Adams Bona backs Immigration Service’s decision to disqualify applicants with tattoos and scars
Security Analyst, Adams Bona, has backed the Ghana
Immigration Service (GIS)’s decision to disqualify applicants with body
alterations.
Adam Bona, speaking on the AM Show on
Thursday, explained that persons with tattoos or scars risk suffering an
infection, hence the need to deny them entry into the Service.
“People think this is ridiculous, but it is not. If you
have ever been part of some of these agencies when they are deployed, you will
understand how tedious it is,” he said.
“If you are deployed and you have to be in your boot for
days, it is not something for the fainthearted.”
Whilst Adams Bona admits “having a problem” with the
rejection of applicants with piercings, he explained that it was for good
reasons that persons with scars and tattoos were being disqualified.
“Once you alter your skin, chances are that it could
generate into sores…if part of your skin is weak because you had some tattoos
or scars, chances are that they could degenerate into sores and get infected.
That could lead to you not being able to continue with the rest of the group,”
he explained.
There are reports that some applicants to the security
services have been disqualified because they have stretch marks, tattoos, and
in some instances, piercings.
Over the years, the above and more are some of the basis
for failing some applicants.
This year’s situation has sparked public debate as many
people believe such requirements are discriminatory.
Meanwhile, Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) has called for a
revision in the physical requirements for entry into the various national
security agencies.
He said reports that the Ghana Immigration
Service (GIS) had disqualified some applicants because alterations on their
bodies are a non-starter.
“We need to have a scientific approach to
it. It’s not a matter of sitting around the table and saying that the Fire
Service, Immigration, or Armed Forces can recruit this group of people. “We
need to scientifically look at the question, bring in medical experts and bring
in the soldiers too also who are experts,” he suggested on the AM Show on Thursday.