The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the government to scrap the Artificial Intelligence (AI) aptitude tests currently being used in the recruitment process for Ghana’s security services.
According to the Effutu Member of Parliament, the use of AI-based testing in the recruitment exercise is creating difficulties for many young Ghanaians who aspire to join the security services.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin said several Members of Parliament have received numerous complaints from applicants across the country who are struggling to complete the online aptitude tests.
He explained that while technology is important in modern governance, the current system may disadvantage applicants who come from rural communities and may not have adequate knowledge of digital technology.
“I am for AI. I am for IT. But you cannot suddenly call someone from Pusiga or Bunkurugu who knows nothing about IT and ask them to write an aptitude test using AI,” he stated.
The Minority Leader argued that many young people who wish to serve in the military, police, immigration and other security agencies are being frustrated by the system.
According to him, some applicants are forced to visit internet cafés and pay money to access the online platform, only to encounter technical difficulties that prevent them from completing the tests.
He therefore urged the government to reconsider the approach and adopt a more inclusive system that will give equal opportunity to all qualified applicants.
“If possible, the system should be revised so that young men and women who are not educated in ICT can write the test manually,” Afenyo-Markin suggested.
The call comes at a time when several security agencies in Ghana are undertaking recruitment exercises aimed at bringing more personnel into the services.
The lawmaker stressed that recruitment into the country’s security services should remain fair and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their technological background.
He further urged the relevant authorities to review the process and ensure that the recruitment system does not disadvantage capable young people who are willing to serve the country.