Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and merit-based recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces, emphasizing that positions will no longer be available for purchase.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah outlined President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for reforming military recruitment processes to eliminate corruption and nepotism that have historically plagued the system.
“I emphasized that enlistment and recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces will be strictly merit-based, and not for sale. We are committed to transparency,” the Defence Minister stated, addressing concerns about fair access to military careers for qualified Ghanaians.
The announcement comes as part of broader military expansion plans under the current administration.
The government intends to recruit 12,000 personnel into the Army over the next four years, with recruitment exercises expected to commence by September 2025.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s participation in the newly launched Government Accountability Series reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency.
The initiative, which began on July 14, 2025, is designed to give Ghanaians direct insights into government performance through regular briefings from key ministers on sector-specific achievements and challenges.
The Defence Minister has consistently warned prospective applicants against recruitment scams, urging them to rely only on official channels for information about military enlistment opportunities.
This cautionary approach underscores the government’s determination to protect citizens from fraudulent schemes that exploit their desire to serve in the armed forces.
The merit-based recruitment policy addresses longstanding concerns about equal opportunity in military service.
Under the new framework, all qualified applicants will have fair access to positions regardless of their socio-economic background or political connections.
Beyond recruitment reforms, the Defence Ministry has outlined comprehensive plans for military modernization.
These include constructing 10,000 new housing units for military personnel, upgrading healthcare facilities through the Mahama Cares Initiative, conducting fair salary reviews, and expanding training opportunities.
The announcement signals a significant shift from previous practices and aligns with broader governance reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and promoting accountability across government sectors.
As Ghana prepares for the largest military recruitment drive in recent years, the emphasis on merit-based selection represents a crucial step toward building a more professional and representative armed forces that truly serves the interests of all Ghanaians.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
