GES Recruitment: Thousands of Unemployed Teachers Charged GH¢25 to Check Status, Group Petitions EOCO, OSP.

Thousands of unemployed teachers who applied for recruitment into the Ghana Education Service (GES) are alleging extortion, after they were reportedly charged GH¢25 before they could check their application status.

According to complaints gathered from applicants, about 80% of those who have so far checked their status have not been selected.

The development has sparked outrage among youth advocates, with a civil society organization, Youth Without Borders Ghana, announcing plans to petition state institutions over the charge.

In a statement signed by its leader, Dr. Richard Apau, PIAA, the group said it is currently gathering evidence to petition the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Minister for Education, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, and the Presidency.

“If you are a victim of this broad day extortion, reach out to me through messenger. We must make this country conducive for young people to thrive,” the statement said.

“This practice of government and public institutions taking undue advantage of vulnerable young people, when they deserve empathy and support, must come to an end.”

The group is demanding answers from the management of the Ghana Education Service on who authorised the GH¢25 charge.

It argues that under Ghana’s legal framework, fees and charges imposed by public institutions must have appropriate legal authority, including parliamentary approval where required.

It is further demanding transparency on the procurement process for the software company responsible for the recruitment portal, including how the company was selected, how much has been generated from the sale of the vouchers, the account into which the monies were paid, and the authorised signatories to that account.

“It is unacceptable to take advantage of young people at one of the most desperate moments in their lives  after years of unemployment and while seeking an opportunity to serve their country,” Dr. Apau stated.

The statement also called out the Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment, headed by Minister George Opare Addo, challenging it to take a stand for young people.

“It took us more than a decade of sustained public advocacy and lobbying before Ghana finally established a dedicated ministry for youth. Credit is due to President John Dramani Mahama for making that a reality.

Youth Without Borders Ghana did not start this advocacy of a dedicated youth ministry in 2015 just for its existence. We did so because we wanted to see real impact.”

“If the ministry cannot advocate for young people on fundamental issues such as this, then we might as well begin advocating for its abolition.

Because, in all honesty, two years on, many young people are yet to see the ministry make a meaningful impact on the issues that affect them most,” the statement added.

The Ghana Education Service is yet to officially respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Youth Without Borders Ghana says it will proceed with its petition once evidence gathering is complete.

Credit:Osei Abbot.