President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a board of investigation to probe alleged irregularities in recent recruitment exercises for the Ghana Armed Forces. This move forms part of his government’s broader effort to reform recruitment practices and eliminate political interference in Ghana’s security sector.
Delivering his 120-day progress report on the Social Contract, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to depoliticizing state security agencies and ending the influence of militia and vigilante groups.
“We promised to initiate investigations into the operations of security agencies, to rid state security institutions of militia and vigilante elements, and to enhance professionalism,” the President stated.
Board of Inquiry to Overhaul Recruitment Process
The newly established board of inquiry will scrutinize recent military recruitment procedures, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions to ensure fairness and transparency.
“The board is tasked to investigate recent recruitment procedures, uncover discrepancies, and implement corrective measures,” Mahama explained.
The President’s decision comes against a backdrop of longstanding allegations of political interference and favoritism in the enlistment processes under successive administrations.
New Vetting and Biometric Systems Introduced
To address these issues, President Mahama announced the rollout of a comprehensive vetting system for both new recruits and serving personnel.
“Robust background checks are being conducted for all recruits and serving personnel,” he said.
He further revealed the implementation of a biometric database, allowing profiles to be cross-referenced with national criminal and security intelligence records.
“This system will automatically disqualify applicants linked to political vigilante networks,” the President emphasized, adding that the goal is to decentralize and depoliticize recruitment processes.
Ideological Training to Reinforce Professionalism
President Mahama also unveiled plans to introduce mandatory ideological reorientation programs aimed at strengthening loyalty to the Constitution, promoting national unity, and reinforcing military neutrality.
“Mandatory ideological reorientation sessions are planned to reinforce military neutrality, national unity, and loyalty to the state and the Constitution,” he noted.
Similar reforms, the President disclosed, are being implemented across other security agencies including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service.
These reforms, Mahama explained, aim to restore professionalism and public trust in Ghana’s security institutions while insulating them from partisan influence.
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