Ten recruits undergoing training in the security services have been dismissed for allegedly violating a ban on mobile phone use at training schools, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has disclosed.
The Minister said the dismissals were part of measures to enforce discipline among recruits and ensure strict compliance with the rules governing training in the security services.
Mr Muntaka disclosed on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when he addressed students at Sakafiya Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi.
Over 500,000 applied for security service recruitment.
According to the Interior Minister, the latest security services recruitment exercise attracted more than 500,000 applicants, but only 10,000 candidates were eventually selected for training.
He said the highly competitive nature of the exercise made it important for successful applicants to demonstrate discipline and respect for institutional rules throughout their training.
Mr Muntaka explained that recruits must surrender their mobile phones upon reporting to training school, as part of the regulations governing the training programme.
However, some recruits allegedly attempted to conceal their phones and continued using them secretly, including at night.
10 recruits dismissed over mobile phone violations.
The Minister disclosed that at least 10 recruits had been dismissed after they were found in possession of mobile phones despite the prohibition.
He expressed concern over the conduct of the affected recruits and questioned why candidates who had successfully passed the rigorous recruitment process would subsequently disregard clearly established rules.
Mr Muntaka attributed the challenge partly to indiscipline developed at the secondary-school level, urging students to take school rules seriously because discipline is an important requirement for careers in the security services.
He advised students to cultivate respect for authority and institutional regulations from an early stage.
More than 6,000 applicants disqualified after drug and mental health screening.
The disclosure comes amid revelations that more than 6,000 applicants were disqualified during the 2026 security services recruitment exercise following additional drug and mental health screening.
Mr Muntaka previously disclosed that more than 100,000 applicants underwent medical examinations as part of the recruitment process.
He explained that the government introduced additional screening measures, including drug testing and mental health assessments, after concerns about the wellbeing and suitability of prospective recruits.
According to the Minister, more than 4,000 applicants tested positive for drugs, while approximately 2,000 others were disqualified on mental health grounds.
The additional screening formed part of efforts to ensure that candidates admitted into the security services meet the required standards before undergoing training.
Minister stresses discipline among prospective security personnel.
Mr Muntaka said discipline must remain a central part of the recruitment and training process because security personnel are expected to operate within clearly defined rules and regulations.
He urged students aspiring to join the security services to begin developing the discipline required for such careers while still in school.
The Minister said candidates must understand that successfully securing a place in the security services does not give them the freedom to disregard institutional regulations.
