Hackman Kabore, Eastern Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned the recent recruitment announcements by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Immigration Service, labeling them a “vote buying gimmick.”
The recruitment drive, announced on August 7, 2024, is reportedly for individuals who applied to join these services in 2021.
Kabore argues that the recruitment drive is a strategic maneuver by the ruling government to mislead the youth ahead of the 2024 General Elections. “This is a vote buying gimmick because they want the youth interested in being enlisted to have false hope,” Kabore asserted. “They have done the recruitments secretly already.”
He questioned the timing of the recruitment process, suggesting it is an attempt to create an illusion of opportunity. “Since 2021, many individuals have been undergoing training. With just five months left in the government’s term, why is there a renewed recruitment process for those who applied three years ago?” Kabore asked.
Speaking to the media in Koforidua Kabore also raised concerns about the age requirements for the recruitment, noting that many potential recruits who were 32 in 2021 would now exceed the maximum age limit of 35. “When you look at the age qualification, it means many who were 32 years and above in 2021 would not be qualified today since their age would have passed 35,” he explained.
Criticizing the NPP government’s recruitment policy, Kabore compared it to the NDC’s previous approach of annual recruitment announcements. “During NDC’s time, almost every year announcements were made for recruitments which gave fair opportunity to all youth. But under the NPP government, announcements are made once every four years, using the guise of recruiting in batches,” he added.
Kabore assured the youth that under the 24-hour economic policy proposed by John Dramani Mahama, many will be recruited into the security services in a transparent and fair manner. “This will enhance security, particularly at night,” he promised.
A Retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Bright Oduro has suggested that an additional 25,000 police personnel might be required to meet international policing standards if the 24-hour economy policy is implemented.
Oduro noted that with the current police strength of approximately 42,000 personnel, the ratio of 1 to 800 citizens does not meet the United Nations’ minimum ratio of 1 to 500 citizens.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
