The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has informed the general public, particularly residents of Dawhenya and its environs, that it will conduct a Land Combat Fire Power Demonstration Exercise at the Bundase Training Camp on Friday, 31 October 2025.

According to a statement shared by GAF on their Facebook page, the exercise aims at testing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces in defending the country against external aggression.

Adding that, "the exercise will involve the use of live ammunition, explosives, and heavy military equipment accompanied by loud sounds and visible flashes."

As a result, the public has been advised to stay away from the training area and its surroundings during the said period.

The GAF further urged residents not to be alarmed by the sounds of gunfire and explosions which may be heard within the general area.

"Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both residents and participants throughout the exercise. The Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public during this exercise," GAF assured.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has also drawn attention to the commencement of its 2025 recruitment exercise.

A statement from the Department of Public Relations of the GAF urged the general public to check the detailed requirements for the exercise in the October 1, 2025 editions of the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic newspapers.

According to the notice, information on the recruitment can be found on pages 15, 16, and 17 of the Ghanaian Times and pages 34, 35, and 36 of the Daily Graphic.

The GAF further provided official contact lines; 0544338030 and 0240827344 for inquiries and directed interested applicants to visit its verified social media pages for more information.

It also outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide, marking a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process,.

The aim is to move away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

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.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, September 18, a group of delayed recruits picketed near Jubilee House, demanding clarity on their enlistment status. They claimed to have passed medicals and interviews in 2023–2024 but had not yet been called for training.

The protest highlighted frustrations over poor communication, with some recruits waiting for more than a year. Barely a week after their demonstration, the Defence Ministry announced a major enlistment exercise that is expected to address their concerns.

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.