Renowned Legal practitioner and activist, Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has raised alarm over what he describes as an entrenched ‘job for sale’ culture in Ghana’s public service sector.
In a strongly worded statement, Barker-Vormawor lamented the failure of state investigative agencies to prioritize undercover operations to expose and dismantle the pervasive corruption in public sector recruitment.
“How are so many of our young people unemployed? Why have we left them at the mercy of scavengers to abuse and scam? It is such a widespread practice, yet when I speak about it, young people will come up here and ask me where is my evidence”.
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Legal Practitioner and Activist
According to him, in any well-functioning society, law enforcement agencies would be actively engaged in covert operations to root out such corrupt practices.
However, in Ghana, the issue appears to be ignored, leaving many young people vulnerable to exploitation and financial scams.
Barker-Vormawor expressed frustration at the plight of unemployed youth who, in their desperation to secure jobs in the public sector, are often forced to pay bribes to unscrupulous individuals.
His remarks point to a deeply entrenched culture of corruption that has not only robbed the youth of opportunities but also eroded trust in the public service system.
For many job seekers, paying bribes to secure employment has become an accepted norm, making it increasingly difficult for those without financial means or connections to access fair opportunities.
A Call for Political Unity in Addressing Economic Crimes
Beyond exposing the problem, Barker-Vormawor urged the youth wings of Ghana’s two major political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—to unite in addressing such pressing national issues.
He suggested that both parties’ youth wings should find common ground and take a bipartisan approach to tackling public sector corruption.
“I wish the NPP youth wing and the NDC youth wing would begin aligning on some issues and begin issuing joint statements on them. Organizing joint marches on them”.
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Legal Practitioner and Activist
His call highlights the need for a shift from the hyper-partisan nature of Ghanaian politics to an era where national interest supersedes party loyalty.
While political rivalries dominate public discourse, Barker-Vormawor suggested that certain issues, particularly those affecting the youth, should transcend party lines.
Barker-Vormawor’s concerns also reflect a broader frustration with the country’s criminal investigative institutions.
He pointed out that despite widespread knowledge of recruitment corruption, investigative bodies have done little to expose and prosecute offenders.
State institutions such as the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) have been criticized for their perceived lack of proactive measures in tackling systemic corruption.
While sporadic arrests and investigations have been made into isolated cases, there has been no sustained effort to dismantle the networks facilitating the ‘job for sale’ racket.
In recent years, several reports have emerged about individuals allegedly paying huge sums to secure jobs in security services, the civil service, and other government institutions.
These revelations have sparked public outrage, but little has been done to fundamentally change the system. Barker-Vormawor did not mince words in his conclusion, lamenting the depth of corruption that has permeated Ghanaian society.
“I’m tired!! Theft is too endemic in this society!!” he declared. His exasperation resonates with many Ghanaians who have witnessed public officials and influential individuals enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens.
The pervasiveness of corruption has created an atmosphere of disillusionment, with many believing that the system is rigged against those without wealth or political connections.
Barker-Vormawor’s call for action raises important questions about how Ghana can effectively tackle corruption in public sector recruitment.
Some analysts have suggested that transparency measures such as digitalized recruitment systems, whistleblower protections, and independent oversight committees could help curb the practice.
Others believe that until law enforcement agencies take corruption seriously and prosecute offenders regardless of their political affiliations, the culture of impunity will persist.
His proposal for a bipartisan approach to addressing corruption in public sector recruitment presents a rare opportunity for young political activists across the divide to champion accountability.
If realized, such a movement could push for systemic reforms that ensure merit-based employment and restore confidence in Ghana’s public institutions.
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