More than six thousand applicants have been barred from joining Ghana’s security services after failing newly implemented mental health and drug screenings, Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak announced over the weekend.
The revelation came during an interview on Pan African TV on Saturday.
Minister Muntaka explained that while over 100,000 candidates underwent medical checks as part of the ongoing recruitment drive, the sheer volume, combined with observed challenges within the ranks, prompted authorities to expand the standard battery of physical and lab tests.
“We introduced additional checks, including mental health assessments and drug tests,” the Minister stated.
The results proved significant: over 4,000 applicants tested positive for illicit substances, while roughly 2,000 others were disqualified due to mental health conditions.
According to Mr. Muntaka, the findings highlight why thorough vetting is essential, especially given rising concerns about the overall well-being of personnel within the security services.
The move to include psychological and substance abuse evaluations represents a notable shift in Ghana’s recruitment standards, underscoring a broader push to boost quality and resilience across the nation’s security agencies.
