The Minority in Parliament, has urged the Interior Ministry to refund approximately GH¢113 million collected from unsuccessful applicants in the ongoing security services recruitment.
The demand comes after Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka revealed that over 105,000 applicants have advanced to the medical stage, though only 5,000 slots are available.
The Minister also revealed that close to 500,000 individuals submitted applications across the various security agencies.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, 12 March, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, criticised the recruitment exercise, accusing the government of taking advantage of job seekers and worsening the country’s unemployment challenges.
Rev. Fordjour alleged that authorities deliberately expanded the age limit for applicants from 25 to 35 years, creating the impression that more opportunities were available despite the limited number of vacancies.
“You promised them jobs without attaching clear conditions, and then you politically expanded the age limit from twenty-five to thirty-five, creating the impression that there were more room and access to opportunities,” he said.
According to him, the recruitment exercise attracted nearly half a million applicants, each of whom paid application fees, generating more than GH¢113 million.
He further alleged that several applicants were later disqualified through aptitude tests affected by technological and internet challenges.
Rev. Fordjour described the situation as unfair, urging the government to refund monies collected from unsuccessful applicants and to ensure greater transparency in future recruitment processes to protect young people from exploitation.
