Protocol, Bribes and Public Trust: Recruitment-Integrity Challenges in Ghana’s Security Services, 2024-2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jpp.v3i1.6453Keywords:
Ghana, Police Integrity, Protocol System, Public Trust, Recruitment Corruption, Security ServicesAbstract
Between mid-2024 and late-2025, Ghana’s security service recruitment faced significant public scrutiny due to allegations of political interference, bribery, and fraudulent enlistment. Notable cases, including the ‘30 slots per parliamentary candidate’ scandal, the GH₵1.9 million protocol scam, and the dismissal of over 1,000 improperly recruited personnel, highlight a troubling decline in transparency in public-sector employment.
This study utilizes Afrobarometer 2025 data and official government reports to examine the impact of recruitment irregularities on institutional legitimacy and public trust. Findings indicate that weaknesses in accountability frameworks and politically driven recruitment practices escalate perceptions of corruption, undermining public confidence in Ghana’s security institutions. Recommendations include the mandatory publication of recruitment procedures, biometric verification, and enhanced parliamentary oversight.
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