- Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, revealed that an NDC-affiliated Ghana Immigration Service officer lobbied to become Comptroller-General despite being a Superintendent.
- The officer attempted to bypass multiple ranks (Chief Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner) based on political loyalty.
- Muntaka expressed concern that similar political interference occurs in Police and Fire Services.
- He warned that bypassing merit and proper qualifications undermines discipline, professionalism, and public trust in security services.
- The government is implementing reforms to ensure promotions are merit-based, though some officers are uncomfortable with these changes.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has revealed a worrying case of political influence within Ghana’s security services, citing an incident in the Ghana Immigration Service.
During his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on September 30, 2025, Muntaka disclosed that a Superintendent of Immigration, known for his loyalty to the opposition NDC, sought to be appointed Comptroller-General—skipping multiple ranks in the process.
The officer allegedly approached high-level government officials, expecting his political allegiance to secure the top position without meeting the professional requirements. The minister emphasized that such attempts to bypass the hierarchy—from Chief Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner—are unacceptable and compromise institutional integrity.
Muntaka further warned that similar politically motivated career maneuvers have been noticed in other security agencies, including the Police and Fire Services. According to him, these practices threaten professionalism, discipline, and the credibility of Ghana’s security institutions.
In response, the government is introducing measures to enforce merit-based promotions, aiming to curtail political interference. While some officers have expressed resistance to these reforms, Muntaka insists they are essential to maintain public confidence in the security sector and ensure that competence—not political connections—drives career progression.
@misjoan07 Many institutions are guilty of this, what it does is it discourages the hard working staff who knows no body at the top. #getkennected #viral #misjoan #usatiktok🇺🇸 #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 ♬ original sound – Misjoan
Reflective Opinion
The revelation underscores a persistent tension in Ghana’s civil service and security institutions: the struggle between meritocracy and political patronage. Muntaka’s account illustrates how political loyalty can sometimes overshadow competence, potentially eroding institutional effectiveness.
By attempting to leapfrog ranks, the officer not only disrespected established procedures but also risked setting a dangerous precedent for others who may consider using political influence to climb the hierarchy. If left unchecked, this could diminish operational efficiency and public trust, as citizens expect security agencies to be staffed by qualified and capable personnel.
The minister’s reforms highlight the need to insulate critical institutions from partisan politics. Ghana’s security services operate under high public scrutiny, and any perception of favoritism can jeopardize their legitimacy. Restoring a culture where promotions are earned based on performance and experience, rather than political connections, is essential for sustainable governance and public confidence.
