By Francis Ntow, GNA
Accra, Nov 15, GNA – The government, through the Ministry for the Interior, has announced the screening of 1,000 applicants daily with 10 to 15 centres operating each day, particularly in Accra.
Mr Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the sector Minister, said the decentralisation of the recruitment process into the internal security services, would also see the establishment of multiple screening centres across all regions.
This new arrangement comes following the Wednesday, November 12, stampede, which led to the tragic death of six individuals, who were hoping to be enlistment into the security services.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, the Minister said the government had resolved to overhaul the recruitment approach to prevent overcrowding, congestion, and the unsafe conditions that contributed to the fatalities.
“No screening centre will accommodate more than 1,000 people at a time. This will enable us to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all applicants,” he said.
Mr Mubarak said the screening would be done in turns, with the Police Service completing its process before other agencies started theirs, aimed at preventing simultaneous screenings at the same location.
Meanwhile, he announced the rescheduling of the opening of applications from November 15 to November 17, 2025, out of respect for the victims and to complete new safety arrangements.
He said the deployment of a robust online system, accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers, would allow for online application as well as allocation of applicants to centres to eliminate self-reporting and reducing crowd surges.
Mr Mubarak said the system would select qualified candidates based on merit, adding that: “it is not true that selections have already been made, as some have claimed.”
Interested applicants could purchase a voucher at any GCB Bank branch or via USSD from home, also helping to reduce queues and physical contact points.
“The system we are deploying is a robust centralised E-Recruitment Portal, an initiative implemented to ensure harmonisation and standardisation of the conduct of recruitment across the various agencies under the Ministry of the Interior,” he said.
“I want to reassure the public that we are committed to transparency and accountability throughout the recruitment process.”
“We will ensure that all applicants are treated with dignity and respect, and that the process is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.”
Noting that unemployment remained a challenge in the country, the Minister said recruiting into the Internal Security Services would not only create jobs but equip young people with the skills and training necessary to contribute to national development.
“This will have a positive impact on the economy and help to improve the standard of living of our citizens,” Mr. Mubarak said.
He expressed the Ministry’s condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured, who were still receiving treatment, a speedy recovery.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe