–BY Grace Zigah
In a move to address growing concerns about politicisation and partisan infiltration within Ghana’s security services as being targeted by the National Democratic Congress, President John Mahama has announced the establishment of a high-level board of inquiry to investigate recent Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercises.
The investigative panel, according to the President, will assess irregularities and allegations of political interference that have dogged the military’s enlistment process—claims that have persisted for years but have intensified under public scrutiny in recent months.
This action marks a significant development in the Mahama administration’s broader plan to clean up Ghana’s security sector, particularly regarding recruitment protocols.
The President’s commitment to these reforms stems from his party’s long-standing criticisms of alleged militia infiltration and favoritism during enlistments under previous administrations, especially those led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During his 120-day address on the government’s “Social Contract with the People,” delivered from the Jubilee House, President Mahama reiterated a key campaign promise: to purge the security services of political and vigilante influence and restore professionalism and neutrality within their ranks.
“We promised to commence investigative processes into security agencies to rid state institutions of militia and vigilante elements and enhance professionalism,” the President stated.
Scope of the Investigation
The newly inaugurated board of inquiry is tasked with reviewing recent military recruitment exercises to uncover discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
Sources close to the Presidency indicate that the probe will focus on recruitment campaigns held over the past two years, which have reportedly excluded qualified applicants for political reasons while favouring individuals with partisan connections.
In addition to the probe, the government is rolling out a multi-layered vetting system for both new recruits and existing personnel.
This includes a sophisticated biometric database that cross-references applicants with national criminal records and security intelligence data.
“This system is designed to automatically disqualify any applicant linked to political vigilante groups or criminal networks,” Mahama said, describing the vetting mechanism as “an essential safeguard against partisan infiltration.”
Ideological Reorientation
Beyond technical reforms, ideological retraining programs are also being introduced.
All recruits and current personnel will undergo sessions aimed at reinforcing loyalty to the Constitution and state institutions, rather than political factions.
“This isn’t just a recruitment matter—it’s a battle for the soul of our security institutions,” the President declared.
“We are preparing mandatory ideological reorientation sessions to reinforce military neutrality, national unity and allegiance to the state.”
The recruitment process itself is also being decentralized to limit central political interference.
Regional recruitment offices will be granted greater autonomy, subject to oversight by the new vetting board and the Ministry of Defence.
Reforms
The military is just the beginning. President Mahama revealed that similar investigations and reforms are being undertaken across other branches of the security services, including the Ghana Police Service, the Fire Service, and the Prisons Service.
“The objective is clear,” Mahama concluded. “We must rebuild trust in our security institutions, and that begins with rooting out the seeds of politicisation.”
