In a solemn ceremony held at the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) in Shai Hills, Greater Accra Region, the Ghana Army officially welcomed 646 newly trained soldiers into its ranks. The passing-out parade, which took place on Friday, September 25, 2026, marked the completion of the Basic Infantry Training Course (BITC) 1-26. The recruits, who commenced their training on March 27, 2026, underwent a rigorous six-month program encompassing physical training, drill, tactics, weapon training, fieldcraft, map reading, military law, and first aid.
Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command, presided over the event as the Reviewing Officer. He noted that 650 recruits initially started the course, but some were unable to complete it due to medical and disciplinary reasons. The 646 recruits who passed out demonstrated the requisite standards necessary to embark on their careers as soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
During his address, Brig. Gen. Awaribey emphasized that the passing-out parade symbolized the beginning of the recruits' military careers rather than the culmination. He urged them to approach future career courses with humility and determination while maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity, courage, loyalty, and professionalism.
The Reviewing Officer issued a stern warning against the misuse of social media and military uniforms. He cautioned the recruits against posting operational information, photographs, or videos on social media platforms in ways that could compromise military operations or tarnish the reputation of the GAF. Additionally, he warned against the use of illicit drugs and prohibited substances and advised against misusing military uniforms for unauthorized activities such as debt collection, land guarding, fraudulent activities, or unnecessary disputes.
Brig. Gen. Awaribey reminded the recruits that wearing the military uniform did not exempt them from adhering to the law. He stressed that soldiers remained subject to the Constitution, national laws, and Armed Forces regulations. He further advised them to be cautious of their associations, as friends or relatives might encourage them to misuse their positions or uniforms.
The Reviewing Officer highlighted the potential for some recruits to participate in internal and international peace support operations, where discipline, professionalism, and obedience to lawful orders would be paramount. He commended the instructors and staff for their dedication and acknowledged the support of families throughout the recruits' training.
In his concluding remarks, Brig. Gen. Awaribey urged receiving units to guide, mentor, and develop the new soldiers while encouraging them to wear their uniforms with pride, serve with honor, obey lawful orders, and remain faithful to the Constitution and the GAF.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding recruits for their excellence in various disciplines. Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Sarah Nyarkowaa Twum received the Chief Staff Officer’s Army Headquarters’ Award for being the best all-round female recruit. Recruit Warrant Officer Class II Stephen Atendana Solomba was awarded 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 as 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 excelling in cross-country and steeplechase competitions.
Additional awards were presented 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).
The event concluded with a display of military drills in slow and quick time, after which the recruits were led by Brig. Gen. Awaribey to swear the oath of allegiance, marking their formal induction into the Ghana Armed Forces.
