A group of potential recruits for the Ghana Armed Forces has raised an urgent appeal to the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, expressing frustration over an ongoing delay in the recruitment process.
Despite having completed all required procedures—screening, documentation, medicals, and vetting—since March 2024, the recruits have yet to receive any official updates or publications regarding the commencement of their training.
The recruits argue that, while regular cadet officers have already begun and completed their training, they are left in uncertainty with no clear communication or indication of when they will begin.
Their situation has become increasingly dire, with several facing severe consequences due to the delay.
The recruits’ letter to the President outlines the distress they are experiencing, including the loss of lives as some have tragically died in accidents while traveling for recruitment purposes.
Others have lost jobs or been expelled from their university courses as a result of the prolonged waiting period. Financial burdens have also mounted, as they have spent substantial amounts on documentation, medicals, and personal upkeep during the process, all while waiting for official communication.
“We find it concerning that, despite the country’s economic challenges, the government was able to recruit over 10,000 youth for the Interior Service and is preparing to begin National Service training, yet we, the prospective recruits for the Ghana Armed Forces, are still in limbo,” the letter states.
The recruits question the government’s claims of a lack of funds, pointing out that if National Service personnel can be trained and provided for, the same should apply to Ghana Armed Forces recruits, especially since their recruitment process was completed before the National Service program began.
In their letter, they also plea for swift intervention from government officials, including the Vice President, the Minister for Defense, Members of Parliament, and key figures such as Hon. James Agaga, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, and Hon. Basintale.
“We humbly request that our recruitment process be expedited,” the letter reads. “We urge the government to resolve any obstacles hindering our training and to recognize the sacrifices we have made, including the financial strain we have borne in anticipation of serving our country.”
The recruits also appeal for the process to remain unaffected by political shifts, emphasizing that the Ghana Armed Forces is a state institution that transcends political lines.
“We do not want to be left on the streets begging for food, clothing, and shelter. We are eager to serve our country and protect its integrity,” they concluded.
Source – GAF
