Back to Latest Briefings
March 19, 2026
AI-Enhanced
ABAN Brief: Young Ghanaians should not pay to serve their country; refund the money
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Key Points
- Ghana charged 506,618 young people GH₵ 220 each to apply for security service jobs, accumulating approximately GH₵ 111.32 million for only 5,000 available positions.
- An additional 105,000 shortlisted applicants were required to pay GH₵ 1,600 for medical examinations, with only 5,000 ultimately recruited, leaving 100,000 paying without securing a position.
- The article condemns this practice as a structural injustice, arguing it places an undue financial burden on unemployed youth and their families, often preventing otherwise qualified candidates from proceeding.
- It highlights that other countries like Nigeria and Kenya offer free security service recruitment, contrasting with Ghana's approach.
- The ABAN Center for Global Policy calls on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately refund the GH₵ 220 application fees, abolish such fees for future recruitment, and have the state absorb medical examination costs for shortlisted candidates.
Why This Matters
This issue highlights a significant challenge in Ghana regarding equitable access to public sector employment and the financial burden placed on citizens seeking opportunities. It raises questions about social justice, the state's responsibility, and the potential for such practices to exacerbate poverty and inequality among the youth.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
July 9, 2026
Eastern Corridor Road to undergo full asphalt reconstruction, not patch repairs – Roads Minister
- The Minister for Roads and Highways announced a full reconstruction of sections of the Eastern Corridor Road.
- The government will now use asphalt pavement instead of continuing with temporary patch repairs on the existing surface-dressed road.
- This decision follows technical assessments revealing the corridor has exceeded its design life and requires a more permanent solution.
- The reconstruction involves replacing the road base and applying a stronger asphalt surface to ensure lasting value and durability.
- The initiative aims to improve road safety, strengthen connectivity, reduce maintenance costs, and support economic activities along the corridor.
July 9, 2026
Ibrahim Mahama to pay hospital bills of Ghana’s tallest man battling gigantism
- Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to fully cover the medical expenses of Abdul-Samed Sulemana, known as Awuche, Ghana's tallest man.
- Awuche's health deteriorated due to gigantism complications, leading to a referral to Tamale Teaching Hospital.
- Doctors at TTH recommended amputation of Awuche's left leg due to a severe infection.
- Ibrahim Mahama's aide confirmed the commitment, assuring coverage of all medical costs and surgery.
- Awuche has safely arrived at Tamale Teaching Hospital and has commenced the necessary medical procedures.
July 9, 2026
75 Bank staff dismissed as fraud cases surge 48% – Bank of Ghana report
- Fraud cases in Ghana's financial sector surged by 48% in 2025, reaching 24,778, according to the Bank of Ghana's report.
- This increase was predominantly driven by the Payment Service Providers (PSPs) sector, which saw a 98% rise in incidents and a 95% increase in value at risk.
- While banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) reduced incident numbers, their value at risk increased due to specific issues like cash suppression and forgery.
- The total value at risk across the financial sector marginally rose from GH¢99 million in 2024 to GH¢101 million in 2025.
- The Bank of Ghana calls for unified efforts from all stakeholders, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and improved supervision to combat evolving fraud risks in the increasingly complex financial landscape.