Looking for the updated Ghana Army salary structure in 2025? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning to join the military, preparing for recruitment, or comparing salaries across Ghana’s armed forces, this detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the Ghana Army salary, allowance, and rank structure from Private to the Chief of Defence Staff.
We’ll break down Ghana Army monthly salaries by rank, list all available allowances, explain how promotions affect pay, and answer the most common questions Ghanaians ask about army salaries today.
Who Are the Ghana Army?
The Ghana Army is the land component of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Together with the Ghana Navy and Air Force, the Army is responsible for protecting the territorial integrity of Ghana, maintaining internal security, and supporting peacekeeping operations both within the country and abroad.
With headquarters in Accra, the Ghana Army operates in all regions of the country, including border areas, conflict zones, and United Nations missions. Their responsibilities go beyond combat and include disaster relief, construction of infrastructure, protecting vital installations, and providing humanitarian assistance.
Joining the Army offers a stable career, respect, discipline, and the chance to serve Ghana while earning a steady income.
Ghana Army Salary Structure by Rank (2025)
Like most militaries, the Ghana Army uses a rank-based salary structure. This means your pay increases as you gain higher ranks, more experience, and greater responsibilities. Below, we explain the monthly salary and duties of each rank.
Entry-Level Soldiers
Private
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500
Responsibilities: Basic soldier duties under supervision, patrolling, guard duties, and field training.
Lance Corporal
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,500 – GHS 1,800
Responsibilities: Lead small teams, perform basic leadership roles, and assist corporals and sergeants.
Mid-Level Soldiers
Corporal
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,800 – GHS 2,200
Responsibilities: Team leader, supervising privates and lance corporals, enforcing discipline in small units.
Sergeant
Monthly Salary: GHS 2,200 – GHS 2,600
Responsibilities: Supervises squads, conducts training sessions, and maintains discipline.
Staff Sergeant
Monthly Salary: GHS 2,800 – GHS 3,200
Responsibilities: Senior non-commissioned officer (NCO), overseeing larger units and assisting officers.
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
Warrant Officer Class II
Monthly Salary: GHS 3,500 – GHS 4,000
Responsibilities: Advises junior officers, handles administrative duties, oversees discipline in units.
Warrant Officer Class I
Monthly Salary: GHS 4,200 – GHS 5,000
Responsibilities: Senior-most NCO in a unit, primary advisor to commanders, manages soldiers under their command.
Commissioned Officers
Second Lieutenant
Monthly Salary: GHS 4,800 – GHS 6,000
Responsibilities: Commands a platoon, leads operations, responsible for training and welfare of soldiers.
Lieutenant
Monthly Salary: GHS 6,500 – GHS 7,500
Responsibilities: Senior platoon leader or assistant company commander.
Captain
Monthly Salary: GHS 7,800 – GHS 9,000
Responsibilities: Commands a company, oversees training and operations for up to 150 soldiers.
Major
Monthly Salary: GHS 9,500 – GHS 11,000
Responsibilities: Executive officer or second-in-command at battalion level, oversees logistics and strategy.
Lieutenant Colonel
Monthly Salary: GHS 12,000 – GHS 14,000
Responsibilities: Commands a battalion, responsible for operational readiness and administration.
Colonel
Monthly Salary: GHS 15,000 – GHS 17,000
Responsibilities: Senior leadership roles, policy implementation, and inter-agency coordination.
Executive Officers
Brigadier General
Monthly Salary: GHS 18,000 – GHS 20,000
Responsibilities: Commands a brigade, manages large-scale operations, oversees thousands of troops.
Major General
Monthly Salary: GHS 22,000 – GHS 25,000
Responsibilities: Senior leadership at the divisional level, strategic planning, and national security input.
Lieutenant General
Monthly Salary: GHS 26,000 – GHS 30,000
Responsibilities: Chief of Army Staff, national military operations, and overall army policy.
Chief of Defence Staff (Highest Rank)
Monthly Salary: GHS 35,000 – GHS 40,000+
Responsibilities: Head of the Ghana Armed Forces, national defence strategy, and advising the President.
Summary Table: Ghana Army Salary Structure & Allowances (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Estimated Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Private | 1,200 – 1,500 | 300 – 500 |
| Lance Corporal | 1,500 – 1,800 | 400 – 600 |
| Corporal | 1,800 – 2,200 | 500 – 800 |
| Sergeant | 2,200 – 2,600 | 600 – 900 |
| Staff Sergeant | 2,800 – 3,200 | 700 – 1,000 |
| Warrant Officer II | 3,500 – 4,000 | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Warrant Officer I | 4,200 – 5,000 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Second Lieutenant | 4,800 – 6,000 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Lieutenant | 6,500 – 7,500 | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Captain | 7,800 – 9,000 | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Major | 9,500 – 11,000 | 3,000 – 4,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 12,000 – 14,000 | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Colonel | 15,000 – 17,000 | 5,000 – 6,000 |
| Brigadier General | 18,000 – 20,000 | 6,000 – 8,000 |
| Major General | 22,000 – 25,000 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Lieutenant General | 26,000 – 30,000 | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Chief of Defence Staff | 35,000 – 40,000+ | 12,000 – 15,000+ |
Allowances for Ghana Army Personnel in 2025
Besides basic salary, Ghana Army personnel receive several allowances that increase their total earnings. Allowances depend on rank, deployment, duty, and risk involved.
