The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has welcomed 2,000 new recruits who have successfully completed six months of basic military training. The training, which took place at five military establishments across Ghana, aimed to equip the young men and women with the discipline, skills, and professional values required to begin their careers in the military. The recruits underwent intensive training in areas such as discipline, physical fitness, and military skills.
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. At the Army Recruit Training School, 664 recruits successfully completed their training and passed out. The graduation marks a significant milestone for the recruits who embarked on the training six months ago with the ambition of serving Ghana through the military.
The recruits' journey to this point was marked by a tragedy that occurred during the recruitment process. On November 12, 2025, a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra resulted in the deaths of six applicants and injuries to 34 others. Following 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.
The training covered essential areas such as discipline, physical fitness, military skills, teamwork, and other areas considered crucial to their roles as personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces. The General Officer Commanding the Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, served as the Reviewing Officer for the passing-out parade at the Army Recruit Training School. He urged the recruits to uphold the professionalism, discipline, and commitment expected of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Brigadier General Awaribey reminded the recruits that wearing the military uniform comes with significant responsibility and cautioned them against the misuse of military uniforms, particularly for activities such as land-guard operations, extortion, and other unlawful activities. The new soldiers 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. 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. 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 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.
Key points
- 2,000 Ghana Armed Forces recruits have completed six months of basic military training at five establishments nationwide.
- The recruits underwent intensive training in areas such as discipline, physical fitness, and military skills.
- The Ghana Armed Forces is expected to receive an additional 2,000 recruits in October 2026 as part of the 2025 recruitment process.
