Thousands of workers of five defunct banks are writing aptitude tests across the country to justify their employment status with the newly created Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited.

The over 3,000 workers were absorbed by the Consolidated Bank after the collapse of uniBank, Construction Bank, Sovereign Bank, Beige Bank and Royal Bank in August.

An email to the workers informing them about the upcoming tests last week said each person is required to undertake the assessment scheduled for Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, the 16th.

“For your convenience, there are 10 test locations across the country. Your test venue will be selected for you based on proximity to your location. Please note that the assessment will be conducted online and is expected to last for one (1) hour.

"Over the course of the next 48 hours, you will receive personalised invitations, informing you of your test Venue and the competency area you have been mapped to. The competency area has been determined by your previous responsibilities in the member banks as well as its alignment to CBG’s strategic goals,” the letter added.

Joy News is, however, learning that the CBG plans to sack 2,000 out of the over 4,000 workforce it inherited.

Some staff who took the test complained that they were not given enough time to prepare for it.

“We are not prepared. We had the mail at dawn – around 2 AM and they wanted us to print and present, so we are not ready,” one told Joy News’ Charles Ayitey.

Another said, “It was impromptu because if you receive a mail around 1 AM saying you should come and write an exam at 12 PM, it is some way.”

The Employment Ministry has, however, said the over 2,000 workers that are anticipated to lose their jobs will be engaged in other alternative ventures to benefit the banking sector.