Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has revealed that over 2,800 qualified army recruits were left stranded by the previous government despite successfully completing all necessary processes for enlistment.
Addressing the media during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 21, 2025, Dr Boamah described the situation as unfortunate, citing that the affected recruits underwent documentation, medical examinations, vetting, and other mandatory steps but were never called up for training.
“The audit has revealed that 2,872 Army potential recruits, who successfully completed all required processes, including documentation, medical examinations, and vetting, are yet to undergo training,” he disclosed.
He further lamented the inactivity of the Army Recruits Training School (ARTS), which has not trained any new recruits in the last 17 months, despite its capacity to train up to 3,000 recruits annually.
“My visit to the Army Recruits Training School just last week disclosed the fact that ARTS has not been training recruits over the past 17 months,” he said.
Dr Boamah stressed the health and age implications of the delay, indicating that some of the recruits may no longer be eligible. “Even healthy people die during military training. How can we rely on laboratory tests conducted years ago or body selection and fitness tests done years ago to inform recruitment decisions?” he questioned.
READ: GAF begins clearing enlistment fraud, 210 officer candidates fail eligibility test
He, however, encouraged those affected to reapply under the new recruitment process if they still meet the established criteria. “Provided they still meet all the established criteria… be of good cheer! Because within this 24-hour economy, other employment opportunities are being created,” he assured.
The minister affirmed that a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise will soon begin, targeting 12,000 personnel over the next three and a half years, with future enlistments focusing on specific qualifications needed to support the Ghana Armed Forces’ industrial and food security agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
