Aftermath of El-Wak disaster: New recruitment measures for security services - Interior Minister

The Ministry for the Interior has adopted new measures for recruitments into the security services in the wake of last Wednesday’s tragedy when six young people died at the military enlistment at the El-Wak Stadium.

With the start of the application process for the other security services rescheduled from today to Monday, the ministry is also deploying “a robust centralised E-Recruitment Portal”, an initiative implemented to ensure harmonisation and standardisation of the conduct of recruitment across the various agencies under the Ministry for the Interior.

Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, explained that the date had to be moved from today to Monday as a result of the stampede, which claimed six lives during the military recruitment exercise in Accra.

“In light of the unfortunate incident that occurred last Wednesday during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment  process, the Ministry for the Interior, in consultation with security chiefs, has decided to postpone the start date of applications from Saturday, November 15 to Monday, November 17, 2025, as a mark of respect to the bereaved families and those who were injured,” he said.

New strategies

The minister said as part of measures to ensure a smooth and safe recruitment process, new dates would be republished in the national dailies, the Ministry for the Interior and its agencies' websites and on social media platforms.

He, therefore, urged prospective applicants to purchase their vouchers from any GCB Bank branch nationwide, or use the details of the web address and the USSD short code details that would be in the publication.

The minister said the system being deployed was “a robust centralised E-Recruitment Portal,” an initiative implemented to ensure harmonisation and standardisation of the conduct of recruitment across the various agencies under the Ministry for the Interior.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said the application process would be seamless, online and would utilise a robust and secure platform designed to handle a large volume of applications efficiently.

He added that the system also allowed applicants to apply from the comfort of their homes.  

The Minister for the Interior further gave an assurance that multiple centres would be available for the screening of applicants to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

These centres, he said, would be strategically positioned across the country to ensure accessibility and convenience for all applicants.

Phone numbers

He said many phone numbers would be provided on the portal, which would operate within 24 hours for assistance.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said the system would automatically allocate applicants to screening centres, inform them of their assigned centres to help prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth screening process.

“No screening centre will accommodate more than 1,000 people at a time.

This will enable us to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all applicants.

To avoid overcrowding and unforeseen situations, the screening exercise will be done in turns.

The Police Service will complete its screening before another agency starts its screening to ensure there is no congestion, the Minister for the Interior assured, saying, “We will also stagger the screening process to prevent simultaneous screenings at the same location.”

He said the process would be free and fair, pointing out that “The system will select qualified candidates based on merit.

He debunked speculations that selections had already been made and stressed that “The recruitment is not for sale.”

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said anyone attempting to sell slots would be arrested and urged the public to report such individuals to the authorities. 

Middlemen

“There will be no middlemen in this recruitment exercise.

Do not deal with anyone claiming to facilitate the process; it is at your own risk,” he said, while assuring the public that the Ministry for the Interior was committed to transparency and accountability throughout the recruitment process. 

To that end, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak encouraged all eligible Ghanaians to take advantage of the recruitment opportunity to join the security services.

“We are looking for talented, dedicated and patriotic individuals who are committed to serving their country. If you are qualified and interested, please apply.

This is a great opportunity to join a noble profession and contribute to the development of our nation,” he stressed.