Interior Minister Henry Quartey has responded to allegations of partisan bias in the recruitment processes of Ghana's security services.

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He stated that the selections are made based on merit and qualifications, rather than party affiliations.

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Addressing claims by Minority Leader Ato Forson, who asserted that the recruitment process was influenced by party lines, Quartey stressed that merit is the primary criterion for recruitment.

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Forson had accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of allocating 30 recruitment slots to each of its Members of Parliament, raising concerns about potential unfairness in the selection process.

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"Over the time that President Akufo-Addo came for us to do recruitment, I can tell you on authority that NDC MPs and NDC party people have all found a way to push their people into the service.

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"We did not recruit them for being NDC, they were recruited because they met the eligibility criteria. We recruited them because they are Ghanaians and they are citizens of this country.

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"If they go on like this, we will start mentioning names one by one,” he said in an interview on Okay FM on May 21, 2024.

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He explained that individuals recommended by both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were chosen only if they met the required criteria.

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“If the minority does not keep mute on their allegations, I will publish the names of all NDC Protocol lists, both the MPs and the security personnel who have benefitted,” Quartey warned.

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The Minority has officially challenged the Minister to publish his list.

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In a statement dated May 21, 2024, and shared on his social media platforms, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson described the minister's stance as alarming and unfounded.

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"His insinuation that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have participated in improper recruitment practices without providing any evidence is a clear attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues at hand," the statement read in part.

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It added that Quartey's views were "a hollow threat intended to intimidate and silence legitimate criticism from the Minority Caucus," but that they won't be cowed.

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