Ghana Army cautions new soldiers against uniform, social media misuse

The Ghana Army has cautioned newly trained soldiers against the misuse of their uniforms and social media, urging them to uphold the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and obey the laws of Ghana.

The warning was given at 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 yesterday.

The recruits reported for training on March 27, 2026, and underwent six months of intensive training in physical training, drill, tactics, weapon training, fieldcraft, map reading, military law and first aid.

The Reviewing Officer, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, said 650 recruits commenced the course, but some were unable to complete the training due to medical and disciplinary reasons.

He said the 646 recruits who passed out had satisfied the requisite standards to begin their careers as soldiers of the GAF. Discipline

After a display of military drills in slow and quick time, the recruits were led by the Brig. Gen. Awaribey to swear the oath of allegiance.

The Reviewing Officer reminded the recruits that passing out marked the beginning, rather than the end, of their military careers.

He urged them to approach subsequent career courses with humility and determination and maintain the highest standards of discipline, integrity, courage, loyalty and professionalism.

He cautioned them against posting operational information, photographs or videos on social media in ways that could compromise military operations or bring the GAF into disrepute.

He also warned against the use of illicit drugs and prohibited substances, as well as misuse of the military uniform for debt collection, land guarding, fraudulent activities, unnecessary disputes or other unauthorised duties.

Brig. Gen Awaribey stressed that wearing the military uniform did not place soldiers above the law, reminding them that they remained subject to the Constitution, national laws and the regulations of the Armed Forces. Awards

Outstanding recruits were recognised for excellence in various disciplines.

Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Sarah Nyarkowaa Twum received the Chief Staff Officer's Army Headquarters' Award as the best all-round female recruit, while Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Stephen Atendana Solomba won the Sergeant Major of the Army's Award for best drill.

The Commander, Army Training Command's Award for academic excellence went to Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Alfred Asare Koranteng.

Recruit Warrant Officer Class I Ebenezer Akwasi Midorse emerged the overall best recruit and received the Chief of the Army Staff's Award. He also won the award for best in tactics.

Kamina Company was adjudged the best company after winning the cross-country and steeplechase competitions.

Other awards went to 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).

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— Graphic Online