Why people with double piercings, tattoos, ‘K legs’ are not allowed in military — PRO explains

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained why individuals with tattoos, double piercings, flat feet, and bow legs—commonly referred to as “K legs”—are disqualified from military recruitment.

These restrictions form part of the GAF’s eligibility criteria, aimed at ensuring that recruits are physically fit and able to endure the demands of military training and operations.

According to Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, flat feet and bow legs pose medical concerns that could affect performance during training.

“Tattoo, double piercing, bow legs or flat foot—what is normally known as K legs—negatively impede your training, operations, and activities. That is why you are not picked,” she said on TV3’s New Day show on Monday, August 4.

“If you have flat foot, you cannot stand on parade for long hours because we have very sensitive veins under our feet. A flat-footed person may eventually collapse or even pass out during training. So, it’s on medical grounds,” she added.

On why tattoos and body piercings are disallowed, Captain Arhin explained that these are considered disciplinary issues, not medical ones.

“I believe every military has its set-down rules and policies. And for us, the rules for the Ghana Armed Forces are clear—we do not accept it,” she said, responding to comparisons with foreign militaries that allow tattoos and piercings.