Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced that over 500 individuals have been removed from the country’s security services after a government review found irregularities in recruitment processes.
The review examined the records of around 5,200 recruits across key security agencies and found that hundreds did not meet basic entry requirements.
“We were able to get out about 320 who were not supposed to be there,” Mr Muntaka said, referring to the Police Service. “Some were in their forties, diabetic, and medically unfit, but they were picked. We had to explain to them that with their condition, they could not remain in the service.”
The affected institutions include:
– Ghana Police Service: around 320 disqualified
– Ghana Immigration Service: roughly 730 removed
– Narcotics Control Commission: around 50 affected
The Minister emphasized that those who don’t meet basic qualifications will be removed, saying “Once you don’t meet the basic qualification, you have to go.” Each affected person received a written explanation for their removal.
To restore fairness and transparency, the Minister announced plans for new recruitment guidelines that clearly define technical and support roles. Future recruitment will include non-academic positions for tradespeople, but those selected will be recruited solely for those roles.
“I know people who went to vocational school and became dressmakers. The services need them to sew uniforms,” he said. “But they must know they’re being recruited as artisans, not officers.”
The review aims to raise standards within the security sector, amid concerns over professionalism and political interference within Ghana’s security services.
