Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, has signaled his willingness to reconsider Ghana’s mandatory retirement age of 60. During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, he acknowledged the growing debate about extending the retirement age to 65 or even 70 years. However, he stressed that any decision must be made with careful consideration of Ghana’s economic capacity and the well-being of its workforce.
According to Dr. Pelpuo, many retirees remain strong and capable of contributing to the economy, raising the question of whether mandatory retirement at 60 is still appropriate. “There’s a lot of talk about increasing the retirement age now, some suggest 65 years, others say 70, but many retirees are still strong, so why should they stop working?” he asked. He emphasized the need for a smooth and well-assessed transition if any changes are to be made.
The minister-designate also underscored the importance of national consensus in shaping such a major policy shift. He believes that involving all stakeholders in discussions will ensure the sustainability and success of any reform. With his academic background and expertise, Dr. Pelpuo intends to adopt an inclusive approach to policymaking, ensuring that any decision taken reflects the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
