Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has received public acclaim for prioritizing merit over political affiliation in the ongoing recruitment process for Ghana’s security services.
Speaking to journalists following parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, March 11, the Minister revealed a significant disparity between the number of qualified candidates and available positions. Out of more than 105,000 applicants who progressed to the medical screening stage after online aptitude tests, only 5,000 spots are currently open.
Mohammed-Mubarak explained that while a high volume of candidates may pass the physical and medical examinations, the government’s intake capacity remains restricted for the 2025 recruitment cycle.
“We still have 105,000 who have qualified for medicals. In reality, the total number we can take after medicals is 5,000, so we still face a huge challenge,” the Minister stated.
He attributed some of the current hiring limitations to fiscal constraints under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. However, he offered reassurances to those who may not be selected in the immediate phase, noting that the President has directed that the data of successful medical candidates be preserved for future recruitment.
“But the President has instructed that those who qualify and pass medicals, let’s keep their data. This is the first phase. The current recruitment is for 2025. Hopefully, when we are out of the IMF programme, we will conduct the 2026 recruitment and draw from the same pool of applicants,” he added.
The Minister’s commitment to a transparent process has been met with approval from various quarters. Akosua Manu, the former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, took to social media to commend the Minister’s resistance to political pressure.
Writing on X, Manu stated: “Putting Ghana first! Thank you Minister! The very finest should be recruited within our security services and it should not be based on party colours! Quality representation!”
She further emphasized the importance of competence in the face of regional security threats, adding, “It exists. We have them. When you have terrorism chasing at your heels, at the barest minimum, you need intelligent people at post.”
Mohammed-Mubarak reiterated that the government remains committed to expanding employment opportunities for the youth as the country’s economic situation improves.
