Member of Parliament for Guan, Fred Agbenyo, has criticized the Ghana Armed Forces for charging security service applicants GH₵350 to apply for recruitment, describing the process as unfair and insensitive, especially amid high youth unemployment.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana with Moro Awudu, Mr Agbenyo expressed strong opposition to the payment system, questioning why applicants must pay before even knowing if they qualify for consideration.
“I am vehemently opposed to asking people who want to join the security services to pay that kind of money before their forms are even considered,” he said.
“Over 6,000 people applied, yet only about 3,000 were shortlisted. All of them paid over GH₵350. Why should it be so?”
The MP argued that the fee should only apply after candidates have been shortlisted, describing the current system as exploitative and burdensome for unemployed youth desperate for opportunities.
“Most of these young people are not applying because they just want to serve. Many have completed school and are sitting at home frustrated. Once they hear there is recruitment, they want to try their luck, and then we ask them to pay money before they are even considered. I am opposed to that system,” he said.
Mr Agbenyo also questioned the Ghana Armed Forces’ planning, noting that such recruitment exercises require financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance. He said it made little sense to sell tens of thousands of forms when only a fraction of applicants would be recruited.
His comments followed a tragic stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise on Wednesday morning. Six women died and 28 others were injured. Five of the victims were reported to be in critical condition at the 37 Military Hospital, while 12 others were receiving treatment.
Mr Agbenyo extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the authorities to ensure such an incident never happens again.
