The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has announced that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is set to recruit over 12,000 new personnel over the next three and half years.
This strategic move is aimed at strengthening national security and addressing manpower needs across the country’s military units.
Dr Boamah made this pronouncement during a working visit to key military installations, including the Army Recruits Training School at Shai Hills and the Ghana Military Academy in Teshie. The tour was part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Defence to assess the state of facilities and readiness of the security services.
Speaking to the media, the Defence Minister disclosed that the upcoming recruitment drive is part of government’s long-term plan to boost the strength and capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“We are looking at recruiting more than 12,000 personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force within the next three and half years. This will ensure that our military remains responsive, well-resourced, and ready to defend the territorial integrity of Ghana,” Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
During the visit to the Eastern Naval Command in Tema, the Minister acknowledged the logistical challenges currently faced by the Ghana Navy. He assured service personnel that the government is committed to retooling and equipping all units of the Armed Forces with the necessary resources to execute their duties effectively.
“We are aware of the constraints from patrol boats to operational equipment and steps are being taken to address them comprehensively,” he stated.
With the scale of the planned recruitment, the Minister used the opportunity to caution the general public, especially job-seeking youth, to be wary of fraudulent schemes and scammers purporting to offer placement into the Armed Forces in exchange for money.
“Let me make this very clear recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is strictly by merit, transparent, and follows official channels. No individual can guarantee you a slot for a fee. I urge everyone to be vigilant,” Dr Boamah warned.
He also tasked the military high command to implement stronger internal controls and public awareness campaigns to curb recruitment fraud, which has become rampant in recent years.
The planned recruitment and re-equipping of the military form part of a broader national security agenda aimed at modernising Ghana’s defence capabilities amid emerging security threats in the sub-region.
The Minister’s visit also offered him the opportunity to engage with trainees and cadets, where he encouraged discipline, patriotism, and excellence in service.
The Ghana Armed Forces has in recent times played a critical role in not only safeguarding the nation’s borders but also supporting civil operations, peacekeeping, and emergency responses across the country and beyond.
