GHANA ARMY WARNS 646 NEW SOLDIERS TO STAY DISCIPLINED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND NEVER ABUSE THE UNIFORM

The Ghana Army has issued a strong warning to 646 newly trained soldiers against irresponsible conduct on social media and the misuse of military uniforms as they begin their careers in the Ghana Armed Forces.

The warning was delivered during the passing-out parade for recruits of the Basic Infantry Training Course 1-26 at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills in the Greater Accra Region on Friday, September 25.

Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, General Officer Commanding Southern Command and Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, told the new soldiers that completing basic training marked the beginning rather than the end of their military development.

He urged them to maintain discipline, integrity, courage, loyalty and professionalism throughout their careers.

Particular attention was placed on social media.

The recruits were cautioned against publishing operational information, photographs or videos online in ways that could compromise military operations or bring the Ghana Armed Forces into disrepute.

The warning reflects growing concern within military institutions around the world about the security risks created when personnel publish sensitive material online.

Photographs and videos that may appear harmless can potentially expose military locations, personnel, equipment or operational information.

The Army therefore urged the recruits to exercise discretion in their online activities and recognize that their behavior on social media could have consequences for both themselves and the wider Armed Forces.

The warning did not end online.

Awaribey also cautioned the soldiers against using their uniforms or military status for unauthorized activities.

They were specifically warned against involvement in land guarding, debt collection, fraudulent activities, unnecessary personal disputes and other activities outside their authorized military duties.

The Army stressed that wearing a military uniform does not place a soldier above Ghanaian law.

Personnel remain subject to the Constitution, national laws and the regulations governing the Ghana Armed Forces.

The recruits were also cautioned against illicit drugs and prohibited substances.

Awaribey urged them to be careful about their personal associations, warning that friends and relatives could attempt to persuade soldiers to misuse their positions or uniforms for private interests.

The 646 recruits completed six months of intensive military training after reporting to the Army Recruit Training School in March.

A total of 650 recruits initially began the programmed, but some did not complete the course for medical and disciplinary reasons.

Their training covered physical fitness, military drills, tactics, weapons handling, fieldcraft, map reading, military law and first aid.

Those who successfully completed the programmed were formally admitted into military service after meeting the required standards.

The recruits also swore the oath of allegiance during the ceremony.

Some could eventually participate in domestic security assignments and international peace support operations, making discipline and responsible handling of operational information particularly important.

Outstanding recruits were recognized during the passing-out ceremony.

Recruit Ebenezer Akwasi Midorse emerged as the overall best recruit and also received the award for best in tactics.

Sarah Nyarkowaa Twum was recognised as the overall best female recruit, while Stephen Atendana Solomba received the award for best in drill.

Alfred Asare Koranteng was recognised for academic excellence.

Other awards covered marksmanship, fieldcraft, physical training, voice procedure, first aid and map reading.

Kamina Company emerged as the overall best company after winning the cross-country and steeplechase events.

As the new soldiers move into active military service, the Army's message is that the uniform comes with responsibilities that extend beyond the barracks.

Their conduct on social media, interactions with civilians and use of military authority will all be expected to reflect the standards of the Ghana Armed Forces.