A political analyst, Richard Kumadoe, has urged politicians to refrain from interfering in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment process and allow the military’s leadership to independently determine the appropriate age requirements for enlisting personnel.
His remarks come amid heightened public debate following calls by the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, and the MP for South Dayi, Nelson Rockson Defeamekpor, for the GAF to raise its recruitment age limit to 35 years.
The MPs argue that such an adjustment would enable more energetic and dedicated young people to serve their country through the military.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Antwi Boasiako on Happy 98.9 FM’s Happy Kaseɛbɔ, Mr. Kumadoe explained that age is only one of several criteria considered during the recruitment process.
He dismissed claims that the GAF only recruits individuals below the age of 25, clarifying that the age limit varies depending on the category of enlistment.
According to him, the current structure sets the maximum age for non-tradesmen at 25 years, tradesmen at 27 years, and other specialized categories at up to 30 years.
“Each category has its specific age requirement, and this system ensures fairness and efficiency,” he noted.
Mr. Kumadoe stressed that the Armed Forces require physically capable and disciplined individuals, and therefore, decisions regarding recruitment standards should remain within the purview of the military hierarchy, free from political influence.
