The Ghana Army has cautioned newly trained soldiers against abusing social media and misusing their military uniforms, urging them to protect the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and adhere to the laws of Ghana. The caution was issued during the passing-out parade of 646 recruits who successfully completed the Basic Infantry Training Course (BITC) 1-26 at the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) at Shai Hills in the Greater Accra Region on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The recruits began their training on March 27, 2026, and underwent six months of intensive instruction in physical training, drill, tactics, weapons handling, fieldcraft, map reading, military law and first aid. The Reviewing Officer and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, disclosed that 650 recruits initially commenced the course, but some were unable to complete the programme due to medical and disciplinary reasons. He said the 646 recruits who passed out had met the required standards and were now qualified to begin their careers as soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Discipline
Following a display of military drills in slow and quick time, the recruits, led by Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, took the oath of allegiance. The Reviewing Officer reminded the recruits that their passing-out ceremony marked the beginning, rather than the end, of their military careers. He urged them to approach future career courses with humility and determination while upholding the highest standards of discipline, integrity, courage, loyalty and professionalism.
Brig. Gen. Awaribey cautioned the new soldiers against sharing operational information, photographs or videos on social media in ways that could compromise military operations or tarnish the image of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). He also warned them against the use of illicit drugs and prohibited substances, as well as the misuse of military uniforms for debt collection, land guarding, fraudulent activities, unnecessary disputes or other unauthorised duties.
He stressed that wearing the military uniform did not place soldiers above the law, noting that they remained subject to the Constitution, national laws and regulations governing the Armed Forces. The Reviewing Officer further advised the recruits to be mindful of the company they kept, explaining that friends and relatives could sometimes influence soldiers to abuse their positions or misuse their uniforms.
He noted that some of the recruits could eventually be deployed on internal and international peace support operations, where discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to lawful orders would be crucial. Brig. Gen. Awaribey commended the instructors and staff for their dedication to the training of the recruits and acknowledged the support provided by their families throughout the programme.
He also urged the receiving units to provide guidance, mentorship and professional development for the newly trained soldiers. The recruits, in turn, were encouraged to wear their uniforms with pride, serve with honour, obey lawful orders and remain loyal to the Constitution and the Ghana Armed Forces.
Awards
Several recruits were honoured for their outstanding performance across various training disciplines. Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Sarah Nyarkowaa Twum earned the Army Headquarters Chief Staff Officer’s Award as the best all-round female recruit, while Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Stephen Atendana Solomba received the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Award for excellence in drill. The Commander of the Army Training Command’s Award for academic achievement went to Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Alfred Asare Koranteng.
Recruit Warrant Officer Class I Ebenezer Akwasi Midorse emerged as the overall best recruit, securing the Chief of the Army Staff’s Award and an additional accolade for excellence in tactics. Kamina Company was named the best company after triumphing in both the cross-country and steeplechase events.
Other award recipients included Recruit Sergeant Patrick Appiah (best shot), Recruit Sergeant Jeffrey Darko Adjei (fieldcraft), Recruit Sergeant Bright Ahenkora (physical training), Recruit Sergeant Esther Netteyley Nettey (voice procedure), Recruit Sergeant Francis Bang Puoriyelle (first aid), and Recruit Sergeant Hayford Leonard Nketiah (map reading).
