance between wages and productivity, stating that there must be a clear correlation between what workers produce and what they earn.
He expressed his support for the proposal to transform the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission into a "Bureau of Productivity and Fair Wages" to better align wages with productivity levels.
"As Ghanaians, we understand the realities of our public sector and the need for a match between what you produce and what you earn," Mr Pelpuo explained. "When you are negotiating, you should be thinking about how much you’ve produced and how much you should earn in return. This concordance is critical."