The Ghana Armed Forces is set for a major expansion with plans to recruit 12,000 new personnel over the next three and a half years, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah has announced. The recruitment drive, aimed at boosting the country’s security architecture, will prioritize merit and ensure even distribution across all regions.
New recruitment guidelines are expected to be made public by August 2025, outlining the transparent and fair process for selecting new recruits. Additionally, the Minister announced the launch of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme, which will offer military training to 10,000 National Service volunteers starting August 2025 ¹.
The programme, designed to develop critical skills and discipline, will also contribute to national preparedness. Participation is optional, but eligible young Ghanaians are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Minister also provided updates on investigations into past recruitment scams, emphasizing that joining the Ghana Armed Forces will be strictly based on merit. Key findings from ongoing audits and investigations revealed issues with past recruitment exercises, including 210 individuals identified as not meeting eligibility criteria and 2,872 potential recruits awaiting training due to a 17-month halt at the Army Recruits Training School.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
