President John Mahama has announced the formation of a board of inquiry to investigate alleged irregularities in recent Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercises as part of wider efforts to reform the country’s security sector.
Speaking from the Jubilee House during a 120-day update on his Social Contract with Ghanaians, the President said the inquiry reflects his administration’s pledge to eliminate political influence and militia infiltration from state security agencies.
“We promised to commence investigative processes to purge our security services of militia and vigilante elements,” President Mahama said. “This board will examine recent recruitment practices, uncover any discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions.”
The announcement follows growing public concern over claims of politicisation and unfair selection procedures in the enlistment process under past administrations.
President Mahama outlined a series of measures aimed at improving transparency and professionalism within the military and other security institutions. These include a multi-layered vetting system, extensive background checks, and the development of a biometric database to screen recruits.
“The new database will automatically flag and disqualify applicants linked to political vigilante groups,” he explained, adding that the initiative is designed to decentralise and depoliticise security recruitment.
The reforms also include ideological retraining. According to the President, all personnel will undergo mandatory reorientation sessions to promote national unity, reinforce military neutrality, and ensure loyalty to the Constitution.
“This is not limited to the Armed Forces,” Mr Mahama noted. “Similar reforms are being implemented in the police, fire, and prison services.”
The board of inquiry is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks, with findings anticipated to shape the future of recruitment protocols across Ghana’s security sector.
