The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has disclosed that approximately 25,000 young Ghanaians shortlisted for auxiliary positions within the country’s security agencies failed to attend their scheduled interviews.
The mass no-show has raised questions about the employment expectations of the youth, even as pressure mounts on the government to address widespread unemployment.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, the Minister explained that the roles were a strategic collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) designed to provide an alternative pathway for the vast number of applicants who cannot be absorbed into the security services due to limited annual enlistment quotas.
Under the programme, 15,000 auxiliary positions were for the Ghana Police Service, 5,000 for the Ghana National Fire Service and 5,000 for the Ghana Prisons Service.
Despite the creation of these 25,000 slots, Mr. Muntaka stated with dismay that not a single shortlisted candidate appeared for the interviews.
“We created these opportunities under the Ministry of the Interior in partnership with the YEA specifically to bridge the employment gap,” the Minister said.
“Fifteen thousand were meant to support the Police, 5,000 for the Fire Service, and 5,000 for the Prisons, yet not one person attended the interview.”
He added that a similar scenario played out at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), where plans to engage a minimum of three people per district were thwarted by a complete lack of attendance from applicants.
The Minister acknowledged the palpable frustration and anxiety among the youth seeking to join the security services.
However, he appealed for patience, assuring the public that the government is working diligently to stabilize the economy, which will pave the way for expanded recruitment in the future.
Mr. Muntaka sought to reassure prospective applicants that the current recruitment drive is only the initial phase.
He confirmed that the data of all applicants remains on file and will be given priority consideration once more vacancies become available in subsequent enlistment rounds.
