According to Nitiwul, the rejection of applicants on medical grounds, including those who test positive for HIV or Hepatitis B, is not a new policy but one that has existed for many years as part of the standard recruitment procedures for Ghana's security services.
Speaking on the matter, the former Defence Minister said the issue should not be viewed as a recent development because the medical screening requirements have long been applied to individuals seeking to join the country's security agencies.
“If you are having HIV or Hepatitis B, you don't qualify to join the security service. For that, they would disqualify you,” Nitiwul stated.
He explained that every recruitment exercise into the security services includes a comprehensive medical examination designed to determine whether applicants meet the health requirements established for the respective institutions.
According to him, these medical assessments are conducted before successful applicants are finally admitted into training.
Nitiwul's comments come after Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka disclosed that about 1,300 recruits were rejected during the recruitment process on various medical grounds, including HIV-related cases.
The disclosure generated widespread public discussion, with some people questioning whether such screening procedures remain appropriate.
Responding to the debate, Nitiwul maintained that the practice has consistently been part of recruitment into the security services and was enforced during previous administrations as well.
He stressed that the medical screening process is intended to ensure that recruits satisfy the health standards required for the physically demanding responsibilities associated with military and other security service duties.
The former Defence Minister indicated that similar recruitment procedures have been followed over the years in institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He suggested that the discussion should be based on the established recruitment guidelines rather than on political considerations.
The comments have renewed public conversations about recruitment policies within Ghana's security services, particularly the medical requirements applicants must satisfy before being accepted.
As of the time of this report, the existing recruitment procedures remain in force, with medical examinations continuing to form part of the selection process for prospective recruits.
The debate has also drawn attention to broader discussions about employment policies, public health, and equal opportunity within the security sector.
While opinions differ on the issue, Nitiwul maintains that the current practice is not a new measure but one that has long formed part of the recruitment framework governing Ghana's security services.
His remarks add to the ongoing national conversation following the Interior Minister's comments, as many await further clarification from the relevant authorities regarding the recruitment standards and the medical requirements applied during the selection process.
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