Former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has expressed concerns over the government’s recent decision to expand recruitment in the country’s security services, describing the move as “not well thought through.”
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a significant increase in the ongoing security services recruitment. Following a meeting with security chiefs and relevant ministers, he directed that the number of personnel recruited rise from 20,000 to 40,000 over the next four years.
According to Mr Nitiwul, while increasing recruitment is a positive step toward strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service, the government must ensure that financial, logistical, and operational arrangements are in place to accommodate the additional personnel.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, March 17, the former Minister said the announcement of increased recruitment numbers was welcomed but raised critical questions about whether the government is ready to implement it effectively.
“Yesterday, we got a release from government saying they have increased the numbers for recruitment. We welcome that and think it’s a good start, but it is not well thought through,” he stated.
The Bimbilla MP explained that recruitment in the security services depends on funds released by the Ministry of Finance, which enable payment of salaries and provision of essentials such as accommodation, uniforms, and logistics.
According to him, doubling recruitment without securing these resources could create challenges for the agencies involved.
“For soldiers, for example, you must find out whether there is accommodation for them, adequate housing, uniforms, and all logistics. Did you budget for this?” he asked.
While acknowledging the need to build personnel numbers in the security sector and provide opportunities for young people, the Minority warned that the government’s preparedness remains unclear.
“It’s good for our young people to be able to get into the system, but whether the government itself is ready or they are just playing politics with it is my worry,” he added.
The security expansion directive follows revelations by the Interior Minister that only 5,000 applicants will be considered for the current phase of the recruitment, which relates to the 2025 intake.
Following his revelation, the ministry has since received public criticism for selling over 500,000 vouchers despite knowing it does not have the capacity to employ more people
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com