Interior Minister sets up Committee to Review Recruitments into Security Agencies

Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has inaugurated a Seven-member Committee chaired by former Narcotics Control Commission Boss, Yaw Akrasi Sarpong, to review recruitments into security agencies like the Police Service, the Prisons Service, the Fire Service, the Immigration Service, and Other Service Agencies for the year ending December 31, 2024 and make recommendations moving forward.

The Committee has three clear terms of reference and two weeks to submit report. The TOR include: Asess the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the recruitment processes undertaken by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and other service agencies currently under training.

The inauguration of the Committee is as important as affected under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama in order to emphasise the fact that, the Government is committed to ensuring that Ghana’s security agencies are professional, efficient, and with capable services, so as to continue to play a critical role in maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and securing the national borders.

To evaluate compliance with due process and to recommend measures to ensure compliance with the laid down procedures for subsequent recruitment.

In 2024, the recruitment processes for these agencies were conducted, however, concerns have been raised regarding transparency, fairness, efficiency, and integrity in the recruitment processes. To address these concerns, the Minister said, “it has become necessary to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that our recruitment processes remain credible and aligned with best practices.

It is against this backdrop that we are constituting this Committee to assess the existing recruitment policies, evaluate compliance with due process, and recommend measures to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our security services’ recruitment processes”.

Other members of the Committee are: Bright Oduro — (COP Rtd), Eric Afari — (DCO! Rtd.), Ben Lartey — (DDP Rtd.), Lawyer Elsie Appau, Paa Kwesi Adutwum — (DCFO Rtd.) and Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah as Secretary.

At the end of its work, the Committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report detailing its findings, challenges identified, and specific recommendations for policy, procedural, and institutional reforms. The report should also outline an implementation roadmap to guide the adoption reforms.

Additionally, the Committee may co-opt other relevant experts as necessary.

The Committee is charged to report directly to the Minister and the final report will be presented to the Ministry, which will then take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations in collaboration with relevant authorities.

According to the Minister, Government has made available resources including the necessary logistical and financial resources, as well as office space and administrative support to facilitate the Committee’s work,

“The task before this Committee is of great national importance. We must ensure that recruitment into our security services remains credible, fair, and transparent to maintain public trust and enhance the professionalism of our security institutions. I urge all Committee members to approach their mandate with diligence, objectivity and integrity

The Chairman on behalf of the members expressed profound gratitude to the Minister and assured to deliver good job on time.

Source: Edzorna Francis Mensah || AfricanewsRadio