The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has cautioned the youth against cutting corners to enlist in the Ghana Armed Forces, saying such attempts could endanger their lives.

He described the trend as alarming, reminding them that “some people die in training; they don’t end up wearing the uniform they desire”.

“Others are left with life-altering injuries. People must understand that wearing the uniform is not about the prestige; it comes with real cost,” the minister added.

Dr Omane Boamah was speaking during a working visit to some military institutions in Accra yesterday. He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi.

They visited the Ghana Military Academy, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC).

The visit was aimed at gaining first-hand insight into challenges confronting GAF to enable the ministry to attend to them.

Concerns

The minister cited results of an internal inquiry instituted earlier this year into some recruitment processes and discovered that out of 452 persons investigated from Regular Career Course 64, Course 65 and Short Service Course 62, a staggering 210 were found to have sidestepped one or more of the established criteria.

“I will find it irresponsible on the part of the political class and also the GAF if we continue to look on and inadvertently trap civilians into this without putting in place the needed mechanisms to get the right people here,” he said. 

Collaboration

Dr Boamah called for effective collaboration between military training institutions and the recruitment units of the GAF to preserve the high standards of the military in the country.

He also urged the military hierarchy to ensure tighter vetting of recruits.

“You train what is brought to you, so let’s ensure that what is brought meets the standards,” he added.

The minister pledged the government’s continuous support to the GAF, including establishment of the National Defence University (NDU).

He said discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to secure funding to expand access and upgrade facilities.

“There will be more opportunities for both military and civilian personnel to benefit from the NDU. We are building a common basket using budgetary allocations, defence industry proceeds and other sources to fund military education in a sustainable way,” Dr Boamah said.

He acknowledged the need to upgrade several facilities, including the completion of a multi-purpose sports complex. However, the minister said that Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the northern regions were currently of higher priority due to the rising threats along the country’s borders.

Appreciation

The acting Commandant of the Ghana Military Academy, Brigadier General Cornelius Kobla Lithur, expressed appreciation to the minister for the visit, saying, “This gives us the confidence that the government is committed to the progress and development of GAF.”

He said the academy, since its establishment in 1960, continued to fulfil its core mandate of training cadets to become future officers of the GAF, despite some challenges. 
Brig. Gen. Lithur also called for increased infrastructure to meet staff and cadet capacity in line with modern trends.