President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that government may review application fees for recruitment into the country’s security services, describing the charges as a burden on unemployed youth seeking job opportunities.
His remarks come amid growing public concern and calls from some groups and opposition voices for the refund of application fees to candidates who are disqualified during the recruitment process, citing fairness and transparency issues.
Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue at the Jubilee House, the President said steps will be taken to improve the recruitment system without compromising standards.
He stressed that while academic aptitude is important, it should not be the only criterion in selecting personnel for the security services.
“If you send your recruits… and there’s action… sometimes there are people with 65% aptitude who will be the first to run. The 40% aptitude, because he’s brave and courageous, might be the one who will stand and repel the attack,” he said.
Mahama added that recruitment must consider a broader set of factors, including physical fitness and psychological readiness, to ensure effectiveness in the field.
“So aptitude doesn’t carry… it’s not only aptitude,” he noted, adding that digital systems and transparency should also be complemented with other assessment tools.
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He further highlighted the emotional and financial burden placed on applicants, many of whom are unemployed yet required to pay fees during the application process.
“To pay an unemployed person, they still pay 200 cedis… and then you get a message on your mobile phone disqualified. I mean, it’s a very painful thing,” he said.
The President indicated that the matter will be presented to Cabinet for consideration, including a possible reduction or restructuring of the fees.
“So let’s look at the fees they pay… it’s something that we’ll bring up to Cabinet and take a decision on,” he added.
Government is expected to deliberate on the proposal as part of broader reforms to make security service recruitment more inclusive and accessible.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
