Bimbilla MP and former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has expressed support for the government’s decision to expand recruitment into the country’s security services, but has urged that adequate resources be provided to make the exercise effective.

His comment comes after President John Dramani Mahama ordered a significant increase in the ongoing security services recruitment. Following a meeting with security chiefs and relevant ministers, he directed that the number of personnel recruited rise from 20,000 to 40,000 over the next four years.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News, on Tuesday, March 17, he said the Minority has always advocated for higher recruitment numbers, noting that the Ministries of Interior and Defence should have been equipped from the outset to recruit about 20,000 personnel this year.

“We welcome the increase, but government must ensure that recruits are properly equipped. Recruitment is not just about numbers; recruits need uniforms, boots, weapons, and other essential resources,” he said.

Mr Nitiwul stressed the importance of properly staffing security agencies, highlighting the need for personnel to occupy forward operating bases, patrol the streets, and monitor the country’s 250 unapproved routes.

He warned against treating recruitment as a political gesture, saying, “It should not be just by way of mouth where we say we recruited, and that’s the end of it. Government must provide the necessary financial muscle to ensure the recruitment is effective and sustainable.”

The former Defence Minister emphasized that the increase in personnel is not only beneficial for the Minority but crucial for national security, as well-equipped and adequately deployed officers are essential for maintaining law and order across the country.