If you are planning to join the Ghana Armed Forces or simply want to understand how much military personnel earn in Ghana, this article provides all the information you need about the Ghana Armed Forces salary structure and allowances in 2025.
We will explain the salaries by rank, allowances, benefits, promotion opportunities, and tips for building a successful military career. You will also find a clear summary table for easy reference.
Overview of the Ghana Armed Forces
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is the military organization responsible for the defense and protection of Ghana. It consists of three main branches:
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Ghana Army
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Ghana Navy
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Ghana Air Force
The Armed Forces play a critical role not only in national security but also in supporting civil authorities during emergencies and peacekeeping missions abroad.
Given the high level of training, discipline, and risks involved, the Ghana Armed Forces offer competitive salaries, allowances, and benefits to their officers and personnel.
Ghana Armed Forces Salary Structure in 2025
The salaries in the Ghana Armed Forces depend on:
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Rank
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Years of service
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Special duties and missions
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Academic and professional qualifications
Below is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure across various ranks.
Salaries by Rank
Entry-Level Ranks
These are the starting ranks for enlisted personnel and newly commissioned officers.
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Private (Army) / Ordinary Seaman (Navy) / Aircraftman (Air Force):
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Monthly Salary: GHS 1,800 – GHS 2,500
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Lance Corporal:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 2,500 – GHS 3,200
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Corporal:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 3,300 – GHS 4,200
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Sergeant:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 4,500 – GHS 5,500
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Junior Officers
These ranks are held by officers who have undergone officer training.
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Second Lieutenant:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 5,000 – GHS 6,200
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Lieutenant:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 6,500 – GHS 7,800
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Captain:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 8,000 – GHS 9,500
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Senior Officers
More experienced officers with leadership responsibilities.
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Major:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 10,000 – GHS 12,000
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Lieutenant Colonel:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 13,000 – GHS 15,000
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Colonel:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 16,000 – GHS 19,000
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Top Commanders
These are the highest ranks, reserved for the most senior officers.
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Brigadier General:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 20,000 – GHS 25,000
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Major General:
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Monthly Salary: GHS 26,000 – GHS 32,000
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Lieutenant General (Chief of Defence Staff):
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Monthly Salary: GHS 35,000 – GHS 40,000+
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Summary Table: Ghana Armed Forces Salaries & Allowances 2025
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Allowances & Benefits (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Private / Ordinary Seaman | 1,800 – 2,500 | 500 – 1,000 |
| Lance Corporal | 2,500 – 3,200 | 700 – 1,200 |
| Corporal | 3,300 – 4,200 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Sergeant | 4,500 – 5,500 | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Second Lieutenant | 5,000 – 6,200 | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Lieutenant | 6,500 – 7,800 | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Captain | 8,000 – 9,500 | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Major | 10,000 – 12,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13,000 – 15,000 | 4,000 – 6,000 |
| Colonel | 16,000 – 19,000 | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Brigadier General | 20,000 – 25,000 | 6,000 – 8,000 |
| Major General | 26,000 – 32,000 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Lieutenant General | 35,000 – 40,000+ | 10,000+ |
Allowances and Benefits in the Ghana Armed Forces
Apart from salaries, personnel receive several allowances and benefits, depending on their duties, rank, and service conditions.
Types of Allowances
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Risk Allowance: For personnel in high-risk or combat zones.
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Housing Allowance: For those living outside the barracks.
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Peacekeeping Allowance: Paid during UN or ECOWAS peacekeeping missions.
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Medical Allowance: Covers healthcare needs.
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Transport Allowance: For commuting and travel-related expenses.
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Uniform Allowance: For maintenance of uniforms and kits.
Benefits
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Pension and retirement benefits.
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Free or subsidized accommodation in military barracks.
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Free medical care for personnel and their families.
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Access to military canteens and recreational facilities.
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Education support for children of personnel.
Promotions and Career Advancement
Promotion in the Armed Forces is based on:
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Years of service.
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Performance on duty.
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Completion of professional and military training.
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Availability of vacancies at higher ranks.
Promotions come with higher salaries, increased allowances, and more responsibility.
Cost of Living Compared to Armed Forces Salary
Here is an approximate monthly expense comparison in Accra for a typical soldier:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Rent (if living off-base) | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Food and groceries | 800 – 1,500 |
| Transportation | 400 – 800 |
| Utilities and internet | 300 – 600 |
| Other personal expenses | 500 – 1,200 |
Even junior personnel can meet their basic expenses with room to save and support their families.
Tips to Secure a Job in the Ghana Armed Forces
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Meet the educational and physical requirements for enlistment.
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Prepare thoroughly for the competitive entrance exams and physical fitness tests.
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Apply during official recruitment periods and avoid fake recruitment schemes.
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Build resilience and discipline to succeed during training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting salary of a soldier in Ghana?
The starting salary of a Private is between GHS 1,800 and GHS 2,500 per month.
Do military personnel receive free housing?
Yes. Those who live in barracks are provided accommodation. Those who live off-base receive a housing allowance.
How much does an officer earn?
A Second Lieutenant earns about GHS 5,000–6,200 per month plus allowances.
Are peacekeeping missions lucrative?
Yes. Personnel on peacekeeping missions earn additional allowances, sometimes exceeding their base salaries.
Why Work for the Ghana Armed Forces?
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Stable and respected career.
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Competitive pay and allowances.
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Opportunities for international missions.
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Career growth and training.
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Job security and retirement benefits.
Final Thoughts
The Ghana Armed Forces salary structure and allowances in 2025 remain attractive compared to other government sectors. With clear ranks, competitive monthly pay, and generous benefits, the Armed Forces continue to be a top choice for Ghanaians seeking a stable and fulfilling career.
If you are disciplined, committed, and ready to serve, the Armed Forces offer one of the most rewarding career paths in Ghana.