Communications Minister, Sam George, has authorised the dismissal of nearly 100 staff of the Ghana Post Limited, citing an irregular recruitment process.

The affected staff members were employed after the December 7, 2024, election, a period during which the minister says proper procedures were not followed.

Speaking about the decision, Sam George expressed his commitment to clearing the ministry of individuals whose recruitment was not in line with the established protocols.

He stated that as the head of the ministry, he could not work with staff members whose employment was marred by irregularities.

“If you are a minister and you take over a ministry that has 3,117 staff in the ministry and its agencies and 600 were recruited after December 7, you cannot expect me to come and inherit such a mess, and so the rationalisation is ongoing,” he told the press on Tuesday.

He added, “Today, I have authorised a termination of a few more at Ghana Post, almost 100 that were done post-election.”

The Communications Minister explained that the irregular recruitment had created a situation where positions were filled without following due process, leading to inefficiencies within the department.

The Ningo-Prampram legislator emphasised that he is on a mission to “Clean up the ministry to make sure that it is lean and efficient and carries out its works.”

The government has been reverting many post-election employment in the public sector, which it says was done without following the laid down procedures in various sectors of the economy.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss key issues in the health sector. 

During the meeting, Mr.Akandoh highlighted the need for increased funding to ensure the effective implementation of healthcare processes.

To address the challenges faced by health workers in rural areas, the Minister mentioned a proposed package of incentives, including an additional 20% of their basic salaries, quicker promotions, and scholarships for further training. 

He also emphasised the importance of providing steady leave with pay to encourage health workers to remain in these areas.

Mr.Akandoh stressed the need for six additional hospitals to cater to the new regions created in Ghana. He also discussed plans to upgrade regional and teaching hospitals to attract more skilled health workers.

In response, High Commissioner Byone-Sutherland expressed her appreciation for the Minister and the government’s efforts to improve the health sector. 

She also suggested that nurses from Barbados could benefit from health training programmes in Ghana, gaining practical experience in the field.

This courtesy call highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing between countries to improve healthcare outcomes. 

The Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by health workers and ensuring that Ghanaians receive quality healthcare services.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.

 Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.

In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.

 He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.

“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.

He added that  “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”

The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.

President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.

The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.

The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.

He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.