Daylight Robbery”, Ex-EPA Boss Blasts Ghana’s Security Recruitment Process
A former top government official has fired a sharp broadside at the state over what he describes as a deeply flawed and exploitative security recruitment system, one he says is designed not to find the best candidates, but to squeeze money out of desperate young Ghanaians. Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency, did not hold back as he addressed the media, labelling the ongoing internal security recruitment process “daylight robbery” institutionalised by the very state that should be protecting its citizens. At the heart of his criticism is a glaring mismatch: nearly 500,000 young Ghanaians applied for positions in the internal security services, yet only around 5,000 will ultimately be enlisted. Dr. Kokofu argued that the government knew these numbers all along, and opened the floodgates anyway, compelling applicants to bear application-related costs with virtually no realistic chance of success. “This is how we have succeeded in institutionalising criminality and extortion from the ordinary poor people,” he said. “These are poor young people who, through no fault of theirs, are eager to serve their country in those various capacities, yet the institutions know exactly how many people they can absorb.” But the numbers game, he alleged, is only part of the problem. Dr. Kokofu further claimed that the system is riddled with favouritism and protocol placements that quietly eat into the available slots long before ordinary applicants even get a look in. “With the 5,000 slots, I can assure you that about 4,000 will go into protocol, leaving the poor applicant to compete for the remaining 1,000 slots with as many as 500,000 people,” he charged. His remarks come on the heels of a disclosure by the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, who revealed that more than 105,000 applicants have already advanced to the medical screening stage of the recruitment exercise, a figure that underscores just how massive, and many would argue, how cruel, the odds truly are. For Dr. Kokofu, the conclusion is clear: “Encouraging about 500,000 people to apply when you know very well that only about 5,000 will be taken is robbery and daylight extortion that has been institutionalised by the state.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Only 1,000 to Be Recruited Out of 180,000 Ghana Immigration Service Applicants, Says Interior Minister
The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has revealed that just 1,000 young people will be recruited into the Ghana Immigration Service, despite more than 180,000 applicants vying for positions during the recent recruitment exercise. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 11, Mr. Muntaka addressed the overwhelming demand for jobs among Ghana’s youth and clarified the constraints facing the country’s security agencies. He explained that while thousands expressed interest in joining the Immigration Service, the organization’s current infrastructure and logistical capacity can only accommodate a fraction of the applicants. “The total of over 180,000 young men wanted to join the Ghana Immigration Service. But the interesting thing is that today, the Ghana Immigration Service, the strength, from the Comptroller General to the last officer, stands at 18,300. Less than 20,000, yet you have 180,000 opting to join,” the Minister noted. Mr. Muntaka added that, due to limitations in training and accommodation facilities, only 1,000 new recruits can be taken in during this recruitment cycle. “Unfortunately, because of the physical space, we could only have space for 1,000,” he said. He described the situation as a clear indication of the intense competition for positions within the security services and a reminder of the pressing need for job creation to address the aspirations of Ghana’s growing youth population. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
African Union Appoints Akufo-Addo to Lead Congo Election Observation Mission
The African Union (AU) has appointed former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to head its Election Observation Mission to the Republic of the Congo as the country prepares for its presidential elections on March 15, 2026. In a statement released on Tuesday, March 10, the Office of the former President confirmed Akufo-Addo’s new role, highlighting his responsibility to lead the AU’s efforts in monitoring the electoral process in the Central African nation. The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) under his leadership will comprise representatives from various continental bodies and key stakeholder groups. These include members of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), the Pan-African Parliament, the African Governance Platform, election management bodies, independent election experts, civil society organisations, as well as representatives of women’s and youth groups. This initiative is part of the AU’s ongoing commitment to supporting transparent, credible, and well-managed elections across Africa. According to the statement, Akufo-Addo will depart Accra on Friday, March 13, and is expected to return on March 18, 2026, after completing his assignment in the Republic of the Congo. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government to Maintain Fiscal Discipline as Domestic Borrowing Restrictions Expire – Minister Assures
The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured Ghanaians that the government will uphold strict fiscal discipline even as restrictions on new domestic bond issuance have come to an end. His assurance followed a recent announcement by the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, confirming the expiration of the three-year limitations on government borrowing from the domestic bond market, a restriction that had been imposed as part of Ghana’s economic programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking on Newsfil on Saturday, March 7, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that while borrowing is a normal and necessary part of economic management for most countries, Ghana’s past fiscal difficulties were the result of excessive borrowing and weak economic oversight under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He clarified that the IMF-imposed moratorium on new domestic bonds has now lapsed, legally allowing the government to access the local market when needed. “As part of the IMF programme, a ban was placed on the ability to borrow domestically for three years. That period elapsed some time last week, and therefore the government can return