The Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Abdallah Salifu Jonathan, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, of hypocrisy in their criticism of the ongoing security sector recruitment process.
Speaking on the Bluewaves Breakfast Show, Mr. Abdallah dismissed claims by the NPP that the government’s handling of the recruitment exercise is flawed and detrimental to the nation. He argued that such criticisms are misplaced, insisting that the current process does not differ significantly from how similar exercises were conducted under previous NPP administrations.
Mr. Abdallah questioned the moral authority of the opposition party to criticize the recruitment process, pointing out that the NPP, during its time in government, oversaw similar exercises without addressing the concerns they now raise.
“Just a few years ago, the NPP was in government, and today they suddenly appear to understand the challenges facing the youth of this country,” he stated.
He further alleged that unemployment rose significantly under the previous NPP administration, claiming it reached about 15 percent, despite current claims by the party that it is deeply concerned about the plight of young people.
Citing past recruitment figures, Mr. Abdallah also raised concerns about transparency and fairness in earlier exercises. “In 2018, about 84,000 applicants reportedly applied for recruitment, yet only 500 were selected. Were the application fees refunded?” he queried.
He added his voice to calls for reforms in the recruitment process, advocating for a system that is free and accessible to all qualified Ghanaian youth. According to him, such a policy should be backed by constitutional provisions to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainability.
Mr. Abdallah emphasized that implementing a free and constitutionally regulated recruitment process would help restore public confidence and create equal opportunities for young people seeking to serve in the country’s security services.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7 FM | Maurice Duncan
