The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Akwasi Acquah, has defended the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, over his disclosure that approximately 1,300 applicants were disqualified from joining the security forces after testing positive for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B.
The lawmaker noted that the Minister was simply being transparent and accountable regarding the recruitment process.
The Interior Minister appeared before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on July 7 to answer questions pertaining to several assurances he made in 2025 regarding the implementation of ministerial policies and programmes.
During the session, he disclosed that out of 100,000 candidates who underwent recruitment aptitude and medical tests, 1,300 had tested positive for HIV.
Commenting on the issue, Akwasi Acquah stated that, in his personal opinion, the Minister did not make a mistake by disclosing these details.
Speaking to host Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the lawmaker explained his stance.
“As a Minority group, we are yet to make any pronouncement on the matter, but as an individual, I don’t think the Minister erred in disclosing the information. At the end of the day, the Minister has the responsibility to be truthful and frank with the Assurances Committee of Parliament. When the Committee of Parliament invites you, you don’t withhold any information because you swore an oath to speak the truth and nothing but the truth. So I don’t think he did any wrong.”
He subsequently advised the Interior Minister to take immediate steps to reach out to the 1,300 individuals who tested positive during the recent recruitment exercises into the various security agencies.
He suggested that if the Minister and the security agencies contacted those affected, it would enable them to know their status, seek counselling, and undergo early treatment.
He expressed optimism that this approach would prevent those affected from further spreading the virus.
Describing the figure of 1,300 as alarming, Akwasi Acquah underscored the need for state institutions to intensify public health campaigns and advocacy to reduce the rate of new infections for the sake of public safety.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana