The Ghana Armed Forces is set to recruit 12,000 young Ghanaians over the next four years as part of a new nationwide enlistment programme aimed at strengthening the country’s military capacity while creating job opportunities for the youth.
This was disclosed by the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who explained that the initiative is designed to bolster national security efforts and respond to the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
In a Facebook post, he stated, “The Ghana Armed Forces is set to enlist and recruit altogether 12,000 qualified and fit young Ghanaians over the next 4 years,” adding that “This nationwide exercise has been approved by President John Mahama.
“Get ready for a career of service and pride. Make sure you’re medically fit before applying, as the training is intense.”
Dr Boamah advised prospective applicants to prioritise their health before submitting applications, stressing that military training is rigorous and unsuitable for individuals who are not medically fit.
While specific application dates have not yet been announced, the Ghana Armed Forces typically conducts its annual recruitment exercise between August and October.
The recruitment process includes the purchase of a scratch card, completion of an online application, and a series of screening stages—medical, academic, and physical fitness tests.
According to Dr Boamah, the programme will be implemented in phases, with approximately 3,000 personnel expected to be recruited each year. This makes it one of the most ambitious recruitment drives by the Armed Forces in recent times.
He also cautioned the public to beware of fraudsters and unauthorised individuals who may falsely claim to influence the recruitment process.
The Ghana Armed Forces has consistently urged applicants to rely solely on official channels and to report any instances of bribery or manipulation.