GAF admits second batch of recruits for 6-month military training

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced six months of intensive Basic Military Training for its second batch of recruits, while the government has announced plans to suspend new recruitment applications into the country’s security services in 2027 to address an existing backlog of qualified applicants.

The recruits officially reported to their designated training centres on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking the beginning of their transition into military service.

The training programme is expected to equip them with the discipline, professional skills and operational competencies required to serve in the Ghana Armed Forces.

The second batch of recruits has been assigned to several military training institutions across the country. These include the Army Recruit Training School, Air Force Recruit Training School, Navy Recruit Training School, Armour Training School and Army Special Operations Training School.

Over the next six months, the recruits will undergo a structured programme covering essential military knowledge, physical conditioning and tactical operations.

The curriculum includes map reading, weapon handling, military drill, first aid, fieldcraft and other practical exercises designed to prepare trainees for the demands of military service.

According to the training framework outlined by the Ghana Armed Forces, the programme is intended to instil discipline, professionalism and respect for the core values of the military.

Successful completion of the training will be an important step towards the recruits becoming professional members of the armed forces.

In a related development, Minister for the Interior Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has announced that the government will not open new application portals for recruitment into the various security services in 2027.

The minister explained that the decision follows instructions from President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise applicants who have already completed the required screening and selection processes but remain waiting for admission into training institutions.

According to the government’s plan, attention will shift towards clearing the backlog of qualified applicants rather than opening another recruitment cycle.

The backlog has been attributed to capacity constraints at training facilities, which have prevented some successful applicants from proceeding to training despite completing the necessary selection stages.

The planned suspension is intended to give the security services an opportunity to accommodate applicants who have already met the recruitment requirements.

By prioritising those awaiting admission, the government aims to address delays in the recruitment process and make better use of available training capacity.

The policy affects new applications for the various security services in 2027. However, further details on implementation, including how many applicants are awaiting admission and the timeline for clearing the backlog, were not provided in the information available.

The commencement of the second batch of Ghana Armed Forces recruits and the planned recruitment pause form part of separate developments in the country’s security personnel intake and training process.