Controversial Last-Minute Hires by Outgoing Government Suspended Amid Concerns over Due Process
In a significant move to address growing concerns about improper hiring practices by the outgone government, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah issued a directive on February 11, 2025, suspending several public sector appointments made in the waning months of the previous administration. This directive specifically targets recruitments that occurred immediately after the December 7 general elections, which marked a significant change in governance.
The move calls for a comprehensive audit of the processes that led to these late-stage hires across various government agencies and state-owned enterprises. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the previous government rushed to install political allies and associates into public service positions before their term concluded, circumventing the necessary vetting and recruitment protocols. Critics argue that this undermined the principles of meritocracy and fair hiring practices.
This suspension allows a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding these late appointments and ensure they were made in accordance with the law and civil service regulations, as the new administration is committed to restoring integrity and professionalism in the public sector. This initiative is widely regarded as an effort to tackle perceptions of unfair or partisan hiring, a concern that has drawn considerable criticism from civil society and the public alike.
It must be emphasized that this is not the first occurrence of such a directive in Ghana’s political landscape. In 2017, the then-NPP government under President Akufo-Addo suspended over 13,000 public sector appointments made by the then outgone NDC administration during the final months before the change in government. At that time, similar concerns were raised regarding due process and the motivations behind those last-minute hires.
The recent directive encompasses hires at key entities, including the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), among others. Management in these organizations has been instructed to inform affected individuals about the suspension and the forthcoming audit. Political analysts view this move as an attempt by the incoming government to mitigate perceptions of favoritism in hiring practices, which have been a source of public outcry.
In addition to the GWCL and the NSS, other establishments that were reportedly involved in hiring after the December 7, 2024 elections include: Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Volta River Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Tema Oil Refinery, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, National Lottery Authority. These organizations are among those identified as having made appointments in the lead-up to the change in government, raising concerns about the recruitment processes and potential political favoritism.
However, while the revocation aims to restore integrity, there are valid concerns regarding the potential disruption of essential public services. Critics caution that hasty terminations could destabilize operations within vital government sectors. The Chief of Staff has assured that the review will be conducted carefully, allowing for the possibility of retaining qualified individuals pending the audit’s findings.
The context of this directive is crucial, especially considering reports that certain institutions anticipated the NPP’s electoral defeat and consequently rushed to recruit cronies in the weeks leading up to the elections. These appointments, made without adhering to established hiring procedures, raise significant concerns about equity and rationalization within the civil service. Alarmingly, many of those recruited during this period have been placed in positions above long-serving employees, further complicating the integrity of public sector employment.
The directive reflects a broader commitment by the new administration to uphold principles of transparency and accountability in public service recruitment. It is essential for the government to ensure that such last-minute recruitments are thoroughly scrutinized to prevent undue pressure on the new administration. The aim is to foster an environment where hiring practices are equitable and in line with established protocols, thereby enhancing public trust.
Moreover, the implications of this directive extend beyond the immediate concerns of recruitment. It highlights the importance of maintaining robust institutions and ensuring smooth transitions of power. Observers will be closely monitoring how the government navigates this delicate situation in the coming weeks and months, particularly in light of the broader concerns regarding the state of the country’s institutions.
The need for a comprehensive staff audit in the affected agencies cannot be overstated. Ensuring that hiring practices are equitable and just is paramount for the new administration as it seeks to uphold the rule of law and restore public confidence in governance. The Chief of Staff’s directive is a step towards addressing these critical issues, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges that accompany political transitions.
In conclusion, the recent suspension of controversial last-minute public sector hires underscores the need for due diligence in recruitment practices. It reflects a commitment to integrity and professionalism within the public service, while also acknowledging the potential pitfalls of political maneuvering in the lead-up to elections. As the new administration embarks on this audit, it must balance the need for thoroughness with the imperative of maintaining essential public services. The outcome of this review will not only shape the future of public sector hiring in Ghana but also influence the broader narrative surrounding governance and accountability in the country.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
About Author
