More than 6,000 applicants have been disqualified from Ghana’s ongoing security services recruitment exercise after failing drug tests and mental health assessments, according to Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.
Speaking in an interview, the Interior Minister said the screening process was expanded beyond the usual medical checks to include drug and psychological evaluations due to growing concerns within the security services about the fitness of recruits.
He explained that over 100,000 applicants were screened in total, but a significant number failed the enhanced medical requirements.
Muntaka Mubarak disclosed that: “We have over 100,000 people who went through the medicals. Because of the large numbers, and because of what we have observed within the services, we introduced additional checks including mental health assessments and drug tests.”
He further revealed the breakdown of disqualifications: “Interestingly, over 4,000 people failed the drug test, and we have over 2,000 who also failed due to mental health conditions.”
According to him, the results show the need for stricter screening measures to ensure that only physically and mentally fit individuals are recruited into the country’s security agencies.
The Interior Minister added that the findings reflect a wider social concern, pointing to rising drug use and mental health challenges among sections of the youth population.
Analysts also say the development highlights the need for stronger national attention to mental health care, rehabilitation services, and drug abuse prevention.
Security officials maintain that the expanded screening regime is part of reforms aimed at improving discipline, professionalism, and operational readiness within Ghana’s security services.
Government has assured that future recruitment exercises will continue to include enhanced medical and psychological assessments to safeguard the integrity of the security institutions.
