Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has disclosed that 1,300 applicants tested positive for HIV during the recent recruitment exercise into Ghana’s security agencies.
The revelation was made when the minister appeared before Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee to account for assurances made by the ministry since 2025.
According to the minister, about 100,000 applicants underwent aptitude and medical examinations during the recruitment process.
Parliament urges ministry to contact affected applicants
Chairperson of the Government Assurance Committee, Dominic Nitiwul, urged the Interior Ministry to reach out to all affected applicants so they can receive counselling and begin treatment early.
He said timely intervention would help those who may be unaware of their HIV status and reduce the risk of further transmission.
“Please, find a way of reaching out to these people as the number is huge and scary.”
Results not yet communicated
Mr Muntaka explained that the ministry has not directly informed applicants who tested positive because of the sensitive nature of the diagnosis.
Instead, applicants were provided with a contact through which they could reach out and undergo counselling before receiving their results.
“We do not want the shock.”
He said the approach aligns with World Health Organization guidelines for handling certain medical conditions.
“Based on the World Health Organisation guidelines, there are certain ailments that you just do not throw in a person’s face that you have hepatitis B and you have HIV.”
Concerns over public health
The issue arose after Ahanta West MP Mavis Kuukua Bissue asked whether applicants who tested positive for HIV or drugs had been contacted for counselling and medical care.
Drawing from his experience as a former Minister for Defence, Mr Nitiwul said similar cases had occurred during previous security recruitment exercises.
He said affected applicants were contacted, counselled and encouraged to begin treatment.
“We called them, counselled them and told them, and it is important you do that too.”
He warned that failure to inform those affected could increase the spread of the virus.
“Because trust me, if it is a boy, he may have a girlfriend, and if it is a girl, she may have a boyfriend, and if they are not aware, trust me, the next time this 1,300 figure will jump to 10,000 or 20,000.”
Early treatment can save lives
Mr Nitiwul stressed that HIV is no longer a death sentence if diagnosed early and managed properly.
He explained that people living with HIV who consistently take antiretroviral medication can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission of the virus.
“If the person continues taking the drugs, they cannot infect people, but if you do not inform them, first, they will spread it, and secondly, they will develop into AIDS and die early.”
Minister accepts recommendation
Responding to the concerns, Mr Muntaka described the committee’s recommendation as valuable and assured members that the ministry would act on it.
“Yes, you are right because this is a public health issue, and it is something that we should not gloss over because it will lead to many innocent people getting it.”
He added:“Advice is well taken, and I assure you that we will try what we can to help, especially those with HIV, as it is a public health risk.”
The minister said the ministry would explore appropriate ways of reaching out to the affected applicants while ensuring they receive counselling and support in line with established medical protocols.