to the domestic market,” he stated. However, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that this does not signal a reckless return to borrowing. “It does not mean that there will be a mad rush to the domestic market to borrow left, right and centre to imperil the economy,” he assured, emphasising that any new borrowing would be guided by the government’s commitment to prudent financial management. He further highlighted the importance of directing borrowed funds into productive investments rather than recurrent expenditure, pointing out that investing in capital projects can spur economic growth and generate resources for sustainable development. To reinforce fiscal discipline, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu outlined several reforms, including the introduction of commitment controls to scrutinise funding requests from government agencies, and the planned establishment of a Value for Money Office. This new office, he explained, will work alongside the Public Procurement Authority to ensure government procurement delivers real value for the state. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also noted that the government has already reduced the number of ministers and curtailed several operational costs, such as satellite TV services at the presidency and fuel allocations for senior officials, yielding significant savings. He acknowledged that Ghana’s recurring fiscal challenges stem largely from overspending relative to national revenue, and dismissed claims that the country’s economic woes were due solely to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he attributed much of the fiscal strain to election-year spending in 2020, which forced Ghana into IMF negotiations and domestic debt restructuring. With ongoing cost-cutting measures and a focus on responsible borrowing, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the government’s return to the domestic bond market would not threaten the country’s economic recovery. “Borrowing itself is not a problem,” he concluded. “It is the extent to which you borrow and how prudently you manage the resources.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Deputy General Secretary Urges Calm and Unity Amidst Party Concerns
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to party members and sympathisers to maintain calm and unity in the face of growing concerns and frustrations within the party’s base. In a heartfelt message circulated this week, Mr. Gbande acknowledged the genuine frustrations expressed by some supporters in recent commentary and discussions. He assured the NDC community that party leadership takes these concerns seriously and is committed to finding solutions. “Even if it is the concern of a single member, we are accountable for addressing it, let alone the sentiments of a group of committed brothers and sisters who have worked together to bring us this far,” he emphasized. Mr. Gbande also observed that some of the narratives fueling discontent may be amplified by individuals sympathetic to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who, he claimed, are seeking to exploit the frustrations of NDC supporters. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed that the leadership is carefully considering all concerns as part of ongoing internal processes to make necessary adjustments, correct mistakes, and implement strategic realignments. He encouraged party members not to lose faith in the NDC’s principles, describing the current difficulties as temporary setbacks that should not lead anyone to abandon the party’s core values. Admitting that certain actions by government appointees may have fallen short of expectations, Mr. Gbande called for patience, urging supporters to allow the leadership time to address the issues. “When it feels as though our hopes have been dashed due to perceived betrayals, it is natural to feel aggrieved. However, it is important to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and allow time for matters to unfold,” he stated. Mr. Gbande further advised members to remain measured in their reactions and to resist any actions that might inadvertently strengthen the hand of political opponents. Expressing confidence in the future of the party, he concluded, “Giving up on our beliefs would amount to surrendering our future. Staying focused and strong through these challenges will ultimately assure us of victory.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
John Mahama Orders Immediate Halt to International Travel by SOE Boards Using Public Funds
John Dramani Mahama has instructed that boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and public institutions must immediately stop all international travel for training, retreats, conferences, and study tours funded by the state. The directive, delivered through a circular from the Office of the President to all Ministers of State, comes amid rising concerns over the frequency and expense of overseas trips by board members and public officials. These travels, often involving large delegations and lengthy stays, have led to considerable spending on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and logistics, placing unnecessary strain on Ghana’s finances. Government sources explained that the new policy is part of a wider strategy to enforce fiscal discipline, improve public financial management, and ensure the responsible use of national resources. From now on, boards of SOEs and public institutions are strictly forbidden from undertaking international trips for training or similar activities at the expense of the state. Exceptions to this rule will only be made in rare circumstances where the engagement cannot realistically be held locally or through virtual means. In such cases, supervising ministers must submit a formal request to the President, justifying the need for the travel. The request must detail the purpose, expected outcomes, strategic importance to the institution’s mission, the number of participants, the total estimated cost, and reasons why the objectives cannot be achieved locally or online. The government is urging Ministries and their agencies to prioritize local training sessions, in-country retreats, and partnerships with universities and reputable institutions within Ghana. Boards are also encouraged to explore virtual training, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements locally, instead of sending full delegations abroad. Additionally, the directive calls on boards to focus on their core governance responsibilities and carefully evaluate the value, necessity, and cost-effectiveness of any capacity-building initiatives. According to government officials, the main goal of the policy is to cut non-essential public spending and redirect scarce resources toward priority projects, infrastructure, and social interventions that will benefit Ghanaians more directly. All ministers have been instructed to ensure that boards, CEOs, and management teams of SOEs and public institutions under their supervision are made aware of this directive and comply without delay. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Vice President Bawumia and Wife Relocated Amid Middle East Tensions
