Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, a former Member of Parliament for Madina, has alleged that the continued extension of post-retirement contracts for public servants fosters political manipulation and weakens the efficiency of public institutions.
According to him, this system allows retirees to remain in power beyond the statutory retirement age, often becoming loyal to political appointees who secured their contract renewals.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 9, the former MP stated that some contract appointees, after receiving extensions, feel indebted to the political figures who granted them those opportunities, resulting in loyalty that compromises their neutrality and influences their decision-making.
“Because I gave him the extension, he owes his existence to you, and so whatever I want you to do, you do it. And most of the time, it becomes political. Chief Director, Head of Department, you are 60 years old, the young ones are coming up, so why should you be there at 60 years old? Another one year, and then they become teen gods,” he revealed.
Alhaji Sorogho stressed that allowing retirees to stay on beyond the official age limit prevents the natural progression and mentorship of younger professionals, adding that many of these retirees purposely refuse to train successors, anticipating a contract extension.
His comments come in reaction to President John Dramani Mahama’s directive on April 2, 2025, which ordered the immediate suspension of all post-retirement contract appointments in the public sector.
The directive, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, further stated that no pending or future contract extension requests would be entertained.
Alhaji Sorogho fully endorsed the policy, noting that some public officials have remained in office even into their late 60s and 70s, which he described as unnecessary.
“Why do we have to be keeping somebody at the age of 60, 65, and even 70 years in office, while the youth are also there?” he asked.
He concluded that the practice is outdated and should be abolished completely to make way for fresh energy and innovation in public administration.
“I think it is a correct policy, and we must always support it and make it work,” he emphasized.