How To Join The Ghana Armed Forces (The Complete Guide)

If you’re keen on enlisting in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to join the GAF, whether you’re a graduate or a WASSCE holder.

Curious about the requirements and application process for joining the Ghana Armed Forces? Look no further. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including recruitment details for recruits, officers, and special medical intake. Keep reading for a clear understanding of what it takes to become a part of the Ghana Armed Forces.

What You Need to know About Ghana Armed Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) stands as the collective military strength of Ghana, comprising the Ghana Army (GA), Ghana Navy (GN), and Ghana Air Force. Oversight of the Ghana Armed Forces is under the purview of the Ghanaian Ministry of Defence.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, the President of Ghana assumes the role of the ultimate authority and supreme military commander for the President’s Own Guard Regiment (POGR) and the Border Guard Unit (BGU). The Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff oversee the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, ensuring effective management and strategic direction.

Ranks In The Ghana Armed Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces comprises various ranks within its Army, Air Force, and Navy divisions, each with distinct hierarchies.

Ghana Army Rank Structure:

Similar to other military organizations, the Ghana Army classifies its personnel into two main categories: Officers and Enlisted Officers.

Officers: These individuals are the leaders, problem solvers, influencers, and planners responsible for guiding and training enlisted soldiers in various situations.

Enlisted Officers: These military officers possess authority granted by a higher-ranking officer but aren’t technically considered in command.

Ghana Army Officer Ranks:

The Ghana Army recognizes 10 officer ranks, with General being the highest and Second Lieutenant the lowest. Here’s the complete list:

• General – ★★★★★ [5 Stars]
• Lieutenant General – ★★★★ [4 Stars]
• Major General – ★★★ [3 Stars]
• Brigadier General – ★★ [2 Stars]
• Colonel – ★ [1 Star]
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Major
• Captain
• Lieutenant
• Second Lieutenant – [Lowest Rank]

Ghana Army Enlisted Officer Ranks:

There are 9 enlisted officer ranks in the Ghana Army, listed below:

• Chief Warrant Officer
• Warrant Officer Class I
• Warrant Officer Class II
• Staff Sergeant
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Lance-corporal
• Private
• Recruit – [Lowest Rank]

Understanding the hierarchy is crucial for individuals aspiring to join the Ghana Armed Forces, as it provides insights into the structure and responsibilities associated with each rank.

Ghana Navy Rank System:

Similar to the army, the Ghana Navy has two main divisions: Officers and Rating Officers.

Officers:
These are the leaders, managers, problem solvers, and key planners responsible for guiding and training Rating Officers in various situations. They hold the authority to lead and direct the ratings.

Rating Officers:
These military officers have authority granted by an officer but are not technically considered in command.

Ghana Navy Officer Ranks:

The ranks for Ghana Navy officers in descending order of seniority are as follows:

1. Admiral
2. Vice-Admiral
3. Rear-Admiral
4. Commodore
5. Captain
6. Commander
7. Lieutenant Commander
8. Lieutenant
9. Sub-Lieutenant
10. Acting Sub-Lieutenant

Ghana Navy Rating Officer Ranks:

The ranks for Ghana Navy rating officers in descending order of seniority are as follows:

1. Master Chief Petty Officer
2. Fleet Chief Petty Officer
3. Chief Petty Officer Class I
4. Chief Petty Officer Class II
5. Petty Officer Class I
6. Petty Officer Class II
7. Leading Seaman
8. Able Seaman Class I
9. Able Seaman Class II
10. Ordinary Seaman

Ghana Air Force Rank System:

The Ghana Air Force is broadly categorized into two groups: Officers and Airmen Officers.

Officers:
These individuals are the leaders, managers, problem solvers, and key planners responsible for guiding and training Airmen Officers. They are in charge of leading and instructing airmen.

Airmen Officers:
These military officers have authority granted by an officer but are not technically considered in command.

How To Join The Ghana Armed Forces

If you aspire to become an officer in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), there are specific criteria you need to fulfill before submitting your application. In this guide, we’ll delve into the general requirements for Ghana Armed Forces recruitment, covering officers enlistment, recruit qualifications, and special medical intake.

GAF General Recruitment Requirements For Officer Cadets

To be eligible for Officer Cadet positions in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Personal Qualifications:

1. Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.
2. Possess good character.
3. Age requirement: Not younger than 20 years and not older than 26 years for Regular Commission and Short Service Commission applicants.
4. Meet the medical fitness standards set by the Ghana Armed Forces.
5. Not be under any bond.
6. For Regular Officer Candidates, marital status should be unmarried.
7. Minimum height requirement: 1.68m (5’6’’) for males and 1.60m (5’4”) for females. Military Police applicants have specific height criteria – 1.75m (5’9”) for males and 1.70m (5’7”) for females.

Educational Qualifications:
Applicants must have one of the following educational qualifications:

BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination):

Six (6) passes, including English and Mathematics.

WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination):

Six (6) Credits (Not less than C6) with Core English and Core Mathematics.

