ExecutivDirector of the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy, Dr. George Domfe
The Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), Dr. George Domfe, has refuted government claims that the appointments and recruitments of civil servants after December 7, 2024, were revoked.
According to Dr. Domfe, the Mahama-led administration did not limit the revocation of recruitments to December but extended it as far back as March 2024.
He explained that the government terminated these appointments to create employment opportunities, as the public sector was already overburdened.
Speaking to GhanaWeb Business on the sidelines of the UPSA-IERPP Post-Budget Dialogue on the 2025 budget on Friday, March 14, 2025, Dr. Domfe lamented the lack of job opportunities in the country.
He stated that, “The jobs are not available. The public sector is choked. Governments come and go, and now, if you are a new government, the only thing you can do is to sack those who are already employed and bring in new people because you can’t keep employing.”
“I heard claims that they were sacking those engaged after December 7, but that is not true. They are even sacking those from March 2024. To employ new people, you have to sack others. If you employ more, you overburden the public purse, and that is the problem,” Dr. Domfe added.
Despite his criticism, Dr. Domfe commended the government’s 24-hour economy policy, which aims to create jobs and reduce the high unemployment rate. However, he noted that the policy lacks clarity.
“I like the idea of a 24-hour economy, but it lacks clarity. I’m struggling to understand it. That said, I welcome anything that can create jobs for the people. It’s disheartening to walk the streets and hear someone say they’ve been looking for a job without success,” he remarked.
Dr. Domfe’s comments follow an announcement by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, directing all heads of government institutions to annul appointments and recruitments into public offices made after December 7, 2024.
The Chief of Staff explained that this directive aligns with the government’s stance on near-end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, which were deemed inconsistent with established good governance practices.
Meanwhile, some individuals, including members of the opposition New Patriotic Party, have described the move as “unlawful termination.”
They argued that the move exposes the government to potential lawsuits.
SA/MA
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