Main Allowances Include:
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Hazard Allowance: For soldiers in war zones or high-risk missions (GHS 500 – GHS 2,000).
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Housing Allowance: Paid if not staying in barracks (GHS 500 – GHS 2,500).
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Uniform Allowance: For maintaining uniforms (GHS 300 – GHS 600 quarterly).
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Transport Allowance: Helps cover transportation (GHS 300 – GHS 800).
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Meal Subsidy: For extended duty or night shifts (GHS 200 – GHS 500).
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Peacekeeping Allowance: For UN or ECOWAS missions abroad (can be thousands of dollars/month).
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Leave Allowance: Usually one month’s basic salary paid annually.
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Special Duty Allowance: For VIP escort, ceremonial duties, or disaster response.
Senior officers may also receive vehicle maintenance allowances, conference stipends, and duty tour benefits.
Ghana Army Rank Structure 2025
The Ghana Army follows a clear hierarchical structure which determines authority, responsibilities, and salary level.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
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Private
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Lance Corporal
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Corporal
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Sergeant
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Staff Sergeant
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Warrant Officer II
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Warrant Officer I
Commissioned Officers
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Second Lieutenant
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Lieutenant
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Captain
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Major
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Lieutenant Colonel
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Colonel
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Brigadier General
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Major General
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Lieutenant General
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Chief of Defence Staff
How Promotions Affect Ghana Army Salary
Promotions in the army depend on:
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Years of service
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Performance and discipline
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Completion of training courses
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Passing internal and external exams
Promotions come with significant salary increases, higher allowances, and greater responsibilities. Moving from Sergeant to Second Lieutenant, for example, can almost double your pay.
Ghana Army Salary vs Other Security Agencies (2025)
| Agency | Entry-Level Salary (GHS) | Top Rank Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana Army | 1,200 – 1,500 | 40,000+ |
| Ghana Police Service | 1,200 – 1,500 | 20,000+ |
| Ghana Immigration Service | 1,100 – 1,400 | 18,000+ |
| Ghana Prisons Service | 1,000 – 1,300 | 17,000+ |
The Army offers some of the highest earnings in the security sector, especially with peacekeeping missions that add significantly to income.
How Ghana Army Salaries Are Paid
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Salaries are paid monthly by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
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Funds are deposited directly into soldiers’ bank accounts.
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Monthly payslips are issued showing salary, allowances, and deductions.
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Includes deductions for SSNIT pensions and income tax.
Benefits of Working in the Ghana Army
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Job Security: Permanent government employment with pension.
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Career Growth: Clear promotion path and leadership opportunities.
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Healthcare: Free medical care for soldiers and their families.
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Accommodation: Free or subsidized housing in barracks.
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Education Opportunities: Courses and scholarships available for further studies.
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Post-Retirement Pension: Guaranteed through SSNIT and military schemes.
Ghana Army Recruitment Requirements 2025
For Enlisted Soldiers:
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Ghanaian citizenship
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Age: 18–25 years
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Minimum of BECE or WASSCE
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Physically and medically fit
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No criminal record
For Commissioned Officers:
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Degree or diploma from recognized institution
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Age: 21–35 years
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Good moral character and physical fitness
Training for Ghana Army Recruits
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Duration: 6 to 12 months
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Location: Military Training Schools nationwide
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Content: Physical fitness, weapons training, tactics, first aid, leadership.
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Stipend: Recruits earn GHS 300 – GHS 600 during training.
FAQs on Ghana Army Salary 2025
What is the starting salary for a Private in the Ghana Army?
Between GHS 1,200 and GHS 1,500 per month, plus allowances.
How much does a Captain earn in the Army?
Around GHS 7,800 – GHS 9,000 per month, plus allowances.
Do soldiers receive housing?
Yes, either free barracks accommodation or a housing allowance.
Are women allowed in the Army?
Yes, women can serve at all ranks in the Ghana Army.
Do peacekeeping missions pay extra?
Yes, international missions come with significant additional pay.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ghana Army Salary Worth It in 2025?
The Ghana Army salary, allowance, and rank structure in 2025 make it one of the most attractive and stable careers in Ghana. While it is demanding and requires discipline and sacrifice, the financial rewards, career growth, and opportunity to serve your nation are worth it.
Whether you’re applying as a recruit or aspiring officer, the Ghana Army offers a respected path to service and stability.
If you’re wondering whether to join the Ghana Army in 2025 — the answer is yes.