Receruitment into the Ghana Forces (GAF) is currently underway since the service opened their portal on the first day of this month, October 1 with a decentralised regional enlistment style. Recruitment is now being conducted at the regional level, with the enlistment exercise taking place across all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.

Addressing party supporters in the Akatsi North Constituency on Thursday, October 16, as part of his thank-you tour, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, reiterated the party’s commitment to fairness in public recruitment.

He noted that the long-standing practice of politically driven recruitment, commonly referred to as the ‘who-you-know’ system, where people are enlisted based on their surnames or political affiliation — will not be condoned under the Mahama-led administration.

This he said forms part of government’s effort to attain “security institutions are properly balanced; not just balanced, but very balanced” encouraging all interested personnels to apply.

He said the proposed reforms are aimed at restoring professionalism, equity, and regional balance within the country’s security institutions.

“We are departing from a system where people were recruited based on their surnames, where one’s name determined their chances of selection. We are doing away with that and making sure our security services are truly representative and fair.

“All future recruitment will now take place at the regional level. We have already started with the Armed Forces, and very soon, the other security agencies will open their portals for registration. I encourage those of you who consider yourselves capable to do well to apply”he said.

Meanwhile, GFA on Monday, September 29, issued a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun announcing the opening of their recruitment portal.

According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers.

“The enlistment/recruitment exercise will be announced through the official Ghana Armed Forces platforms such as gafonline.mil.gh, gafrecruitment.mil.gh, in addition to the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers,” GAF noted.

GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

“The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.

Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment.

Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence. He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been slashed by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.

“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.

He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.

“Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised.

The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.

“All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.