In a recent interview on Channel One
TV’s “The Point of View” with Bernard Avle, Ghana’s Minister for Employment,
Jobs, and Labour Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, disclosed that the former
Akufo-Addo-led administration employed approximately 12,000 people into the
public sector shortly after the December 7, 2024, general elections. This
development has prompted the current administration, under President John
Dramani Mahama, to initiate a thorough investigation into the circumstances
surrounding these mass recruitments.
Mr. Pelpuo stated that a special
committee has been formed to look into the wave of appointments that occurred
during the transition period. The committee, co-chaired by Pelpuo himself, is
tasked with examining the timing, processes, and motivations behind the
recruitments. According to him, the primary aim is to ensure fairness and
transparency, especially in the wake of complaints from individuals who have
allegedly been dismissed without just cause since the change in administration.
The committee is actively reviewing
documentation, verifying the recruitment timelines, and engaging relevant
stakeholders across sectors to determine whether due process was followed. Mr.
Pelpuo emphasized that the committee’s findings will guide any future actions that
the government may take to rectify possible irregularities. He reassured the
public that their work is being carried out with integrity and diligence, and
that all individuals who were affected unfairly would receive the justice they
deserve.
During the interview, Pelpuo noted
the scale of the employment exercise, stating that approximately 12,000
individuals were added to the public sector workforce within a period of just
one or two weeks. This has raised questions about the processes involved and whether
the outgoing government adhered to established recruitment protocols. The
investigation aims to shed light on whether these appointments were politically
motivated or carried out with proper authorization and transparency.
In recent weeks, there have been
growing concerns about the state of public sector employment in the country.
Several citizens have voiced concerns regarding sudden terminations and a lack
of clarity on employment procedures. The government’s response through this
investigative committee is intended to restore trust in the system and ensure
that future employment practices are conducted in a fair and accountable
manner.
President Mahama’s administration
has reiterated its commitment to good governance, and this inquiry reflects
that resolve. Mr. Pelpuo added that the committee is working to ensure that
decisions made during the transition period are in line with Ghana’s civil
service regulations and employment standards. This includes determining if the
appointments met legal requirements, whether the individuals hired were
qualified for their respective roles, and if there was any undue influence
during the hiring process.
As part of its mandate, the
committee is also engaging with affected individuals, unions, and departmental
heads to gather testimonies and supporting documents. The process is expected
to be comprehensive and impartial, and findings from the investigation are
anticipated to be made public in the coming weeks. This transparency, according
to Mr. Pelpuo, is vital for national accountability and upholding the
principles of fairness in public administration.
The announcement has stirred
interest among civil servants, political observers, and the general public.
While some view the mass recruitment as a strategic attempt by the previous
government to secure jobs for its supporters before exiting power, others
believe it may have been a routine employment exercise. The committee’s final
report is expected to provide clarity and inform future government actions.
This development comes at a time
when job creation remains a top priority for the Mahama administration. With a
significant youth population and rising unemployment rates, the government is
under pressure to deliver sustainable job opportunities and ensure merit-based
recruitment into public service roles. By investigating past recruitment
practices, the administration hopes to set a precedent that discourages
politically influenced hiring and promotes equity.
The issue has also drawn commentary
from various stakeholders. Labour unions have expressed interest in the outcome
of the investigation, emphasizing the need for fairness in employment
practices. Civil society organizations have also urged the government to
strengthen employment guidelines and enhance the oversight of public sector
hiring processes.
Mr. Pelpuo, who has served in
various capacities in government, highlighted the importance of safeguarding
institutional integrity. He noted that Ghana’s democracy thrives when
transparency and accountability are prioritized, especially during transitions
of power. He further stated that his ministry will continue to work with
relevant agencies to ensure that employment within the public sector is based
on competence, need, and due process.
Meanwhile, opposition voices have
called for caution, urging the government to avoid politicizing the issue. They
maintain that the previous administration acted within its rights and that any
review should be conducted impartially. Political analysts suggest that the
findings of the committee could influence public perception of both the current
and former administrations, especially as the country prepares for future
elections.
The situation continues to develop
as the committee progresses with its work. While the final verdict on the 12,000
recruitments is yet to be announced, the government’s proactive approach
signals a renewed focus on reforming public sector employment. With high
expectations from the public, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining
how this sensitive matter unfolds and whether it sets a new standard for
governance in Ghana.
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