How to Become a Soldier in Ghana (2023)

In this article, you’ll find the right steps to take if you plan on becoming a soldier in Ghana.

But first, we are going to take a look at the history of the Ghana Armed Forces and what being a soldier in Ghana entails.

A Brief History of The Ghana Armed Forces

Soldier in Ghana

The Ghana Armed Forces represent the military might of the Republic of Ghana. It is the united armed force of Ghana and consists of the Army, Navy and Ghana Air force.

The Ghana Armed Forces was established in 1957, the same year the Gold Coast region declared independence from the United Kingdom and formed the nation of Ghana. Over the years, the Ghana Armed Forces has been involved in several internal and external operations that were aimed at defending the country and other surrounding African nations.

As one of the largest and most powerful armies in Africa, the Ghana Armed Forces has provided aid to other African countries in times of war mostly through the United Nations. Its first external operation was the United Nations Operation in the Congo in the early 1960s.

The Ghana Armed Forces has been involved in many peacekeeping operations since its inception. It played a part in quelling conflicts like the Kosovo War, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Liberian civil war. There have also been several peacekeeping missions undertaken by the military force in other parts of the world. Some of these missions include the Iran-Iraq War and the Kuwait and Lebanon civil war.

Ghana Army

The Ghanaian Army makes up the bulk of the Ghana Armed Forces

Structure of the Ghanaian Army

  • The Northern Command with headquarters in Kumasi
  • The Southern Command with headquarters in Accra
  • 6 Infantry Battalions of the Ghana Regiment
  • 2 Airborne Companies
  • 64 Infantry Regiment
  • 1 Training Battalion
  • 1 Staff College
  • 2 Armoured reconnaissance squadrons (Reconnaissance Armoured Regiment)
  • 1 Signals Regiment
  • 2 Engineer Regiments
  • 1 artillery regiment (66 Artillery Regiment)
  • 1 Logistics Group

 Ghana Air Force

The Ghana Air Force is the part of the Ghana Armed forces responsible for aerial warfare. The Ghana Air Force is headquartered in Accra with several bases located in Accra, Tamale, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Kumasi.

Ghana Navy

The Ghana Navy is tasked with the defense of Ghana, its coasts, and its territorial waters. It consists of two commands; an Eastern command headquartered at Tema and a Western command headquartered at Sekondi-Takoradi.

Ghana Armed Forces Council

The Ghana Armed Forces Council is the body responsible for the welfare and administration of the Ghana Armed Forces. Currently, it has the following members.

  • President of Ghana, Commander in Chief – Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo
  • Chief of Defense Staff – Lt General Obed Boamah Akwa
  • Minister of Defense – Honourable Dominic Nitiwul

How to Become a Soldier in Ghana

To become a soldier in Ghana, you’ll have to meet the recruitment requirement and pass through the requirement process successfully.

Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Requirements

Below are the recruitment requirements for individuals interested in joining the Ghana Armed Forces

  • You must be a Ghanaian citizen and reside in Ghana
  • You must not be married
  • You must be physically and medically fit
  • Non – Tradesmen candidates must be the 18-25 years while Tradesmen candidates must be not more than 27 years old.
  • Male candidates must not be less than 1.68m (5’6’) tall and female candidates must be not less 1.57m (5’2’). The height requirements for candidates interested in the Military Police are as follows: Males must not be less than 1.75m (5’9’) and females must not be less than 1.70m.

Academic Requirements

Candidates interested in joining the Ghana Armed Forces must have

  • Five credits (Not less than Grade 6) including Core Mathematics, Core English, and Core Science at WASSCE.
  • Six credits (Not less than D) including Core Mathematics, Core English, and Core Science at SSSCE
  • Five credits (Not less than C6) including Mathematics, English, and Science at GCE ‘O’ Level and not less than D in the three aforementioned subjects at GCE ‘A’ Level.

Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Process

Documents Required

  • A recent passport-sized photograph of dimension (170 x 150 pixels)
  • WASSCE or SSSCE Certificate
  • Degree Certificate

Application Process

  • All candidates that meet up with the recruitment process can follow the applications process below
  • Get a scratch card from the approved post offices nation-wide (the scratch card costs fifty Ghana cedis).
  • The card holds a “PIN” Gently scratch the covering on the card to reveal it.
  • Log on to http://www.gafrecruitment.com and click on the Apply Now tab to start the application process
  • Enter the Serial Number and PIN code as it is written on the scratch card. Then select your preferred Arm of Service, type of commission and click “Submit” to move to the next stage.
  • Next, enter your personal details and select your desired vacancy. You will be required to provide additional information based on the vacancy you selected.
  • Upload a scanned copy of your recent passport-sized photograph (dimension: 170 x 150 pixels). Enter a valid email address and mobile phone number (in the format 233244654321).
  • Type in the results of only two required core subjects SSSCE/WASSCE. Enter your WASSCE or SSSCE index number and SSSCE or WASSCE Certificate serial number.
  • Upload the required academic documents (SSSCE or WASSCE certificate, degree certificate – should not exceed 1 megabyte and should be in picture format, JPEG only.)
  • Click the Preview tab to see a summary page of the information you provided. Go through the page and cross-check your data to ensure it is correct. You can click on the back button and make modifications if need be.
  • Once confirmed, click on the submit button and you’ll receive an email message and text message. In these messages, you will find your unique Identification Number
  • Print a copy of this message as it will be requested when you qualify for the recruitment exercise.

Write The Entrance Examination

If you qualify for the recruitment exercise, you’ll be called up to write an entrance examination. If you’re successful, you will be offered admission to the Ghana Military Academy where you can begin training to become a soldier.

Read more on Professionals in Ghana

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