The Ghana Police Service on Monday commenced a hitch-free recruitment exercise for 8,000 prospective applicants at the Victoria Park in Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital.
The weeklong exercise is expected to screen at least 1,000 applicants at each of the three centres in Cape Coast, as well as another Centre in Winneba.
Commencing in the early hours of the day, the applicants largely professionals, were taken through body measurements (height, weight), document verification and initial health checks.
Despite the large crowd that thronged Victoria Park and the complexity of managing such a high turnout, the exercise proceeded steadily under the watchful eyes of Senior Police Officers stationed at the venue.
Some applicants told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) they arrived at dawn and lined up outside the entry to the Park with great anticipation.
According to them, the process of entering the venue did not prove physically demanding as witnessed with such events in the past, because of the limited numbers and orderliness.
Largely, the applicants described the process as smooth, less tensed, with canopies providing well-arranged seats, alongside free water and snacks to ensure comfort during the exercise.
“Entering the venue was far less physically demanding than past events, as smooth, tension-free, with well-arranged canopies, free water, and snacks keeping everyone comfortable,” a female applicant stated.
The exercise continues at all centres for general recruits from Tuesday, January 13 and would be taken through the same processes and support services.
Commissioner of Police (COP) Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, Director General, Technical in an interview with the GNA, urged all applicants to adhere to the scheduled timelines and required documents for a seamless process.
He explained that the recruitment process was largely digitalised and involved multiple stages to select qualified candidates for various roles, starting with an online application and ending with training.
Successful applicants, he said, would subsequently take written exams, medical examinations and thorough background criminal checks to be followed by those who would pass through the stages, he said.
According to him, selected recruits would receive training invitations, complete basic training and be posted upon passing out as the process prioritises merit, with no tolerance for fraud or bribes.
