By Ashiadey Dotse
Minister-Designate for the Ministry of Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to addressing concerns about delayed promotions and transfers within the country’s security services.
Speaking during his vetting on Friday, January 24, 2025, Muntaka acknowledged widespread complaints about the issue, emphasising the need for reforms to ensure efficiency and fairness. He noted that some officers stay in one unit or location for an extended period, which limits opportunities for others and hinders the system’s vibrancy.
Muntaka explained that existing regulations often cause confusion. For instance, when guidelines state that an officer should stay in a position for “at least four years,” it is sometimes misunderstood to mean a maximum of four years. This misinterpretation, he said, leads to unrealistic expectations about automatic transfers or promotions.
He also mentioned that his preliminary review revealed most eligible officers, especially within the Ghana Police Service, had already been promoted. However, he pledged to investigate the processes further to ensure fairness and transparency.
To address the challenges, Muntaka proposed codifying promotion and transfer processes. He emphasised the importance of creating a clear, documented system that outlines the criteria for advancement, ensuring merit-based decisions. This, he said, would not only motivate security personnel but also bring fairness to the system.
“When promotions are based on merit, some officers could qualify in two years instead of waiting four years,” he said. “It’s about creating a system where everyone knows what is expected of them and what rewards to anticipate for their efforts.”
Muntaka assured the committee of his determination to bring vibrancy and transparency to the system when given the mandate as minister, ensuring that the men and women in the security services are fairly treated and motivated to give their best.
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