Richard Kumadoe, a security analyst, has voiced serious concerns about the structural integrity of Ghana’s security system, highlighting deficiencies that, according to him, are producing personnel ill-equipped to serve the nation effectively.
According to him, the politicization of the recruitment process is a significant factor contributing to the inadequacies within the sector.
Kumadoe in an interview said the recruitment processes are flawed and has persisted over the years.
“The problem over the years in particular is that the process and methodology involved in recruiting people isn’t right; it is fraud in itself,” he told Nana Yaa Brefo on Onua FM.
“We politicize the recruitment process, and since the process is flawed the outcome will be flawed as well. In the long run, it affects national security infrastructure and outcomes in police investigations, crime prevention, and crime prosecutions,” he added.
Kumadoe also pointed out that the incompetence prevalent in the security services is largely due to the lack of employment opportunities in the country.
“It is a political governance issue. Over the years, government has struggled to create jobs, and most of our youths are in search of employment.
“They are not necessarily qualified to work within the security agency and not necessarily because they love the job; because of survival, they will definitely rush to those fields,” he explained.
The analyst warned of severe consequences if these issues are not addressed, stating that “the very people who are trained to protect us will be the arms that will kill civilians,” Kumadoe cautioned.
He then called for a comprehensive overhaul of the recruitment system and expressed support for efforts made by Inspector General of Police George Akuffo Dampare.
“There has to be a massive clean-up. Dampare is struggling; that is why you always hear this individual or that individual has been interdicted. Dampare has tried to clean up the system,” he noted.
Kumadoe emphasized the potential dangers of leaving the current system unchanged, warning that, “leaving things the way they are is that it might get to a point where those who are bound by duty to protect us will become the killing machines and begin to take arms because they have the uniform and arms.”
The security analyst’s remarks highlight the urgent need for reform within Ghana’s security system to ensure the safety and protection of its citizen.
By Lois Dogbe
