Accra: The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has called on the government to eliminate application fees for recruitment into the country's security services, arguing that the fees create a financial barrier that compromises fairness and transparency.
According to Ghana Web, CenPOA issued a statement on Monday, March 16, 2026, condemning the practice of charging application fees, which it claims impose unnecessary financial burdens on applicants. The organization highlighted that, amid high unemployment rates among young Ghanaians, requiring payment merely to apply for public service jobs is an undue financial strain. Many applicants end up purchasing these forms without any assurance of advancing beyond the initial recruitment phase.
CenPOA further cautioned that the existing system could potentially exclude qualified candidates who cannot afford the fees. The organization emphasized that financial capability should not serve as a gatekeeper in the recruitment process, potentially sidelining capable individuals due to financial constraints.
The organization also urged the government to initiate reforms in line with the Reset Agenda promoted by the current administration. CenPOA stated that if the Reset Agenda aims to chart a new course in governance, prioritizing fairness, transparency, and citizen-centered policies, then removing financial barriers that hinder young people from accessing public service roles must be a primary focus.