A heated debate has emerged in Parliament over the fate of approximately GH¢113 million collected from applicants in the ongoing recruitment exercise for Ghana’s security services.
The Minority caucus has called for the refund of the fees to applicants who were unsuccessful in the process, arguing that it would be fair to return the money to the large number of candidates who could not secure positions.
However, the Majority has rejected the proposal, insisting that such refunds were not made during similar recruitment exercises conducted under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Addressing the House on Monday, March 16, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the Minority’s demand was misplaced and urged Parliament to focus instead on addressing the broader issue of youth unemployment.
He defended the decision to allow nearly 500,000 applicants to compete for about 5,000 available security service positions, explaining that the approach ensured that all interested and qualified individuals had an opportunity to participate in the recruitment process.
Mr. Ayariga noted that the high number of applications reflected the growing unemployment challenge among the youth and underscored the need for wider economic strategies to create jobs.
He assured that government was working to strengthen the private sector as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities for young people.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the Majority’s position, arguing that refusing to refund the money contradicts the government’s widely publicised “reset” agenda.
The debate is expected to continue as Parliament deliberates on the matter and broader concerns surrounding employment and recruitment practices in the security services.