Or

SSSCE (Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination):

Six (6) Credits (Not less than D) including Core English and Mathematics.

Or

GCE ‘O’ Level:

Five (5) Credits (Not less than 6), including English and Mathematics.

And

GCE ‘A’ Level:

Credits in all Three (3) subjects (Not less than D) and General Paper.

DEGREE:

Possession of a First Degree (Not below Second Class Lower) from a recognized University.

GAF General Recruitment Requirements For Special Medical Intake

To be eligible for the Special Medical Intake in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Personal Qualifications:

1. Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.
2. Possess good character.
3. Age requirements:

• Not younger than 18 years and not older than 40 years for Medical Specialists.
• 35 years for Medical/Dental Officers.
• 33 years for Nurses.
• 30 years for Paramedical personnel.

1. Meet the medical fitness standards set by the Ghana Armed Forces.
2. Not be under any bond.
3. Minimum height requirement: 1.68m (5’6″) for males and 1.57m (5’2″) for females.

Educational Qualifications:
Applicants must have one of the following educational qualifications:

BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination):

• Six (6) Passes, including English and Mathematics.

WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination):

• Six (6) Credits (Not less than C6) including Core English, Core Mathematics, and Core Science. Or

SSSCE (Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination):

• Six (6) Credits (Not less than D) including Core English, Core Mathematics, and Core Science. Or

GCE ‘O’ Level:

• Five (5) Credits (Not less than 6) including English, Mathematics, and Science. And

GCE ‘A’ Level:

• Not less than D in three subjects.

These qualifications ensure that applicants have the necessary educational foundation to be considered for the Special Medical Intake in the Ghana Armed Forces.

GAF General Recruitment Requirements For Recruits

To qualify for recruitment as a GAF Recruit, you need to meet the following criteria:

Citizenship:

• Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.

Character:

• Have a good character.

Age:

• Non-Tradesmen: Not less than 18 years and not more than 25 years.
• Tradesmen: Not more than 27 years.

Health:

• Meet the medical fitness standards set by the Armed Forces.

Marital Status:

• Not be married.

Bonding:

• Not be under any bond.

Height:

• Minimum height of 1.68m (5’6”) for males and 1.57m (5’2”) for females.
• For Military Police applicants, minimum height of 1.75m (5’9”) for males and 1.70m (5’7”) for females.

Educational Qualifications:

• Have six (6) Credits (not less than Grade 6) at BECE, including English and Mathematics.
• Have five credits (not less than Grade C6) in WASSCE, including Core English and Core Mathematics, or possess the required credits/passes in respective trade qualifications from GES at Intermediate or Advanced Level.

Additionally, it’s important to note that apart from the GH₵50 paid for the GAF recruitment Scratch card, the Ghana Armed Forces will not request money for enlistment into the Army. Beware of any individual or organization asking for money or offering assistance in joining the Ghana Armed Forces.

How To Apply For Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment

Before you begin your application for the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment, carefully review the entry requirements for clarity. Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Acquire the Scratch Card: Purchase a scratch card for FIFTY GHANA CEDIS (GH₵50.00) from selected post offices nationwide.

2. Gently scratch the card to reveal the “PIN” code, which can be used for three attempts until a record is successfully submitted.

3.. Access the Recruitment Portal: Log on to the recruitment portal @ http://www.gafrecruitment.com using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browsers.

4. Prepare Your Mobile Phone:

• Ensure your mobile phone’s Cell Broadcast Message Service is turned “ON.”
• Navigate through your phone settings: Messages > Message Settings > Find “Cell Broadcast/Broadcast Message/CB Activation/Advertisement.”
• Set activation to “ON” and all channels to “RECEIVE.”

5. Initiate the Application:

• Click on the “Apply Now” tab to open the applicant authentication page.
• Enter your card Serial Number, PIN code, select your preferred Arm of Service, type of commission, and click “Submit.”

6. Enter Personal Details:

• Provide your personal details on Pages 1 to 3, including selecting your desired vacancy and uploading a scanned passport-sized photograph.
• Enter a valid email address, personal mobile phone number, and other required informatio

7. Submit Academic Information:

• Enter results for the TWO required core subjects on your WASSCE/SSSCE Certificate: CORE MATHEMATICS AND CORE ENGLISH.
• Upload scanned copies of WASSCE/SSSCE Certificate, Degree Certificate, and passport picture.
• Ensure each document does not exceed 1 Megabyte and is in JPEG format.

8. Preview and Verify:

• Click the “Preview” button to review a summary of all provided data.
• Check carefully and click the back button for any necessary modifications.

9. Submit and Receive Confirmation:

• Click the “Submit” button and expect an instant email and text message with your unique system-generated Identification Number.
• Print and keep a copy of the generated report, as it will be required if you qualify.
• In case of loss, return to the recruitment portal, click on the “PRINT SUMMARY” tab, enter your unique identification number sent via SMS/email, and order a re-print.

Remember: Each scanned document should not exceed 1 Megabyte and must be in JPEG picture format.

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