The Ghana Army has cautioned newly trained soldiers against the misuse of social media and military uniforms, urging them to protect the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and comply with the laws of Ghana.
The warning was issued during the passing-out parade of 646 recruits of the Basic Infantry Training Course (BITC) 1-26 at the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS), Shai Hills, in the Greater Accra Region, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The recruits began their military training on March 27, 2026, and underwent six months of intensive instruction covering physical fitness, military drills, tactics, weapons training, fieldcraft, map reading, military law and first aid.
646 Recruits Complete Ghana Army Training
The Reviewing Officer, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, disclosed that 650 recruits initially enrolled in the training programme.
However, four recruits were unable to complete the course due to medical and disciplinary issues.
He said the 646 recruits who successfully passed out had met the required standards to begin their professional careers in the Ghana Armed Forces.
Following demonstrations of military drills in slow and quick time, the recruits were led by Brigadier General Awaribey to take the oath of allegiance.
New Soldiers Urged to Maintain Military Discipline
Brigadier General Awaribey reminded the newly trained soldiers that the passing-out ceremony was not the end of their Ghana Army careers, but rather the beginning of their professional journey.
He encouraged them to approach future military courses with humility, commitment and determination while maintaining high standards of discipline, integrity, courage, loyalty and professionalism.
The Reviewing Officer specifically warned the soldiers about the responsible use of social media.
He said recruits must avoid sharing operational information, photographs or videos online in ways that could compromise military operations, national security or the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Ghana Army Warns Against Misuse of Military Uniforms
The new soldiers were also cautioned against abusing the military uniform for unauthorised activities.
Brigadier General Awaribey warned them against using their uniforms for debt collection, land guarding, fraudulent activities, unnecessary disputes or other duties not authorised by the Ghana Armed Forces.
He further cautioned the recruits against the use of illicit drugs and prohibited substances.
According to him, wearing a military uniform does not place a soldier above the law. Soldiers remain subject to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, national laws and the regulations governing the Ghana Armed Forces.
He also advised the recruits to carefully consider the people they associate with, noting that friends and relatives could sometimes influence soldiers to misuse their positions or military uniforms.
New Soldiers Could Serve in Peacekeeping Missions
Brigadier General Awaribey noted that some of the newly trained soldiers could eventually take part in national and international peace support operations.
He stressed that such assignments would require a high level of discipline, professionalism and strict obedience to lawful orders.
The Reviewing Officer commended the instructors and staff of the Army Recruit Training School for their contribution to the successful training programme.
He also acknowledged the support provided by the families of the recruits throughout the six-month military training period.
The receiving units were urged to provide proper guidance, mentorship and professional development for the new soldiers.
The recruits, meanwhile, were encouraged to wear their uniforms with pride, serve Ghana with honour, obey lawful orders and remain loyal to the Constitution and the Ghana Armed Forces.
Awards Presented to Outstanding Ghana Army Recruits
Several recruits were recognised for outstanding performance during the military training programme.
Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Sarah Nyarkowaa Twum received the Chief Staff Officer’s Army Headquarters’ Award as the best all-round female recruit.
Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Stephen Atendana Solomba won the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Award for best drill.
The Commander of the Army Training Command’s Award for academic excellence went to Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Alfred Asare Koranteng.
The overall best recruit was Recruit Warrant Officer Class I Ebenezer Akwasi Midorse, who received the Chief of the Army Staff’s Award. He also emerged as the best recruit in tactics.
Kamina Company was adjudged the best company after winning the cross-country and steeplechase competitions.
Other individual awards went to Recruit Sergeant Patrick Appiah for best shot, Recruit Sergeant Jeffrey Darko Adjei for fieldcraft, Recruit Sergeant Bright Ahenkora for physical training, Recruit Sergeant Esther Netteyley Nettey for voice procedure, Recruit Sergeant Francis Bang Puoriyelle for first aid and Recruit Sergeant Hayford Leonard Nketiah for map reading.
The passing-out ceremony marked an important milestone for the 646 recruits as they officially begin their careers as members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Source: newsthemegh.com