Recruitments and Payments Continue Unabated Despite Calls to Stop

Amidst calls on the outgoing government to refrain from recruiting or hiring during the transitional period, the administration led by outgoing President Akufo-Addo continues its recruitment efforts undeterred.

Reports have surfaced regarding ongoing recruitment exercises at various government institutions, including the Registrar General’s Department, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ghana National Gas Company, Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Immigration and the State Insurance Company (SIC).

Despite the awareness of an impending defeat in the recently held general election, the government began these appointments several months ago.

The latest recruitment initiative is currently taking place at the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), where teachers are being swiftly assigned to different schools as the administration’s term nears its end.

Sources indicate that the agency is in the process of posting approximately 10,000 individuals, having already provided a two-month advance salary following the election on Saturday, December 7.

A sample appointment letter dated November 10, 2024, was seen by this portal, addressed to the headmaster of Sogakope Junior High School in the Volta Region.

Signed by district manager Christabel Erornam Alorku, the letter identified the beneficiary as Ndolor Innocent Kwame and detailed the recruitment of 2,000 teaching assistants nationwide under the school support module.

Furthermore, there are allegations that the financially strained Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is facing pressure to settle an invoice submitted by the private firm Hubtel.

The Member of Parliament for the North Dayi constituency revealed that the firm, purportedly owned by the former vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is demanding a substantial amount from the ECG for services provided by ECG staff.

The invoice totals GHc259,919,544.97, which the MP described as “absolutely ridiculous.” President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called for an investigation into the reported recruitment activities in state institutions.

During a meeting with a delegation from the British High Commission, Mr. Mahama expressed concern over the situation and emphasized the need for a reevaluation.

In a statement issued by his Transition Team, led by former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, it was agreed that all ongoing significant financial transactions and recruitment processes should be submitted to the Joint Transition Team for review.

However, the Minister for Information and spokesperson for the government’s team, Fatima Abubakar, defended the government’s actions.

She clarified that ongoing payments and recruitments have been approved since August 2024 and reiterated that the government retains the authority to make decisions as its mandate has not yet formally ended.

In response to criticism, Abubakar pointed out that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had also engaged in similar actions in the past, such as appointing officials to key positions in government institutions as they were leaving office.