Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has thrown his support behind calls for a review of the maximum age for enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), describing the proposal as fair and inclusive.
His comments follow public advocacy by the Minister for Communication, Digital Innovation and Technology, Sam Nartey George, who argued that the current age ceiling unfairly disqualifies capable and physically fit Ghanaians in their 30s. Majority Whip and MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, also backed Sam George’s proposal in a post on X, revealing that many party supporters had raised concerns about the age limit. He cited comparative data showing that several countries, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, and the United States, permit enlistment beyond 30 years.
The issue has gained traction amid the ongoing GAF recruitment exercise, which has sparked debate over age restrictions.
Mr. Kotoko said the proposal aligns with principles of fairness and opportunity for all Ghanaians.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on October 13, he defended NDC legislators pushing for the reform, insisting that their advocacy reflects genuine concerns from ordinary citizens.
“I do not see what is wrong with Hon. Dafeamekpor’s statement. This is an MP on the ticket of the NDC who will always ordinarily make submissions public, private, wherever, based on feedback from his people, and it does not rule out that these people are also known Ghanaians.
“The fact that he has got these concerns from his party folks does not mean that if the proposal is agreed, those who will be recruited will only be NDC or only those from South Dayi, so I don’t see anything wrong with this,” he said.
He said the call for a fairer enlistment process was consistent with the Mahama-led government’s commitment to meritocracy and national development.
Mr. Kotoko expressed optimism that the Mahama administration would ensure recruitment processes across state institutions, including the security services, are transparent, merit-based, and inclusive of all qualified Ghanaians regardless of age or political affiliation.
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Source:Lovinghananews.com
