Security expert Richard Kumadoe has criticised the public disclosure of the medical conditions of applicants during the ongoing security services recruitment, describing the practice as inappropriate and capable of exposing affected individuals to stigma.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Kumadoe reacted to comments by the Minister for the Interior that about 1,300 applicants were disqualified after testing HIV positive during the security recruitment process.
According to him, medical examinations are a legitimate part of recruitment into the security services, but the results should remain confidential between the recruiting institutions and the applicants.
“The first information the public received was that some applicants had been disqualified because of drug use. Later, attention shifted to mental health screening, and now we are talking about HIV. These are private health matters that should not be discussed publicly,” he said.
Kumadoe argued that while recruitment standards must be maintained, government officials should exercise greater caution in communicating issues relating to applicants’ medical conditions.
He said individuals who test positive for HIV should instead be referred to the appropriate health institutions, including the Ghana AIDS Commission, to receive counselling, treatment and other forms of support.
“These are Ghanaians. Rather than putting their health conditions in the public domain, we should ensure they receive the necessary medical support and care,” he stressed.
The security expert questioned why similar medical information is not demanded or publicly discussed regarding politicians and public office holders.
“Do Members of Parliament undergo HIV tests before they are elected? Do politicians take mental health or drug tests before assuming office? If not, why should the medical conditions of applicants seeking to serve in the security services become public discussion?” he asked.
Kumadoe acknowledged that drug abuse among the youth remains a serious national concern and supported ongoing efforts by the security agencies to combat the menace. However, he maintained that the fight against drugs should not be confused with the public disclosure of individuals’ confidential medical information.
He urged government to intensify public education on drug abuse and HIV prevention while respecting the privacy and dignity of applicants.
Looking ahead, Kumadoe advised the government to allow the security agencies to manage their recruitment processes independently and avoid unnecessary political commentary that could generate public controversy.
He further called on the Interior Minister to refrain from making public statements that could politicise recruitment exercises, saying the Police, Immigration, Fire Service and Prisons Service have the professional capacity to handle recruitment matters and communicate appropriately.
According to Kumadoe, government should learn lessons from the current recruitment exercise and improve communication in future to protect applicants’ privacy while maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah