The Ghana Army has cautioned newly trained soldiers against the misuse of social media and their uniforms.
The have also been urged 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, on Friday (September 25, 2026).
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 for 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.
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.
He further urged them to be mindful of the company they kept, saying friends or relatives could sometimes encourage soldiers to misuse their positions or uniforms.
He said some of the recruits could eventually participate in internal and international peace support operations, where discipline, professionalism, and obedience to lawful orders would be essential.
The Reviewing Officer commended the instructors and staff for their efforts and acknowledged the support of families throughout the recruits’ training.
He urged the receiving units to guide, mentor, and develop the new soldiers, while encouraging the recruits to wear their uniforms with pride, serve with honour, obey lawful orders, and remain faithful to the Constitution and the GAF.
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).
