Sam George, Dafeamekpor Call for Higher Age Limit in Military Recruitment, Cite Global Practices

Communications Minister Sam Nartey George and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor are urging the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to review its current age limit for enlistment, proposing an increase to 35 years in line with international standards.

In a Facebook post, Mr. George argued that many Ghanaians in their thirties remain physically capable and mentally prepared to serve, and that disqualifying them based solely on age is unfair.

“I believe an upper limit of 35 years would serve our young people better. Let’s nurture their dreams and not kill them,” he stated.

Mr. Dafeamekpor, backing the proposal in a post on X (formerly Twitter), cited global examples showing that Ghana’s recruitment age limit is more restrictive than many countries.

Global Comparisons

According to his research:

• In Africa, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo allow enlistment up to 35 years, while Kenya extends to 39 years for certain roles, and Tanzania goes as high as 62 years.
• In Europe, the UK allows enlistment up to 36 years for regular soldiers and 42 years for reservists, while Germany has a general limit of 50 years.
• In Australia and other parts of North America and Asia, older applicants are often accepted, particularly for non-combatant or specialised positions.

Mr. Dafeamekpor suggested that Ghana could safely increase its maximum age to 35 or even 40 years, especially for medically fit or skilled professionals.

Current GAF Recruitment Criteria

Under the 2025 GAF recruitment guidelines:

• Non-tradesmen must be 25 years or younger.
• Tradesmen must be 27 years or younger.

Applicants must also be Ghanaian by birth, unmarried, medically fit, and possess the requisite academic qualifications.

Meanwhile, the GAF has announced that its 2025 recruitment exercise will soon open across all 16 regional capitals, inviting qualified applicants to join the service.