Sam George (L), Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (M) and Rev John Ntim Fordjour (R)
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has lambasted two Members of Parliament from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for calling for a review of the age limit for potential applicants seeking enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
According to Rev Ntim Fordjour, the call by Sam George and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor is needless and lacks any merit-based justification.
The Assin South MP described the move as an attempt by the two NDC legislators to pave the way for what he termed as “unqualified, overage NDC foot soldiers” to be enlisted into the military, an attempt he said would be resisted.
Taking to social media on October 8, 2025, Rev Ntim Fordjour wrote, “Hon Sam George and Hon Dafeamekpor’s call for unqualified, overage NDC foot soldiers into the military is a misconceived and misguided populist agenda.
“We will resist every attempt by the NDC to load their overage foot soldiers into the Ghana Armed Forces.
“The Ghana Armed Forces is not a dumping ground for overage NDC foot soldiers. NDC Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentary Leadership must be made to know that it is extremely backward and dangerous to force unqualified people into the military as a reward for party patronage.
“Stop the undue interference in the credible and professional recruitment process currently underway by the Ghana Armed Forces.”
It may be recalled that the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, called for an urgent review of the maximum age limit for enlistment into the security services, particularly the military.
According to him, party foot soldiers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are unhappy with the ongoing army recruitment, as the current maximum age limit prevents some of them from being eligible to apply.
In a post on his X page on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Dafeamekpor stated that most of the calls he has received from aggrieved party foot soldiers were about the maximum age limit of 30 years.
“I have had many calls from our Party foot soldiers regarding the Army Recruitment and max age for prospective applicants. They aren’t happy,” he wrote.
The lawmaker for the South Dayi Constituency, in furtherance of his point, referenced the maximum age limits for military recruitment in other countries around the world.
Dafeamekpor cited examples from African countries such as Benin and the Ivory Coast, where the maximum age limit for prospective applicants is 35 years, adding that this provides opportunities for individuals who fall within that age bracket.
He called for the same approach to be considered in Ghana, proposing an extension of the maximum age limit to 40 years.
He, however, emphasised that this must come with clear conditions and defined roles for individuals within that age group.
Military Recruitment: ‘Party foot soldiers not happy’ – NDC gurus demand adjustment to age limit
“So, in Ghana, we can extend our age limit to say 35 years or even 40 years, depending on the medical fitness and non-combatant roles. We need new ways of doing things,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has also supported the call to extend the maximum age limit, proposing an upper limit of 35 years.
According to him, many individuals in the 30-year age group are physically able and fit to serve in the military.
“I honestly believe it is time for our beloved Nation to re-examine the maximum age for enlistment into our military services. There are people in their 30s who are physically fit and sound enough to serve their Nation. We must not deny them this opportunity simply because of their age,” he proposed.
“There is precedence across the world. I believe an upper limit of 35 years would serve our young people better. Let’s nurture their dreams and not kill it,” the Member of Parliament for Ningo- Prampram added.
Hon Sam George and Hon Dafeamekpor’s call for unqualified overage NDC foot soldiers into military is a misconceived and misguided populist agenda.
We will resist every attempt by NDC to load their overage foot soldiers into Ghana Armed Forces. Ghana Armed Forces is not a…
— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) October 8, 2025
Meanwhile, catch the highlights of Sarkodie x Shatta Wale’s epic performance at Rapperholic Homecoming on GhanaWeb TV below:
