General Henry Anyidoho (Rtd) has issued a stern warning about Ghana's national security direction, asserting that the increasing reliance on "protocol" recruits within the country's state security agencies poses significant dangers.

At a press conference on July 16, 2025, the military general stated unequivocally, “The protocol candidates never turn out to be the right material.”

When asked if he would encourage any of his grandchildren who wish to join the army, he responded, “I’ll encourage him and advise him to go through the process like everyone else. He shouldn’t see it as cheap by using connections to get into the army.”

The general's comments come amid growing concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of Ghana’s security apparatus, as highlighted in an X post by SikaOfficial on July 16, 2025.

He pointed out that when individuals are selected based on connections rather than competence, the nation's ability to respond effectively to internal and external threats is severely compromised.

He emphasised that protocol recruiting is problematic in Ghana, where individuals are allocated positions based on their connections — such as having 10 people brought in to join the army.

“There shouldn’t be a protocol system in the army or police at all. I believe it is wrong. When I joined the army, I didn’t know anyone, but that was a different era. The reality is that protocol candidates never turn out to be the right material because the job itself is hazardous. If someone is allowed to join the army through unfair means during challenging times, they may well turn and run when faced with real danger. Yet, we expect these individuals to defend the country,” he added.

He posed a rhetorical question regarding the police investigation into Kibi's ritual murder case, asking, “Do you think a protocol police officer could conduct that kind of investigation? It's impossible. Protocol soldiers would never have been able to assist me; they would simply run away because the job is not easy. Everyone is afraid, and bullets are flying. If you’ve taken an oath, you must live by it. Know your work; in this profession, someone is going to get hurt, and it could be fatal.”

General Anyidoho further emphasised that these "protocol" appointments often lack the necessary training, experience, and dedication required to serve the country's best interests.

Watch video below:

“The protocol candidates never turn out to be the right material”

—Retired General Henry Anyidoho has highlighted the increasing national security dangers associated with the country’s state security agencies being filled with ‘protocol’ recruits. pic.twitter.com/bEprs8mc4H

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) July 16, 2025