Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed reservations over the government’s recent decision to expand recruitment in the country’s security services, describing the move as “not well thought through.”
President John Dramani Mahama recently ordered a significant increase in ongoing security recruitment. Following a meeting with security chiefs and relevant ministers, he directed that the number of personnel recruited rise from 20,000 to 40,000 over the next four years.
While acknowledging that increasing recruitment is a positive step toward strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Police Service, Mr. Nitiwul warned that financial, logistical, and operational arrangements must be in place to accommodate the additional personnel.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 17, the Bimbilla MP said the announcement raised questions about the government’s readiness to implement the plan effectively.
“Yesterday, we got a release from government saying they have increased the numbers for recruitment. We welcome that and think it’s a good start, but it is not well thought through,” he stated.
Mr. Nitiwul explained that recruitment depends heavily on funds from the Ministry of Finance, which cover salaries, accommodation, uniforms, and other logistics. He cautioned that doubling recruitment without securing these resources could strain the agencies involved.
“For soldiers, for example, you must find out whether there is accommodation, adequate housing, uniforms, and all logistics. Did you budget for this?” he asked.
While supporting efforts to build personnel numbers and provide opportunities for young people, he questioned whether the government is fully prepared or merely making a political move.
“It’s good for our young people to be able to get into the system, but whether the government itself is ready—or they are just playing politics with it—is my worry,” he added.
The directive to expand security personnel follows revelations by the Interior Minister that only 5,000 applicants will be considered for the current phase of recruitment related to the 2025 intake. The ministry has faced public criticism for selling over 500,000 vouchers despite lacking the capacity to employ such numbers.