The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has hit out at comments made by National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, describing his remarks on the ongoing security services recruitment as insensitive and dismissive of the plight of job-seeking youth.
The criticism follows a controversial statement attributed to Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, who reportedly questioned the large number of applicants for security jobs, asking, “If we recruit everybody into the security services, where will we get criminals to arrest?”
Recruitment Pressure Sparks Debate
The remarks come against the backdrop of intense competition for limited opportunities, with over 500,000 applicants reportedly vying for approximately 5,000 positions across the Police, Immigration, Fire and Prisons Services.
Reacting to the comment, CPP communicationist Paa Kwasi Acquah said the statement fails to reflect the harsh economic realities facing many young Ghanaians.
He argued that for thousands of applicants, recruitment into the security services represents one of the few viable employment pathways, making such remarks particularly concerning.
CPP Raises Concerns Over Process
Mr. Acquah further alleged that the recruitment exercise raises broader questions about fairness and transparency, suggesting that some qualified applicants may ultimately be left without postings.
He called on government to clarify the recruitment process and ensure that it is conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.
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“There is a need for transparency and accountability to assure the youth that the process is fair,” he stressed.
Asiedu Nketiah Clarifies Comment
In response to the backlash, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah has clarified that his comment was not intended to trivialise the situation, but rather to draw attention to the scale of unemployment in the country.
According to him, the remark was meant to highlight the imbalance between the number of job seekers and the limited opportunities available, particularly within the security services.
Broader Implications
The exchange has reignited discussions around youth unemployment, public sector recruitment and economic opportunity, with analysts pointing to the need for broader job creation strategies beyond government employment.
As the recruitment process continues, stakeholders are calling for clear communication and reforms to ensure fairness, transparency and trust in the system.
