The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has issued a stern warning to fraudsters attempting to exploit the national security recruitment process, confirming the arrest of a suspect over the weekend – during a monitoring tour of police recruitment screening centers in Accra.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister revealed that the arrest followed reports of individuals online claiming to hold “protocol slots” and soliciting illegal payments from desperate applicants seeking a career in the Ghana Police Service. He emphasized that the current administration has adopted an “eagle eye,” approach to ensure the integrity of the enlistment exercise.
“This usual practice, where people sit in the comfort of their homes, avoiding the proper process, is a thing of the past. Under the leadership of President John Mahama, we will not tolerate it.
“Those deceiving people online should be careful and not let anyone mislead them. Over the weekend, we arrested one person for this, and he is currently in police custody”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
The Minister’s visit coincided with the commencement of a massive nationwide screening exercise designed to bolster the ranks of the security services. Under the strategic direction of President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of the Interior has transitioned to a strictly merit-based selection system, utilizing a digital-first approach to minimize human interference.
Hon. Mubarak made it clear that the traditional practice of bypassing official channels through personal connections is no longer a viable path into the service.
High Volume Screening
In the Ashanti Region, the enlistment exercise saw a massive turnout, with over 2,000 prospective recruits completing the first phase of screening at the Police Training School in Patasi on Monday.
To manage the high volume of applicants without compromising safety or standards, the Ghana Police Service has implemented a two-phase schedule based on educational qualifications. The initial phase, which runs through Tuesday, is dedicated exclusively to degree holders, HND graduates, and medical professionals.
DSP Godwin Ahianyo, the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, explained that the Command is running dual sessions – morning and afternoon – to process approximately 4,000 candidates daily.
He noted that the second phase of the exercise, reserved for WASSCE certificate holders, is scheduled to take place from Thursday, January 15, to Saturday, January 17, 2026. “This segmented approach is intended to ensure that each candidate receives a thorough evaluation of their documentation and physical eligibility” he added.
The atmosphere at the screening centers has been described by many applicants as significantly more orderly than in previous years.
In the Savannah Region, screening activities commenced at the Damongo Senior High School, where 238 graduate applicants were expected on the first day. The process involved rigorous documentation verification and “body selection,” a critical phase where physical requirements such as height and fitness are assessed.
The Minister’s tour in Accra revealed a similar sense of calm, with candidates expressing relief over the transparent nature of the proceedings. By digitizing the preliminary application stages and automating center allocations, the Ministry has reduced the overcrowding that often plagued past recruitment drives.
The crackdown on recruitment scams is part of a broader reform aimed at enhancing the professionalism of the Ghana Police Service.
The Interior Minister reiterated that the government is determined to build a security force that reflects the highest standards of integrity and restores public trust in the enlistment system.
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