Analyst sounds alarm over 'expanded' security services recruitment

Security Analyst Emmanuel Mawanye Kotin has raised concerns about the government's plan to expand recruitment in Ghana’s security services, warning that the country lacks the infrastructure to accommodate large numbers of new personnel.

Speaking on JoyNews on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, he said, “We simply don’t have the infrastructure to take the numbers… look at our police, our prisons, and our immigration services. Where are the facilities?”

His remarks come in the wake of a directive by President John Dramani Mahama for the expansion of ongoing recruitment into Ghana’s security services.

The directive followed a high-level meeting with the heads of the various security agencies.

'President Mahama doubles security services recruitment target to 40,000

He explained that while the government has approved the recruitment of an additional forty thousand (40,000) over a four-year period, logistical challenges remain a major hurdle.

“We need to be deliberate in how we bring in new recruits and support our existing officers,” Kotin said.

He urged authorities to depoliticise the process and ensure proper planning.

“Increasing numbers alone will not strengthen national security. We must provide adequate training, housing, and resources for our security agencies,” he added.

Kotin stressed that without careful planning, even additional recruits may fail to address existing gaps in the country’s security system.

NA/VPO

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