Military barracks in Ghana are dedicated residential areas designed exclusively for housing members of the military, encompassing all its branches. The concept of consolidating military personnel into a single community was initiated with the aims of fostering a strong military culture, enhancing discipline, and enabling service members to maintain their focus amidst the bustling and fast-paced civilian world.
Additionally, these barracks are established to bolster the safety and security of military personnel, ensuring their well-being.
Before delving into the specifics of the list of military barracks in Ghana, allow us to provide you with a concise overview of the history of the Ghanaian military.
Brief History of the Ghanaian Military
The Ghanaian military, officially referred to as the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), is a tri-service organization encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its historical roots trace back to the pre-independence era of Ghana.
Nonetheless, it was in 1950 that the indigenous military force of Ghana, known as the Gold Coast Regiment, was established, setting the foundation for the modern Ghanaian Army.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) represent Ghana’s unified military, comprising the Army (GA), Navy (GN), and Ghana Air Force. The President of Ghana serves as both the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and the supreme military authority of the Border Guard Unit (BGU).
List of all military barracks in Ghana
Currently, Ghana boasts a total of nine military barracks as of the time of crafting this post. Here is a list of these Ghanaian Military Barracks.
Inf BN, Arakan Barracks, Burma Camp
Burma Camp, located in Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana, serves as the headquarters for both the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghanaian Ministry of Defence. This camp holds historical significance, known for its formidable reputation from past Ghanaian military administrations, where entering citizens once faced risks of not re-emerging. It also played a pivotal role during the coup that placed Jerry Rawlings in office in June 1979. On March 5, 1957, the camp’s museum was officially inaugurated. Additionally, Burma Camp hosts twenty-four (24) schools with a collective student enrollment of 14,712.
Inf BN, Michel Camp, Tema
Michel Camp serves as the residence for the Ghana Army’s First Battalion of Infantry and is situated in the Greater Accra Region of Tema, Ghana. This First Battalion, as part of the Southern Command, operates alongside the Second and Fifth Infantry Battalions within the Ghana Army.
Inf BN, Myohaung Barracks, Takoradi
Situated in the Takoradi region, this barracks serves as the residence for the Ghanaian Air Force.
Wajir Barracks, Teshie
Wajir Barracks, situated in the Teshie district of the Greater Accra region, is home to the Ghanaian military training school.
Additional Ghanaian Military Barracks include:
- 64 Infantry Regt-Gondar Barracks
- 66 Arty Regt-Volta Barracks Ho, Armd Recce Regt
- Gondar Barracks
- 48 Engr. Regt.
How to Become a Member of the Ghana Armed Forces
Before aspiring to become an officer in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), certain essential criteria must be satisfied. Therefore, let’s explore the overall recruitment prerequisites established by the Ghana Armed Forces for officers, recruits, and special medical intake candidates.
General Requirements for Officer Cadets in the GAF
- Hold Ghanaian citizenship through naturalization.
- Possess a commendable moral character.
- For regular commission and short-service commission applicants, the age range is 20 to 26 years.
- Meet the defined medical fitness standards set by the Ghana Armed Forces.
- Not be under any legal or contractual obligations.
- For regular officer candidates, not be married.
- Have a minimum height of 1.68m (5’6″) for males and 1.60m (5’4″) for females.
- Exclusive to Military Police applicants, the minimum height requirement is 1.75m (5’9″) for males and 1.70m (5’7″) for females.
General Requirements for GAF Recruitment for Special Medical Intake
- Hold Ghanaian citizenship through naturalization.
- Possess a commendable moral character.
- For medical specialists, have a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 40 years of experience; for medical/dental officers, a minimum of 35 years; for nurses, a minimum of 33 years, and for paramedical workers, a minimum of 30 years.
- Meet the defined medical fitness standards as per the Ghana Armed Forces criteria.
- Not be under any legal or contractual obligations.
- Males must have a minimum height of 1.68m (5′ 6″), and females must have a minimum height of 1.57m (5′ 2″).
General Requirements
For BECE:
- A minimum of six (6) successful BECE passes is required, which must include English and mathematics.
For WASSCE:
- Six credits, with a minimum of C6, are necessary, including Core English, Core Mathematics, and Core Science.
For SSSCE:
- Six credits, with a minimum of D, are required in Core English, Core Mathematics, and Core Science.
For GCE ‘O’ Level:
- Five credits, not fewer than 6, are expected in GCE ‘O’ Level courses, encompassing English, Mathematics, and Science, with a minimum of D in three GCE ‘A-Level subjects.
Source: GESHub.org
