The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has 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 applying.
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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 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.
“So, in Ghana, we can extend our age limit to say 35yrs or even 40yrs 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.
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“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 minister added.
Read the posts below:
I have had many calls from our Party foot soldiers regarding the Army Recruitment & max age for prospective Applicants. They aren’t happy.
So I decided to look at some countries & their set standards in this matter.
These are my findings:
AFRICA:
1. Benin
Minimum: 21 for…— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) October 8, 2025
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