[1] The Academy evolved from the Regular Officers Special Training Schools (ROSTS), which were established at MATS, Teshie, in 1953.

[1] Since then, the Academy has been staffed entirely by Ghanaians, who continue to develop capable leaders for the Ghana Armed Forces and other neighboring African nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Uganda.

Over 5,500 Ghanaian officers have graduated from the Academy since its inception,[1] with some having retired and others currently serving in various roles within the armed forces and the broader society.

[5] The last British Military Assistance Team officer departed in December 1994, concluding ten years of training support.

[5] The Ghana Armed Forces expresses its gratitude for the significant assistance received from the British and Canadian governments in developing the Academy into a premier training institution.

In 2010, the Academy celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking a significant milestone with various events, culminating in a parade reviewed by His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, President of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Notable attendees included three former Heads of State—Presidents Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo from Nigeria and President Jerry John Rawlings of Ghana, all of whom are Academy alumni.

Entry into the Ghana Military Academy involves meeting eligibility criteria, including citizenship, age, education, medical, and physical fitness requirements.

Finally, successful candidates are interviewed by the selection board to assess their leadership potential and motivation.

[1] 1.To give the Officer Cadet a broad view of the military profession as a whole, and his responsibility as a servant of his State.

To lay down the foundation of military and academic knowledge upon which the studies of future arms of Service can be built.

The Regular Career Course (RCC) is a comprehensive training program for officer cadets at the Ghana Military Academy.

Cadets undergo rigorous training averaging between 15 and 24 months which equips them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to become effective leaders in the Ghana Armed Forces.

Following this phase, the Army, Navy, and Air Force Cadets complete their proper special service training at GMA.

[6] Upon successful completion of the RCC, officer cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Ghana Armed Forces, with a minimum service commitment of around 10-15 years.

This training program is a compressed version of the Special Duties and Short Service Commission Course.

[6] It consists of classroom lessons and field exercises at Bundase, Aburi Mountains, and the Michel Camp-Zenu-katamanso-Gbatsona general areas.

[6] The cadets practice conventional warfare with additional tactical drills conducted on the plains of the Michel camp.

The National and GMA Colours were presented to the Academy on 17 August 1985 on the occasion of the school's Silver Jubilee by then Commander in Chief, former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The colours were received on behalf of the unit by then Cadet Sergeant Gyasensir Christopher, now Brig Gen Christopher Gyasensi, Ghana's Defence Attache to South Africa, and Cadet Sergeant Major Aryee Moses, also now Brig Gen Moses Mohammed Aryee (Rtd), the immediate Past General Officer, commanding Northern command.

He must also possess excellent personal drill, turnout, and military bearing, with an unquestionable fitness level.

The award is given to the Overall Best Cadet in a Short Service Commission/Special Duty intake, based on academic achievement, leadership, discipline, respect, personal drill, turnout, and military bearing.The award must be given to only a Short Service Commission/ Special Duty graduating intake.

This award recognizes a Cadet's leadership, understanding, and physical fitness, as well as their outstanding turnout, military bearing, and conduct, all of which contribute to their overall academic order of merit.

The Academic Cane Award is awarded to a Regular Cadet who ranks third in merit, demonstrating all necessary qualities for sword of honour and military cane selection, including good turnout, drill performance, physical fitness, good academic performance, leadership traits, and character during training.

He must be zealous and enthusiastic about field work and Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT),  that are characterized by the training.

The award is based on hard work, confidence, good bearing qualities, distinction in the Fleet Board oral examination.

It is awarded to the most meaningful contributions during classroom and field exercises, and is only given to graduates of a Regular Career Course.

He must demonstrate good mutual and individual foot drill, excellent military bearing, and turnout.

He must be marksman during the Annual Personal Weapon Test and must have registered good performance during Individual Battle Shot.