Former Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised calls from Sam George for changes to the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment age, warning against attempts to politicise the institution.
His reaction follows a public statement by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who suggested that the Armed Forces should review the age limits for new applicants.
In a social media post, Rev Ntim Fordjour described the comments by Sam George and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor as “uninformed populism,” insisting that the current recruitment criteria are long-established and not politically motivated.
“Hon Sam George, Hon Dafeamekpor and those who want to make the Ghana Armed Forces a dumping ground for unqualified aged foot soldiers should be guided,” he said. “If you had read the recruitment guidelines, you would know that qualified applicants between 30 and 35 years are already eligible to apply for certain regiments and brigades.”
The former deputy minister emphasised that the age limits vary across different categories of enlistment and are based on operational requirements, not political influence. He added that Ghana’s median age of 21 underscores the need to maintain standards that attract younger, physically fit recruits.
He urged those calling for changes to the policy to “read and understand” the Armed Forces’ recruitment procedures before making public statements.
Source: metrotvonline.com