The recent revocation of public service appointments made after the Ghanaian elections has sparked a heated debate, with proponents arguing for the necessity of depoliticizing the public sector and critics raising concerns about the socioeconomic impact, particularly on youth unemployment. Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chair of the South African Council of Elders for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), vehemently defends the government’s decision, framing it as a crucial step towards ensuring the independence and professionalism of Ghana’s Public Service. He argues that the revocations target politically motivated appointments made in the waning days of the previous administration, intended to burden the incoming government and circumvent due process. These appointments, he contends, undermine the meritocratic principles that should govern public sector hiring, compromising efficiency and accountability.
Quashie emphasizes the importance of a merit-based public service, free from political interference. He posits that the timing of the appointments, occurring after the December 7th election, strongly suggests a politically motivated strategy to secure positions for party loyalists rather than qualified individuals. This practice, he argues, not only undermines the integrity of the public service but also deprives deserving candidates of opportunities. The revocations, therefore, are not a punitive measure but a corrective one, designed to ensure that public sector positions are filled based on competence and merit, fostering a more effective and impartial civil service. The aim, he stresses, is to build a public sector that serves the interests of all Ghanaians, not just a select few connected to the ruling party.
To bolster his argument, Quashie draws a parallel with the recent National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal, which exposed widespread corruption within public sector recruitment. He views the scandal as a symptom of a deeper malaise within the system – a culture of patronage and political maneuvering that prioritizes loyalty over competence. The revocations, he suggests, are a necessary step towards cleansing the system and restoring public trust. By removing individuals appointed through dubious or politically motivated means, the government aims to create a more transparent and accountable public service, where merit and qualification are the primary criteria for employment.
Moreover, Quashie stresses the importance of fairness and equal opportunity in public sector employment. He argues that all qualified Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliations, should have an equal chance to compete for public sector jobs. Transparent hiring processes, he contends, are essential to prevent deserving candidates from being unfairly disadvantaged by last-minute political appointees. He calls for a system where merit and competence are the sole determinants of employment, ensuring that the public sector attracts the best and brightest minds in the country.
Addressing concerns about the seemingly sweeping nature of the revocations, Quashie clarifies that the government is not indiscriminately dismissing all recent hires. He points to the Health Minister’s assurance that the 15,200 nurses recruited between June and August 2024 will retain their positions. This, he argues, demonstrates that the government’s focus is on addressing procedural lapses and politically motivated appointments, not on penalizing all recent hires. The review, he asserts, is targeted and principled, aiming to rectify irregularities rather than inflicting widespread job losses.
Quashie also counters criticism by highlighting the precedent set by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) when they were in power. He points out that the NPP also undertook similar reviews and dismissals of politically motivated appointments, suggesting that the current government’s actions are not unprecedented or partisan. He argues that public sector hiring must adhere to established procedures and budgetary approvals, and appointments made in violation of these principles should be considered invalid. This consistency, he implies, underscores the non-partisan nature of the revocations and reinforces the importance of upholding established procedures in public sector recruitment. As President Mahama prepares to address the nation, the issue of these revocations, alongside the broader challenge of youth unemployment, remains a focal point of public discourse. The government’s challenge lies in balancing the need to depoliticize the public service with the imperative to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment and create sustainable job opportunities.
