Overview
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruits new personnel through an annual Military Enlistment Exercise for other ranks, alongside a separate Officer Cadet / Military Academy intake, both run through the official Apply.Mil.Gh online portal. For the 2026/2027 cycle, the recruitment portal for the Military Enlistment Exercise opened on 4 September 2026.
Who can apply
Applicants must be Ghanaian citizens of good character, unmarried (for Regular Cadet entry) and not bonded to another employer, and medically fit according to GAF standards, including the ability to pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test. For Regular Cadet entry, candidates must be between 18 and 26 years old as of the relevant cut-off date set for that intake. Minimum height standards apply (1.68m for males and 1.57m for females for general entry, with higher standards for certain specialist units). Academic requirements include at least six credits (including required core subjects) at BECE or WASSCE level, with higher qualifications required for officer-level entry.
Selection process
The process includes document and eligibility screening, a Pre-Joining Fitness Test, medical examination, and further selection stages (such as aptitude testing and interviews) specific to the entry route (other ranks versus Officer Cadet/Military Academy).
How to apply
Applications are submitted only through the official Apply.Mil.Gh portal; GAF has stated this is the sole legitimate application platform, warning against unofficial portals or agents.
After the exam
Candidates who are selected undergo basic military training, followed by specialist or academy training (for Officer Cadets) before being posted to a unit.
Preparation tips
Since the Pre-Joining Fitness Test and medical screening are standard disqualifying hurdles, building general fitness well ahead of the portal opening date, and gathering required academic and identity documents early, avoids last-minute issues during the screening stage.
What is the official application portal for Ghana Armed Forces recruitment?
Apply.Mil.Gh, which GAF states is the only legitimate platform for applications.
What is the minimum academic qualification for Ghana Armed Forces recruitment?
At least six credits, including required core subjects, at BECE or WASSCE level for general entry; officer-level entry requires higher qualifications.