Judul : Recruitment Rush: More Questions Than Answers in a Land of 'Teflon Verdicts'
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Recruitment Rush: More Questions Than Answers in a Land of 'Teflon Verdicts'
There's no doubt that Ghana is a nation marked by unexpected progress, particularly in the political sphere. However, was it just my perception, or did I witness a television news segment featuring President John Mahama making early remarks that appeared to criticize the system implemented by the previous administration for the tragic recruitment rush that resulted in the deaths of six 'Ghana royals' on November 12, 2025?
And was it really President Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), who stated that the exercise could have been more effectively organised, yet it followed the current format that his administration had taken over; and that they would now make improvements?
But even without a probe, isn't it logical to assume that those who arrange an activity should be the first to face accountability for its results, whether positive or negative?
Regardless, the Accra exercise, which was halted following the stampede incident, will restart on Thursday, November 20, 2025. President Mahama ordered a pause to allow for a review of the process. Nevertheless, the exercise in other regions proceeded as planned.
As per media coverage, the deceased were six young women who were part of the 34 individuals who died in the stampede and were taken to the 37 Military Hospital on that tragic Wednesday morning. In reaction to media announcements, approximately 21,000 young men and women gathered at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra for screening to potentially join the different branches of the GAF.
A statement released by GAF mentioned that initial inquiries suggested the rush was caused by an unexpected increase in applicants who hurried to enter the stadium at 6:20 a.m., before the event started.
On November 12, during a briefing to Parliament, Finance Minister and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, reported the six fatalities and several injured individuals, some of whom were in critical condition and admitted to the 37 Military Hospital.
Dr. Forson mentioned that the hiring procedure had been decentralized to reduce overcrowding and promote openness.
"The Department of Defense has expressed its sympathy to the grieving families," and he pledged the public a comprehensive inquiry into the event.
Under the updated plan, the resuming Accra exercise will be held at eight sub-centers spread across five locations, including El-Wak. Selected candidates in groups of 600 will each receive a text message containing the relevant information.
It is hoped that the updated process will minimize disruption for those applying.
However, the deaths of six young women in a way that would be unimaginable even in the worst dreams, represents a significant stain on the reputation of the GAF.
How could individuals applying for positions within our GAF, renowned worldwide for its efficiency and structure, end up in such a dire situation?
Did the organizers fail to evaluate the current system to determine if modifications were necessary?
Moreover, undoubtedly, those overseeing the event were aware of the expected figures, considering the thousands who had purchased the GH¢
200 application form?
Were the numbers, reportedly 21,000, taken into account? This number represents a shocking and frightening indication of the severity of the nation's unemployment issue; realistically, it needs to be addressed through jobs in the private sector.
Why couldn't the recruitment be spread out, to handle a reasonable number each day, perhaps even providing chairs?
Were there any restrooms? It is said that some candidates had begun lining up the night before!
Looking at the pictures, most candidates were dressed in white t-shirts, suggesting they might have been given guidelines regarding attire. So, why wasn't the same level of consideration applied to their well-being, health, and safety?
It comes as no surprise that a Board of Inquiry was quickly established to uncover the responses to the unavoidable questions regarding the stampede; a nation in shock seeking explanations.
However, the widespread doubt regarding investigation outcomes, visible in online discussions, is entirely reasonable. Our nation is one where we rapidly establish investigative committees, often with much publicity, yet the results tend to arrive slowly; moreover, we rarely learn the names of those found guilty or the penalties they face.
Consider the case of repeated fire incidents in markets, why do officials always quickly promise an inquiry, yet the results are rarely disclosed?
Typically, the results of investigations fall into the 'non-stick' category; no charges remain attached to anyone; no one is held responsible, which I refer to as 'Teflon verdicts' – a term borrowed from the nickname initially applied to the 40thU.S. President, Ronald Reagan, known as the 'Teflon President'. (Teflon is a type of plastic utilized to cover cooking utensils, allowing food to not adhere to the base while preparing meals.)
According to reference materials, it was “Representative Patricia Schroeder, a member of the Democratic Party from Colorado, (who in 1983) coined the term "Teflon President"Regarding Ronald Reagan," she stated, "he's similar to a Teflon pan—nothing adheres to him." Schroeder was exasperated by the president's talent for avoiding responsibility for political and economic problems, which other politicians typically face..”
If no one is at fault, how can punishment act as a deterrent?
Regardless, I hope the updated hiring process is convenient for applicants who are already likely under pressure.
Significantly, the GAF event on November 12 has demonstrated the dominance of the mobile phone in our daily lives. Nowadays, it seems that every job opportunity requires a candidate to own a high-end mobile phone!
It's intriguing, yet unsettling, that it is assumed all young individuals, all those hoping to join GAF, possess a smartphone able to perform the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tasks needed for the application process!
Maybe the fact that up to 21,000 people managed to navigate the online process and meet the requirements for the 2025 screening shows that it is achievable.
But does this imply a fair competition? Is it genuinely a comprehensive opportunity?
Is it reasonable to believe that all possible applicants own a smartphone? Or that everyone resides in a region with reliable mobile phone coverage?
Does this situation consider the digital divide ("the divide between individuals with easy access to computers and the web, and those without); the significance of diversityequal availability of chances and assets”?
Therefore, I consider it important to create a method for potential applicants who do not own smartphones or have digital skills – certainly, there will be some?
Another concern I have: in the resumed process, are applicants who submitted their applications on November 12 expected to follow the same application procedure? Are they required to pay the same fee? Why wasn't this information included in the announcement regarding the resumption?
So many queries requiring solutions!
I can't stop myself from wondering if it was these confusing matters that motivated American singer Johnny Nash's 1972 song, 'There are more inquiries than solutions’.
But, hopefully, the Board's conclusions will not deserve the 'Teflon verdict' label.
By Ajoa Yeboah-Afari
The post Recruitment Rush: More Inquiries Than Clarity, In A Nation Of 'Teflon Judgments' appeared first on DailyGuide Network.
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