The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has disclosed that at least 10 recruits undergoing training in Ghana’s security services have been dismissed for violating a ban on mobile phone use.
According to the Minister, the recruits were caught secretly keeping mobile phones after being instructed to surrender their devices upon reporting to their respective training institutions.
He said the dismissals were necessary to enforce discipline and ensure strict compliance with the rules and regulations governing security service training.
Muntaka Mubarak made the disclosure when he interacted with students of Sakafiya Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi, where he discussed the recruitment process into Ghana’s security services and the standards expected of prospective recruits.
He expressed concern over indiscipline among some recruits, particularly those who attempt to circumvent established rules after gaining admission to training schools.
The Minister revealed that the latest recruitment exercise attracted more than 500,000 applicants, highlighting the intense competition for opportunities in the security services.
However, only about 10,000 applicants were selected for training.
He said the high number of applicants reflects the strong interest among young Ghanaians in pursuing careers in the country’s security services.
Muntaka stressed that securing a place at a training institution comes with significant responsibilities, including strict adherence to institutional rules.
He explained that recruits are required to surrender their mobile phones upon arrival at training school, but some attempted to conceal their devices and use them secretly at night.
“It was so vigorous that over half a million people applied. We ended up taking only 10,000. Indiscipline, people got there and they were hiding their phones in their pillows,” he said.
“First, the moment you get to training school, they take all your phones. Some decided to hide their phones and in the night, they were making calls. Some of them were caught. At least, I have been written to that at least about 10 students have been dismissed from training school for holding phones.”
The Minister reiterated that recruits must demonstrate discipline and respect for the regulations as part of their preparation for service in Ghana’s security institutions.
