The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced it is beginning the recruitment process of personnel this week as part of massive expansion programme.
The exercise will see to the recruitment of some 12,000 personnel spanning from a period of three years, and this according to the government is designed to reinforce the national defence capabilities.
Ernest Yaw Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Minister for Defence in a statement on Monday September 29, said the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment fee.
The move, The New Republic gathered is in line with President John Dramani Mahama commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness.
Aside from the huge cut in the cost of recruitment forms, the exercise, the statement said, will take place across all the 16 regions, ensuring equal opportunity for interested applicants.
He cautioned that, recruitment into the Army was not for sale warning that, the government will deal ruthlessly with anyone caught doing otherwise.
“Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale—and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy.
“Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional. All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life!”
The statement added that further details will be made available this week through the Defence Ministry’s website and others including some selected newspapers and electronic platforms.
“All the application qualification, procedure and regional centers will be announced within the week through the Ministry of Defence Ghana website, Ghana Armed Forces website, selected newspapers and electronic platforms. We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he said in a Facebook post.
This comes months after the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed–Mubarak inaugurated a Seven-Member Committee to review recruitment processes into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and other agencies under the Ministry.
The Committee, which was composed of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in security administration, public service, and the law, was tasked with assessing the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the recruitment processes. They were also to evaluate compliance with due processes, and recommend measures to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in February, the Minister emphasised Government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s security services are professional, efficient, and capable of safeguarding the nation.
Muntaka noted that concerns had been raised regarding transparency, fairness, efficiency, and integrity in the recruitment processes and that the committee’s work is aimed at addressing these concerns.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Yaw Akrasi Sarpong, a lawyer., assured the Minister and the public that the committee would work diligently to deliver a comprehensive report.
Sarpong also expressed his gratitude to the Minister for the opportunity to serve on the committee and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the committee’s work.
The committee was expected to complete its work within two weeks and submit a comprehensive report detailing its findings, challenges identified, and specific recommendations for policy, procedural, and institutional reforms.
The inauguration of the committee is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the credibility and professionalism of Ghana’s security institutions.