- The Minority highlights a discrepancy between the reported plans for recruiting 11,000 personnel
- James Agalga underscores the importance of transparency in the recruitment process
- The Minority threatens to summon Interior Minister Henry Quartey before Parliament
The Minority in Parliament has issued a summons threat against Interior Minister Henry Quartey, accusing him of overseeing clandestine recruitment practices within the security services.
The controversy stems from plans to recruit 11,000 personnel purportedly from a backlog of applicants accumulated over several years.
According to the Minority, a recent statement from the Ghana Police Service contradicts the existence of any such backlog.
James Agalga, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, emphasized the need for transparency in the recruitment process. He argued that since all applicants from the 2021-2022 recruitment cycle have been processed, any new recruitment initiative should start afresh with clearly defined eligibility criteria, as previously advertised during the NDC era.
“This is documented proof,” Agalga stated. “They assert that the entire recruitment process for 2021-2022 has concluded. A backlog typically arises when a recruitment process starts but is not fully completed, leaving outstanding applicants. However, the police claim they have cleared all applicants.”
“This means those not shortlisted or issued admission letters did not meet the eligibility criteria. Thus, the curtain has fallen on the 2021-2022 recruitment exercise. We have been emphasizing there is no backlog.”
Agalga emphasized previous recruitment practices under past administrations, noting, “During the NDC era, recruitments were preceded by advertisements outlining eligibility criteria.”
He concluded, “We urge the Minister to adhere to principles of fairness and transparency. If necessary, he will be summoned to explain to the House why the recruitment process under his oversight appears so opaque.”
