The government is set to introduce mandatory military training as part of the National Service scheme to promote fitness, discipline, and patriotism among Ghanaian youth. The initiative forms part of broader reforms following the passage of the National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119).
Delivering the 2025 State of the Nation Address in Parliament today, President John Dramani Mahama announced that the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has been directed to draft a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to provide a legal framework for the policy.
“To achieve a legally robust regime to govern National Service, I have also tasked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119),” President Mahama stated.
He emphasized that the introduction of military training would enhance discipline and physical fitness among young people.
“We will introduce short military training as part of our national service scheme. This will instill a sense of fitness and discipline into our youth,” he added.
Military training as part of National Service is a common practice in several countries. According to the World Population Review, about 80 nations, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and China, have some form of compulsory service or military conscription.
While countries like Russia implement mandatory military service, others operate a conscription model, requiring citizens to serve for a defined period without necessarily engaging in active duty.
Some nations, including the United States, have a de jure system, where military service remains legally mandated but is rarely enforced.
The planned military training programme in Ghana’s National Service scheme is expected to equip young people with valuable skills while fostering a sense of discipline and national service. The proposed Legislative Instrument will provide further details on its implementation once presented to Parliament.
