If you’re planning to apply to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), knowing the requirements is the first and most important step. Many applicants make mistakes during the process because they don’t carefully read the eligibility guidelines, which often leads to disqualification.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key eligibility criteria and special requirements for both tradesmen and non-tradesmen applicants, so you can confidently prepare for your application.
General Eligibility Requirements
Every applicant must meet the following basic requirements:
- Nationality & Character
- Must be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.
- Must be of good character and not married.
- Age Limit
- Non-tradesmen: 18–25 years by 30th December.
- Tradesmen: 18–27 years by 30th December.
- Medical Fitness
- Must be medically fit by Ghana Armed Forces standards.
- Must not be bonded.
- Height
- Male: Minimum of 1.68m.
- Female: Minimum of 1.57m.
- Military Police: Minimum of 1.75m (males) and 1.70m (females).
- Education
- Minimum of 6 credits (not less than grade 6) at BECE, including English and Mathematics.
- For WASSCE:
- Army – 6 passes (up to D7 allowed in English & Mathematics + 4 other subjects).
- Navy & Air Force – At least C6 in all subjects (D7 not accepted).
- For tradesmen: Relevant technical, vocational, or professional certifications.
Special Requirements for Tradesmen
If you are applying as a tradesman, additional qualifications are needed depending on your specialization. These include:
- Engineering Corps – Certificates in electrical installation, plant mechanics, welding, plumbing, carpentry or masonry.
- Technical & IT Roles – Certifications in computer programming, web design (HTML, PHP, CSS, CMS, Adobe Photoshop), network administration or database management.
- Special Units – Plant operators, machine technicians, biomedical technicians, drivers, cooks, supply clerks, photographers, cinematographers and more require trade specific qualifications.
Each trade area has its own recognized certificates and diplomas required for consideration.
Key Takeaway
- If you are a non-tradesman, focus on your age, fitness and academic results (Army accepts up to D7, Navy & Air Force require C6).
- If you are a tradesman, ensure you have the right technical or vocational certification for your chosen role.
Failing to meet any of these requirements means you won’t even be shortlisted so check carefully before applying.
Additional Resources
For step-by-step instructions on the actual application process, you can check out my earlier video or read my full guide.
If you want to go beyond military recruitment and learn how to achieve financial freedom, I recommend downloading my free eBook: Achieving Your Greatest Dreams
Non-tradesmen must be between 18–25 years, while tradesmen can apply up to age 27 by 30th December
Yes, but only for the Army. The Navy and Air Force require at least C6 in all subjects.
Male applicants: Minimum of 1.68m
Female applicants: Minimum of 1.57m
Military Police: 1.75m (male) and 1.70m (female)
Yes. Applicants must pass Ghana Armed Forces medical standards.
No. Only unmarried applicants are eligible.
Author Profile
David Asaana is a Digital Marketer, Author and Entrepreneur with over five years of experience. He has worked with 4,000+ clients across Ghana, the USA, the UK, and beyond. His YouTube channel where he shares step-by-step tutorials on digital marketing and business growth has reached more than 1.9 million views.
