An aide to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has raised concerns over government recruitment levels and outstanding arrears owed to public-sector workers and cocoa farmers, warning that the situation could deepen financial pressures across the economy.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, he claimed that only about 7,000 newly qualified teachers and nurses had been recruited out of an estimated 70,000 awaiting placement.

“You posted 7,000 out of a possible 70,000,” he said.

He argued that the level of recruitment fell significantly short of the demand.

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Aboagye further said the government inherited a backlog of qualified professionals but had nevertheless promised during the 2024 election campaign to automatically post newly qualified teachers and nurses.

He questioned whether the pace of recruitment was consistent with the government's campaign commitments, particularly given the number of qualified graduates seeking employment.

He also criticised the government's broader economic management, arguing that efforts to contain inflation were limiting liquidity available to households and businesses.

“This government is running an inflation-target economy where they are sweeping all the money from the system,” he said.

Aboagye alleged that government has accumulated significant payment arrears to groups including teachers, nurses and cocoa farmers.

“Teachers are owed. They are not being paid. Fifteen-month arrears. Nurses are owed. They are not being paid. Cocoa farmers are not being paid,” he alleged.

The claims highlight the economic trade-offs facing government as it seeks to manage public-sector wage commitments, recruitment demands and expenditure while maintaining fiscal discipline.

DR/SA