I cry for mother Ghana: The broken system of military recruitment

By Peter Justice GARIBA

Once again, Ghana has been plunged into mourning — not only for the lives lost, but for the hope that keeps dying slowly in the hearts of its youth. The recent scenes of chaos and tragedy during the military recruitment exercise have left a deep wound on our national conscience.

It is a painful reminder of how far we have fallen as a nation when our young men and women — desperate for a chance to serve their country — are herded like cattle, humiliated, extorted, and, in some cases, left lifeless on the ground.

What kind of country treats its future this way?

A system built on desperation

Every year, thousands of Ghanaian youth rush to military recruitment centers, dreaming of a stable job, respect, and a better life. But beneath this patriotic call lies a darker reality — unemployment has crippled our nation so deeply that even the faintest opportunity sparks a stampede. When over 30,000 people are summoned to one location for recruitment, what outcome do we expect? Order? Safety? Fairness? Or chaos, exploitation, and despair?

The truth is bitter: our system is broken. The recruitment process has become a reflection of our national decay — poor planning, lack of accountability, and a disregard for human dignity. The sheer number of applicants tells a story of hopelessness, not ambition. It tells of a generation that has been abandoned by its leaders and left to fight for survival by any means necessary.

The human cost: Families in tears

Behind every statistic are grieving families — mothers who sold their last possessions to fund their children’s travel to recruitment centers, fathers who borrowed money with the hope that this opportunity would finally lift their families out of poverty. And when tragedy strikes, these same families are left with nothing but sorrow, debt, and unanswered questions.

The loss of even a single life in such a process is unacceptable. Yet, time and again, we hear of stampedes, exhaustion, and needless suffering — all because of disorganization and greed. Who takes responsibility? Who will answer for the blood that stains the soil of our military training grounds?

Extortion in the shadows

Beyond the physical tragedy lies another cancer — corruption and extortion. Reports abound of officials and middlemen demanding bribes to “secure” recruitment slots. Young people are forced to pay thousands of cedis, often selling their meager belongings, only to end up disappointed and betrayed. This is not recruitment; this is exploitation — a cruel trade in dreams.

When public service becomes a business for the few, and patriotism a commodity to be sold, we lose the moral foundation of our society. The Ghana Armed Forces should symbolize honor, fairness, and service — not a marketplace of influence and bribery.

A call for accountability and reform

It is time for those in authority to take responsibility. Organizing a recruitment exercise that attracts tens of thousands to one venue, without proper crowd management or fairness, is reckless and dangerous. Lives have been lost because of poor planning and negligence, and this cannot be swept under the carpet.

We need a complete overhaul of the recruitment system — one that is transparent, decentralized, and digitalized. Regional recruitment centers, clear communication, and online application systems can reduce congestion and human contact, minimizing the opportunity for corruption and chaos. This is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Unemployment: The root of the crisis

At the heart of this disaster lies a deeper issue — the unemployment crisis. Our youth are not lazy; they are desperate. They are ready to serve, to work, to contribute. Yet, the system offers them little. The government must invest in industries, entrepreneurship, and innovation to provide real opportunities. Military recruitment should not be seen as the only path to survival.

For the love of mother Ghana

I cry for Mother Ghana — not only for the lives lost, but for the dignity we continue to bury with every failed recruitment exercise. A nation that cannot protect its youth has no future. A government that cannot create jobs has no excuse. And leaders who look away while citizens suffer have no conscience.

Let this be the last time we witness such tragedy. Let the blood and tears shed serve as a wake-up call. Ghana deserves better — and her children demand it.

May we rise from this shame to build a nation that values its people more than its process, and its integrity more than its image.

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