'In what capacity?' – Netizens blast Basintale after prisons parade appearance

Netizens on X, formerly Twitter, have reacted to a video in which the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, visited the Ghana Prisons Training School in Accra to oversee a refresher training programme for Prison Service Assistants.

In the video sighted by GhanaWeb on September 11, 2026, Basintale, dressed in a khaki uniform similar to that of Prison Service personnel, was received with a formal guard of honour.

He was captured inspecting the parade of officers in camouflage uniforms before addressing the trainees.

Following this, critics have questioned aspects of the event.

Some users pointed out that it is unusual for a civilian head of a state agency to inspect a paramilitary parade alone, describing the protocol as irregular by military and security service standards.

Others also criticised Basintale’s appointment and leadership style, arguing that a relatively young official with limited prior administrative experience heading a major national agency reflects broader concerns about political appointments in public institutions.

One commenter remarked that the country is “seriously sick” over the elevation of individuals with limited work experience to high public offices through political connections, while another questioned the appropriateness of the ceremonial reception.

“Why do you pay compliments to a civilian CEO?? Like how??” he asked.

One person also questioned Basintale’s capacity to assume such a position: “As how? In what capacity?”

One user also wrote: “Full fooling, absorb by all means necessary. Police need assistants, Prison needs assistants, Immigration needs assistants, Soldiers will soon need assistants, Fire Service assistants. Total waste of money. Why not MPs’ assistants? Etc… gyimmiii nkoa.”

The visit forms part of ongoing collaboration between the YEA and the Ghana Prisons Service. The partnership has seen the recruitment and training of thousands of young Ghanaians as Prison Service Assistants to support prison operations, including security, inmate rehabilitation and general administrative duties.

During the engagement, Basintale is reported to have reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to prioritising eligible assistants for permanent recruitment into the Ghana Prisons Service. He also announced plans to review and increase the monthly allowance currently paid to the assistants, which stands at GH¢800.

In a statement of solidarity, the YEA CEO noted that he chose to wear the service uniform to demonstrate his pride in the role the assistants play.

The Prison Service Assistants module is one of several employment initiatives rolled out by the YEA under Basintale’s leadership, aimed at providing structured work experience and pathways into public sector roles for Ghanaian youth.

Watch video and read more comments below.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has arrived at the Ghana Prisons Training School in Accra for a refresher training programme for Prison Service Assistants, ahead of their absorption into the mainstream service after completing… pic.twitter.com/baGH3rVKLn

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) September 11, 2026

As how? In what capacity

— BIGNAS⭐️ (@JustNassei) September 11, 2026

We really dey fool for this side waaaaaa herh!

— DeathRow💀 (@j_phio) September 11, 2026

A young man with little to no work experience is now heading a whole national institution simply because of political connections. This country is seriously sick.

— 𝐎𝐠𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@thenationguy) September 11, 2026

Full fooling

Absorb by all means necessary.

Police needs assistants

Prison needs assistants

Immigration needs assistants

Soldiers WILL need assistance soon

Fire service assistants

Total waste of money

Why not at MPs assistants

Etc… gyimmiii nkoa

— 💤 (@Truth1818) September 11, 2026

As in the assistantts are now real prison officers after completing their contract?

— ADDAE NKETSIAH (@Celebra51837821) September 11, 2026

So why is he in military uniform. Concert country

— Tha hard truth is, Ghana is a poor country (@ekwellancer) September 11, 2026

What's his motivation for doing this though

— Prince Field ☣ (@PrinxField) September 11, 2026

See some gyimie,what he dey wear like that?argh chale Ghana 💔

— DeathRow💀 (@j_phio) September 11, 2026

Is he the president? Or is it the way every CEO parades themselves?

— MYCENAE (@KwabenaKw6846) September 11, 2026

Hmm joking nkoaaa for this country .

— Cheddar Pablo (@CheddarPabbpk4) September 11, 2026

What the hell is this

— The Troll (@KwesiAgyemanPr1) September 11, 2026