The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has disclosed that only 1,000 candidates will be enlisted into the Ghana Immigration Service from a staggering pool of over 180,000 applicants who responded to the latest recruitment drive.

Speaking at a press briefing today, to address concerns surrounding enlistment into the security services, Mr Muntaka described the turnout as a stark reflection of the mounting unemployment pressures confronting the nation’s youth.

He indicated that while interest in joining the Immigration Service was exceptionally high, the institution is constrained by limited training space and logistical resources.

According to him, existing facilities including accommodation and training infrastructure can absorb only about 1,000 recruits under the current intake.

The Minister stressed that the disparity between applications received and available slots underscores the fierce competition for roles within the security agencies, as well as the broader employment challenges facing the country’s expanding youthful population.

Muntaka Mohammed added that the government remains mindful of the situation but must operate within the structural capacity of the Service.

“The total of over 180,000 young men wanted to join the Ghana Immigration Service. But the interesting thing is that today, the Ghana Immigration Service, the strength, from the Comptroller General to the last officer, stands at 18,300. Less than 20,000, yet you have 180,000 opting to join,” he said.

“Unfortunately, because of the physical space, we could only have space for 1,000,” he stated.