As unrest grows in parts of the Middle East, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife Samira Bawumia, and their entourage have been quietly relocated from Qatar to another country in a government-led effort to ensure their safety. The move was carried out following direct instructions from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Acting on behalf of the government, Minister Ablakwa directed Ghanaian embassies throughout the region to immediately coordinate secure travel arrangements for the former Vice President and his team. Diplomatic sources revealed that Ghanaian embassies worked closely with local authorities to facilitate the swift and discreet transfer, emphasizing that the operation was executed smoothly and without incident. Specific details regarding the relocation remain confidential for security reasons. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Ghana are maintaining a high level of vigilance as tensions persist in the region. Authorities are monitoring developments closely and have put embassies on alert to offer consular support and emergency assistance to Ghanaians living in or passing through affected areas. The safe relocation of the Bawumia family underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and officials abroad during times of heightened risk. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief of Staff’s Committee Completes Review of Post-Election Public Service Appointments
A committee set up by the Chief of Staff to scrutinize recruitments, appointments, and promotions made into Ghana’s Public Service following the December 7 elections has concluded its work, shedding light on the fate of thousands affected by a sweeping review directive. According to the committee’s findings, a total of 2,080 individuals had their recent appointments or promotions under examination. After a thorough review, the committee determined that 1,201 of these appointments were valid, confirming that they had followed the proper due process and could stand. However, the process was not without casualties; 541 appointments were revoked after the committee found they failed to meet the necessary procedural standards. In a strong affirmation of inclusivity, the committee also upheld the appointments of 338 Persons With Disabilities, recognizing that these appointments had adhered to all requirements and signaling the government’s ongoing commitment to diversity within the Public Service. The review process, initiated in the wake of the elections, was designed to promote transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with established protocols in public sector hiring and advancement. With the committee’s report now released, the government looks to move forward, guided by the principles of accountability and merit. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nana Agradaa Released from Prison, Reunites with Family After Eight Months
The gates of Nsawam Prison swung open this week to release Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, better known to many as Nana Agradaa, the former fetish priestess who turned her life to evangelism. After spending eight months in custody, Nana Agradaa has finally returned home, marking a new chapter in a story that has captured national attention. Her husband, Asiamah, took to Facebook on Tuesday, March 3, to share the news of her return: “Thank God my wife is finally home,” he wrote, sparking a wave of reactions from supporters and critics alike. The homecoming was marked by heartfelt reunions as Nana Agradaa rejoined her family after a period of separation. Later in the day, she is expected to make her first public appearance by joining her church community for fellowship, a significant moment for her congregation and followers, many of whom have stood by her throughout her legal troubles. Nana Agradaa was initially handed a 15-year sentence on July 3, 2025, after being convicted on charges of defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement. Her legal team, however, appealed the ruling, arguing that the punishment was excessive. The Amasaman High Court ultimately reviewed her case, reducing her sentence to 12 months and describing the original term as harsh. Her release comes in line with Ghana’s remission rules, which allowed her to regain freedom after serving two-thirds of her revised sentence. As Nana Agradaa steps back into public life, all eyes will be on how she navigates her return and reengages with her faith community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Evacuates Embassy Staff from Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
In a decisive move to safeguard its diplomats, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, announced that the Government of Ghana has successfully evacuated all Ghanaian embassy staff from Iran. The evacuation, prompted by mounting tensions and instability in the Middle East, was carried out swiftly to ensure the safety of Ghanaian personnel stationed in the region. Minister Ablakwa confirmed that the diplomats are safe and in high spirits following their return. As an added precaution, the Ghanaian embassy in Iran has been closed indefinitely, “sine die”, until further notice. The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the government’s paramount concern remains the security and welfare of Ghanaian citizens, especially in light of recent military hostilities involving several Middle Eastern countries. This evacuation forms part of a broader emergency preparedness strategy activated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has also included advisories urging Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to the region and to remain vigilant amidst the ongoing unrest. The successful evacuation marks a significant diplomatic response, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and highlighting the lengths to which Ghana is prepared to go to uphold the safety and well-being of its people during times of crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com