Issues and challenges of recruitment, selection and placement in the Ghana National Fire Service in the central region

Abstract

Issues of recruitment, selection and placement are at the heart of the human resource management process. Not only are they critical to the success of any institution but are also essential to the survival of any institution. This study assesses the recruitment, selection and placement processes within the Ghana National Fire Service in the Central Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guides were used to solicit data from a representative sample of 218 personnel including senior and junior officers of both sexes. The results revealed that over three-quarters of the personnel were second cycle graduates with a little more than one per cent having tertiary qualification. Political influence in recruitment, selection and placement was overwhelmingly reported as major source of pressure on the recruitment process. The poor working conditions within the service as a whole was mentioned as a factor that was making the service unattractive to highly qualified professionals. Unless the issue of poor working condition is addressed, the Service will not be able to attract the required quality manpower for effective and efficient delivery.