Tema

At the Eastern Naval Command in Tema, Benjamin Xornam Glover reports that potential recruits arrived early for the exercise.

Some potential recruits patiently seated waiting for their turn at the El-Wak Stadium. Pictures: BENEDICT OBUOBI

The applicants were received by officers who meticulously scrutinised their application forms to ensure compliance with the required standards.

After the verification process, the candidates were ushered into a hall at the Junior Ratings Mess for further briefing and assessment.

Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, described the exercise as smooth, adding that the process had so far been efficient and orderly.

He explained that the command was targeting the processing of 500 potential recruits daily.

"As of now, we have processed 258 applicants and we are left with 149 more to screen. A total of 407 candidates reported and we are expecting an additional 93," he said just around 12:30 p.m. yesterday.

Commodore Asiedu-Larbi added that the system had been structured into three main screening areas — a waiting area, a documentation section and a body selection area — with separate stations for male and female applicants.

He further outlined the screening schedule, stressing that another 500 applicants were expected to the screened today, with a final mop-up session for 400 applicants scheduled for  tomorrow.

He said those who missed the first two days would have the opportunity to join the Saturday session.

Some of the applicants who spoke to the Daily Graphic described the exercise as stress-free compared to what they endured last week and commended the Ghana Armed Forces for streamlining the process. 

El-Wak

At the El-Wak Stadium, the Director of Protocol at the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Evelyn Asamoah, explained that the exercise, which had experienced some disruption earlier in the day, had resumed in an even more efficient manner, building on the arrangements already in place.

“Due to the new arrangements, there is more space compared to before. Part of the situation is that it’s extremely hot and we are in the dry season, so we have provided water for the potential recruits to take care of dehydration," she said.

Colonel Asamoah indicated that the GAF had prepared meticulously for the exercise.

"We’ve now ensured that every organisation involved in the exercise is contributing to managing the process efficiently. Each centre operates with multiple teams to manage applicants.

"At the El-Wak Stadium, there are two teams, each expected to handle about 800 applicants daily, bringing the total number of recruits processed per day at the centre to approximately 1,600," she said.

Nicholson Stadium

At the Nicholson Stadium, a spokesperson for the centre, Lieutenant Colonel Rita Anane, described the exercise as very smooth.

She said the numbers had been increased to 800 per centre due to the return of additional teams from other regions.

“We are expecting to manage about 1,600 applicants by the end of the day.

There have been no casualties,” she said.

To ensure comfort and safety, the GAF gave special accreditation to food and drink vendors within designated areas.

“We have put measures in place to maintain orderliness while allowing recruits to access refreshments,” Lieutenant Colonel Anane explained.

She further clarified that body structure or shape was not a factor in selection.