The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has defended the recent closure of the Ghana Education Service (GES) recruitment portal, explaining that the move Is a deliberate strategy to manage the overwhelming number of applications and also maintain the integrity of the recruitment process.

Addressing the media in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said the decision was also guided by the need to ensure a structured, transparent and efficient system that would not be overburdened by excessive entries.

Applications

Mr Iddrisu disclosed that the portal recorded an unprecedented response, with more than 40,000 applications submitted within a short window after it was opened.

He explained that while the high turnout reflected the growing interest among graduates to join the education sector, it also posed a significant administrative challenge.

“We received in excess of 40,000 applications, which clearly shows the high level of interest.

However, we are targeting 7,000 recruits for this phase,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the recruitment process would be strictly merit-based, with only applicants who met the required assessment criteria progressing to the final selection stage.

Closure

Explaining the rationale behind the closure, Mr Iddrisu said the portal was configured to automatically shut down once the targeted number of applicants was reached.

The move, the minister said was, therefore, necessary to prevent what he described as a “stampede of numbers” that could compromise efficiency and fairness.

“We did not want a situation where the system is overwhelmed beyond control. The closure was structured to ensure that the process remains credible and manageable,” Mr Iddrisu added.

He said managing a controlled number of applications would enable the GES to conduct thorough assessments without undue delays or logistical constraints.

The minister further said that all applications received would undergo a rigorous screening and assessment process to ensure that only qualified and competent candidates were recruited.

“This is not just about numbers; it is about quality. We are committed to recruiting competent professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the education sector,” he said.

Reopening of portal

Mr Iddrisu said there would be another opportunity for unsuccessful applicants since the portal would be reopened once the Minister of Finance granted the necessary financial clearance to support additional recruitment.

“This recruitment exercise is tied directly to budgetary provisions.

As soon as we receive clearance from the Finance Ministry, the portal will be reopened,” he added.

The minister, therefore, urged affected applicants to remain patient and trust the process.

“We understand the anxiety among job seekers, but we want to assure citizens that the process is fair, transparent and ongoing,” he said.