How To Apply For An Army in Ghana
Who is the army in Ghana?The army in Ghana is called the Ghana Army, and it is one of the three branches of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The other two are the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force. The Ghana Army is the principal land warfare force of Ghana. It traces its origins back to the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force, which was reorganized into the Ghana Army after Ghana gained independence. The Ghana Army is under the control of the Ghanaian Ministry of Defence and the Central Defence Headquarters, both located in the Greater Accra Region.
Requirements that are needed for the application of the Army in Ghana?
Nationality:
Must be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.
Character:
Must be of good character.
Age ;
The age limit for applicants is typically not less than 18 years and not more than 25 years for Non-Tradesmen. For Tradesmen, the age limit is not more than 27 years. For Regular Cadets, the age limit is typically 18 to 26 years.
Marital Status:
Applicants for the Regular Cadets course must not be married.
Medical and Physical Fitness:
You must be medically and physically fit by Ghana Armed Forces standards. This includes passing a pre-joining fitness test.
Height:
The minimum height for males is 1.68m (5’6″) and for females is 1.57m (5’2″). For Military Police, the minimum height is higher: 1.75m (5’9″) for males and 1.70m (5’7″) for females.
Education:
You must have a minimum of six (6) credits at the BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) level, including English Language and Mathematics. For the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), you need a minimum of six passes, not below a Grade C6, in relevant subjects depending on the trade or role you are applying for.
How To Apply For An Army in Ghana ?
Watch for the Official Announcement
Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is not a continuous process. It is done periodically, and the specific dates and requirements are officially announced through:
The Ghana Armed Forces website (gafonline.mil.gh)
National newspapers (e.g., Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times)
Official press releases.
It is crucial to wait for these official announcements before starting your application to ensure you have the correct information and are not falling victim to a scam.
- Purchase an Electronic Voucher
When recruitment is open, the first step for all applicants is to purchase an electronic voucher.
Where to buy: These vouchers are sold at designated Ghana Post offices across the country.
Cost:
The price of the voucher is set for each recruitment exercise and can vary. It is a non-refundable fee.
What you get:
The voucher contains a unique Serial Number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which are required to access and complete the online application form.
- Complete the Online Application
- Once you have the voucher, you may continue with the online application.
Access the portal:
Use the Serial Number and PIN from your voucher to log in to the official Ghana Armed Forces recruitment portal.
Fill out the form:
The online form will require you to provide a wide range of information, including:
Personal details (name, age, contact information, etc.).
Educational history and academic results (BECE, WASSCE, university degrees, etc.).
Physical details (height).
Upload documents:
You will need to scan and upload copies of required documents, such as your results slips and passport-sized photographs.
The Selection Process
After submitting your application, you will go through a highly competitive selection process that involves several stages:
Screening:
Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet all the basic eligibility requirements (age, nationality, height, academic results, etc.).
Medical Examination: You must undergo a thorough medical examination to be declared medically fit for military service.
Physical Fitness Test:
This is a rigorous test to assess your physical readiness. The specific exercises and standards will be provided by the GAF.
Interview/Aptitude Test:
You will be interviewed and may have to take an aptitude test to assess your suitability for the armed forces.
What are the fees scheduled for An Army in Ghana
The main fee associated with applying for the Ghana Army is for the purchase of a recruitment voucher. This voucher is what gives you access to the official online application portal.
Based on recent enlistment drives for Regular Career Officer Course and Short Service Commission Officers, the cost of the electronic voucher has been GH₵350.00. These vouchers are sold at designated Ghana Post offices nationwide during the official recruitment period.
It’s important to know that this is the only official fee. The Ghana Armed Forces does not use middlemen or agents and does not charge any additional fees for the enlistment process, including interviews, medical examinations, or physical fitness tests. Any person or group asking for more money is likely a scammer.
What services does the Ghanaian army offer to citizens in Ghana?
National Defense & Security;
Protects Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Guards land borders, airspace (with Air Force), and maritime boundaries (with Navy).
Works with Police & security agencies to maintain internal peace (e.g., Operation Calm Life, Operation Vanguard).
Search and Rescue:
They are often the first responders in natural disasters such as floods, fires, and earthquakes, conducting search and rescue operations and evacuating people to safety.
Humanitarian Aid:
The army provides humanitarian assistance by distributing essential supplies like food, water, and medicine to affected communities.
Rehabilitation:
After a disaster, army engineers and personnel often help with the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and buildings.
Hospitals and Clinics:
The 37 Military Hospital in Accra, for example, is a well-known institution that serves both military and civilian patients, providing a wide range of medical services.
Medical Outreach Programs:
The GAF conducts medical outreach programs in rural and underserved communities, offering free health screenings, vaccinations, and treatment for various diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Maintaining Public Order:
The army can be deployed to help maintain law and order during protests, riots, or other civil disturbances.
Combating Illegal Activities:
The GAF has been involved in operations to combat illegal mining (galamsey), illegal logging, armed robberies, and other criminal activities that pose a threat to national security and the environment..
Roads and Bridges: They build and repair roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Civil Works:
Army engineers also assist in building schools, clinics, and other community facilities.
Training Institutions:
The GAF runs several training schools and colleges that provide quality education and skills development, not only for military personnel but sometimes for civilians as well.
National Service:
Military personnel are involved in the National Service Scheme, helping to train and develop young graduates for national development.
What is the average salary of the Army in Ghana
Salary Estimates by Rank
Senior Officers:
High-ranking officers, such as Colonels, Brigadier Generals, and Generals, earn substantially more. Salaries for the highest-ranking officers are estimated to be around GH₵9,000 per month.
Recruits:
New recruits undergoing initial training can expect to earn a monthly salary in the range of GH₵1,000 to GH₵1,500. This reflects their entry-level status and the intensive training they are undergoing.
Enlisted Soldiers (Other Ranks):
As soldiers gain experience and are promoted, their salaries increase. An enlisted soldier can earn up to GH₵3,000 per month, depending on their rank (e.g., Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant).
Junior Officers:
Officers hold leadership positions and receive a significant pay increase. A junior officer’s starting salary is estimated to be in the range of GH₵3,500 to GH₵4,000 per month.
Average salary according to your experience in the service
0–2 years: GHS 42,040/year (~GHS 3,503/month)
2–5 years: GHS 53,380/year (~GHS 4,449/month)
5–10 years: GHS 71,020/year (~GHS 5,918/month)
10–15 years: GHS 81,180/year (~GHS 6,765/month)
15–20 years: GHS 89,960/year (~GHS 7,497/month)
20+ years: GHS 96,520/year (~GHS 8,043/month)
Additional Benefits and Allowances
In addition to the basic salary, Ghana Armed Forces personnel receive various benefits and allowances that contribute to their overall compensation. These can include:
Housing and Utilities:
The military provides accommodation for its personnel or offers housing allowances.
Health Benefits:
Military personnel and their families have access to healthcare services, often at the 37 Military Hospital and other military health facilities.
Hazard Pay:
Soldiers who are deployed to conflict zones or for peacekeeping missions receive additional allowances.
Other Allowances:
These can cover expenses for uniforms, transportation, and food.
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