Did you know that you can actually get into the Ghana Armed Forces successfully without paying any money? Yes it is possible!
Despite the rumors surrounding protocol in the Ghana Armed Forces, there are individuals who have successfully passed the recruitment process without any special connections. So don’t always rely on what others say.
About GAF’s Recruitment
Before you think of Joining the the military , there are some basic things that are required of interested Applicants. The key thing is, the interested person must be very passionate and serious about what he/she wants to get into. It is very honorable to work for God and Country. The moment the Armed Forces announce recruitment, they provide requirements, procedures and details to make sure the process becomes easy and safe. Therefore, those applying must take the following criteria seriously.
The Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment – How To Get In With No Protocol
1. Meet the Basic and specific Requirements
The first thing you need to assess is whether you meet the basic requirements of the or not. This is essential for the type of effort that goes into being a “soldier”. GAF has given their requirements on the kind of people they want to work with which can be found below;
- Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth and of good character.
- Should not be less than 18 years
- Must be medically fit according to Forces’ standards.
- Have Six (6) passes at BECE, including English and Mathematics
- Hold Six (6) passes (not less than 06), including Core Mathematics English and Core Mathematics at WASSCE/SSSCE
Read more about the requirements here
2. Know what you want
As an an aspiring soldier and an adult, you should do a little research to know a bit about what you really want to do when you join the military, since it has different branches.
- Are you applying for Army, Navy or Air Force?
- Do you want to join as an Officer (Degree holders)?
- Are you looking to be a cadet (Degree and masters holders)?
- Forwording your candidacy as a professional (Driver, Tailor, Carpenter, Band etc)?
- Applying as a sportsman (Footballers, Athletes, etc)?
- Sending an application as a Recruit (WASSCE)
- Applying as a General Duty Officer. (WASSCE, Diploma)
3. Have all relevant documents ready
It is important that potential trainees get all the necessary documentation available for appropriate screening. Without these documents, the security service might find it hard to process your application within the short period of time allocated for recruitment. You may be needed to send documents like:
- Birth Certificate
- BECE Certificate
- WASSCE Certificate
- NVTI/HND/DEGREE/MASTERS Certificate (Where Applicable)
NOTE: It is best present original copy as it could be requested when you go for screening.
4. Make sure your record is clean
It is expected of security officers to act as role models in their communities, and any crimes committed prior to becoming an officer can disqualify the applicant. It is therefore, recommended that officers have no criminal records.
5. Develop a strong work background
Having work experience helps prepare you for the long hours and strict requirements of a security jobs, and it also gives you an edge over applicants with no experience.
TIP: Consider taking a job that requires you to interact with the public. Officers need excellent communication skills.
6. Know your community
Soldiers are a familiar sight around communities, they must practically know every corner within their communities, but in order to really understand what its like. Find Officer friends and ask questions and sometimes visiting the barracks to have a feel.
7. Get physically fit
Security persons need to have quick reflexes, the ability to run short or long distances, the strength to chase, and sometimes the ability to even swerve bullets. You’ll have to pass a physical agility test to qualify, so start working out now to make sure you’re in your best physical shape. You need to at least be fit according to GAF Standards, and by their standards it means mastering the following activities: Sit ups, push ups, running and rope climbing.
8. Be Financially, emotionally, mentally and physically ready
The hiring cycle involves several stages, typically around five, that all candidates must pass through before being selected. These stages can take anywhere from 3 months to 6 months. It is also costly. All steps take place in Accra, so if you don’t live there, you may experience additional expenses, travelling in and out of Accra on several occasions. You will also need to do a lot of printing, physical tests and medical examinations. Be prepared for last-minute calls to visit Burma Camp or the 37 Military Hospital, as candidates are often summoned on very short notice.
Many applicants have withdrawn due to some of these challenges. Therefore, it is important to be ready to endure these demands. This journey is best suited for passionate individuals who are determined to push through no matter what.
Be smart and strategic
Given everything we have covered in point 9, we recommend that aspirants be smart and strategic. Once you apply to be part of the forces, start planning ahead. Make sure you have a reliable source of funding if you are not already employed. If you live far from Accra, consider relocating there for about 6 months to save on transportation costs and reduce stress.
Also, begin preparing for the “Basic Fitness Test – BFT (Sit ups, push ups, running)” and “Aptitude Test” right away. Being well-prepared will help you go through the process as smoothly as possible.
Conclusion
In summary, passing the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment cycle without any protocol is very possible with the right preparation and determination. By meeting all the general criteria, staying organized and being physically and mentally ready, you can successfully pull through.