Two thousand recruits of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have successfully completed six months of basic military training and passed out from five military training establishments across the country.
The recruits underwent intensive training aimed at equipping them with the discipline, skills and professional values required to begin their careers in the Ghana Armed Forces.
The passing-out ceremonies were held at various training establishments, including the Army Recruit Training School, Armour Training School, Army Special Operations Training School, Naval Training Command and the Air Force Recruit Training School.
The graduation marks a significant milestone for the young men and women who embarked on the training six months ago with the ambition of serving Ghana through the military.
However, their journey to this point comes against the backdrop of a tragedy that occurred during the recruitment process.
On November 12, 2025, thousands of applicants gathered at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra as part of the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise.
The exercise turned tragic when a surge in the crowd resulted in a stampede, leading to the deaths of six applicants and injuries to 34 others.
Follow ing the incident, the Ghana Armed Forces suspended the recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region and constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
For applicants who subsequently progressed through the recruitment and selection process, the incident remained a sombre part of their journey into the military.
At the various training schools, the recruits underwent six months of basic military training designed to prepare them for the demands of military service.
The training covered discipline, physical fitness, military skills, teamwork and other areas considered essential to their roles as personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
At the Army Recruit Training School, the General Officer Commanding the Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, served as the Reviewing Officer for the passing-out parade.
Addressing the recruits, Brigadier General Awaribey urged them to uphold the professionalism, discipline and commitment expected of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He also reminded them that wearing the military uniform comes with significant responsibility and called on them to protect the integrity of the uniform and the reputation of the Armed Forces.
The new soldiers were cautioned against the misuse of military uniforms, particularly for activities such as land-guard operations, extortion and other unlawful activities.
They were also warned against using the uniform or military identity improperly on social media, with the authorities stressing the need for personnel to uphold the image and reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces both on and off duty.
The passing-out ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognise recruits who distinguished themselves during the six-month training.
At the Army Recruit Training School, 664 recruits successfully completed their training and passed out, marking the completion of an important stage in their military careers.
The recruits were reminded that passing out does not mark the end of their training but the beginning of a new chapter in their service to the country.
They are expected to carry the discipline, professionalism and values acquired during training into their various assignments within the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Ghana Armed Forces is expected to receive an additional 2,000 recruits in October 2026 as part of the 2025 recruitment process.
The new batch will report to various military training establishments to begin their own period of basic military training.
For the recruits who have passed out, their next phase will involve applying the knowledge and skills acquired during training as they prepare for deployment to various assignments and operations of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Their passing-out therefore marks not only the culmination of six months of demanding training but also the beginning of their responsibility to serve and defend Ghana with discipline, professionalism and commitment.
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