The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) plans to recruit 12,000 young Ghanaians over the next four years as part of a new nationwide enlistment programme aimed at boosting military capacity and addressing youth unemployment.
The Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah announced on Wednesday.
The programme which has received presidential approval, will be implemented in annual phases, with about 3,000 new personnel expected to be recruited each year.
“This nationwide exercise has been approved by President John Mahama,” Boamah said in a Facebook post. “Get ready for a career of service and pride. Make sure you’re medically fit before applying, as the training is intense.”
He said the initiative is part of broader national security efforts while also serving as a response to growing public concern over youth unemployment.
Boamah, a former medical doctor who worked at the 37 Military Hospital, cautioned applicants to take their health seriously before applying.
“I worked at the 37 Military Hospital for five years. People have died during military training,” Boamah said. “You’ll be expected to abandon all forms of normal life.”
While exact application dates have not yet been announced, the GAF typically opens recruitment between August and October each year.
The enlistment process involves the purchase of a scratch card, completion of an online application, and participation in multiple screening stages, including academic, medical, and physical fitness tests.
Boamah also warned against recruitment scams and urged the public to avoid individuals who claim to have influence over the process.
“Only use official channels,” Boamah said.
The Ghana Armed Forces has repeatedly emphasized that recruitment is based strictly on merit and transparency, and applicants are encouraged to report any bribery or extortion attempts.
This planned intake marks one of the largest recruitment drives in recent years for the GAF, which plays a key role in both domestic security and regional peacekeeping operations.