President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a major expansion in recruitment into Ghana’s security services, increasing the intake target from 20,000 to 40,000 personnel over the next four years. The directive was issued after a high-level meeting on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
The press release states that the meeting brought together heads of the country’s key security agencies, along with the Minister for the Interior and the Acting Minister for Defence, to review progress in the ongoing recruitment exercise and explore ways to strengthen coordination within the security sector.
After receiving detailed briefings, the President approved the new target, describing the decision as both a security measure and a response to the country’s employment needs.
“This move is part of efforts to enhance national security while creating additional employment opportunities for citizens,” the statement said.
Among those present were the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the President, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, the National Security Coordinator, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of major security institutions including the Police Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, and the Narcotics Control Commission.
Officials say the expanded recruitment drive is expected to boost operational strength across the security services while maintaining transparency and fairness in the enlistment process.
The initiative also forms part of broader government efforts to reinforce Ghana’s security system and address youth unemployment by providing structured public-sector jobs.
Overall, the directive signals a strong push to enhance national stability while opening up thousands of new opportunities for young Ghanaians.
