Are you searching for the Ghana Navy salary structure in 2025, including the latest ranks, allowances, and monthly pay? You’re in the right place. Whether you are planning to join the Navy, preparing for recruitment, or just curious about how much Ghana Navy officers earn, this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about their salaries, ranks, and benefits.
We will break down the Ghana Navy salary per month by rank, list all available allowances, explain how promotions affect your pay, and answer the most common questions Ghanaians ask about Navy salaries today.
Who Are the Ghana Navy?
The Ghana Navy is the maritime branch of the Ghana Armed Forces. Its main responsibility is to protect Ghana’s territorial waters, enforce maritime laws, prevent smuggling and illegal fishing, and provide security for ports and offshore installations.
The Navy also participates in rescue missions, international peacekeeping, and disaster relief. With its headquarters at the Western Naval Command in Sekondi and Eastern Naval Command in Tema, the Navy serves across Ghana’s coastline and beyond.
Joining the Navy offers you job security, respect, specialized training, and the opportunity to serve your nation while earning a steady income.
Ghana Navy Salary Structure in 2025
The Ghana Navy salary structure in 2025 depends on your rank, years of service, and responsibilities. Like other branches of the Armed Forces, salaries increase as you move up the ranks.
Below, we explain the estimated monthly salary for each rank in the Ghana Navy.
Entry-Level Ranks
Ordinary Seaman
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500
Responsibilities: Basic tasks on ship or shore under supervision, learning navigation, maintenance, and operations.
Able Seaman
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,500 – GHS 1,800
Responsibilities: Operating equipment, assisting with navigation, maintaining ship operations.
Mid-Level Ranks
Leading Seaman
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,800 – GHS 2,200
Responsibilities: Supervising junior sailors, training recruits, maintaining discipline.
Petty Officer
Monthly Salary: GHS 2,200 – GHS 2,800
Responsibilities: Leading small teams, enforcing orders, managing operations at sea and ashore.
Chief Petty Officer
Monthly Salary: GHS 3,000 – GHS 4,000
Responsibilities: Senior enlisted rank, advising officers, overseeing large teams and technical operations.
Officer Ranks
Midshipman
Monthly Salary: GHS 3,500 – GHS 4,200
Responsibilities: Junior commissioned officer, learning command responsibilities, assisting senior officers.
Sub-Lieutenant
Monthly Salary: GHS 4,500 – GHS 5,500
Responsibilities: Leading ship sections, navigation, training and supervising sailors.
Lieutenant
Monthly Salary: GHS 6,000 – GHS 7,000
Responsibilities: Commanding ship divisions, enforcing Navy regulations, mission planning.
Senior Officer Ranks
Lieutenant Commander
Monthly Salary: GHS 7,500 – GHS 9,000
Responsibilities: Second-in-command on ships or bases, overseeing major operations.
Commander
Monthly Salary: GHS 10,000 – GHS 12,000
Responsibilities: Commanding large ships or naval bases, directing operations, advising on policies.
Captain
Monthly Salary: GHS 13,000 – GHS 15,000
Responsibilities: Senior leadership, commanding flotillas or regional commands, strategic planning.
Commodore
Monthly Salary: GHS 16,000 – GHS 18,000
Responsibilities: High-level leadership, overseeing multiple commands and national maritime strategy.
Rear Admiral
Monthly Salary: GHS 20,000 – GHS 25,000+
Responsibilities: Top-level Navy commander, formulating policy, representing Ghana internationally.
Summary Table: Ghana Navy Salary Structure & Allowances 2025
| Rank/Position | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Estimated Monthly Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Seaman | 1,200 – 1,500 | 300 – 500 |
| Able Seaman | 1,500 – 1,800 | 400 – 600 |
| Leading Seaman | 1,800 – 2,200 | 500 – 700 |
| Petty Officer | 2,200 – 2,800 | 700 – 1,000 |
| Chief Petty Officer | 3,000 – 4,000 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Midshipman | 3,500 – 4,200 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Sub-Lieutenant | 4,500 – 5,500 | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Lieutenant | 6,000 – 7,000 | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Lieutenant Commander | 7,500 – 9,000 | 3,500 – 4,500 |
| Commander | 10,000 – 12,000 | 5,000 – 6,500 |
| Captain | 13,000 – 15,000 | 6,000 – 7,500 |
| Commodore | 16,000 – 18,000 | 7,500 – 9,000 |
| Rear Admiral | 20,000 – 25,000+ | 10,000 – 12,000+ |
Allowances for Ghana Navy Officers in 2025
In addition to their base salaries, Ghana Navy officers receive several allowances based on their roles, risk levels, and locations. These allowances increase your total monthly income and provide support for your service.
Common Ghana Navy Allowances:
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Risk Allowance: For missions in dangerous zones (GHS 500 – GHS 2,000)
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Sea Duty Allowance: For extended deployments at sea (GHS 1,000 – GHS 3,000)
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Housing Allowance: If not housed in naval barracks (GHS 600 – GHS 2,000)
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Transport Allowance: For commuting and field duties (GHS 400 – GHS 800)
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Uniform Allowance: To maintain and replace uniforms (GHS 300 – GHS 600 quarterly)
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Meal Allowance: For long-duty days and operations (GHS 300 – GHS 700)
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Leave Allowance: Usually equivalent to one month’s salary, paid during annual leave.
Senior officers also receive conference allowances, duty tour allowances, and may have official vehicles.
Ghana Navy Rank Structure 2025
The Navy rank structure defines authority, responsibilities, and pay grade. It is divided into enlisted and officer ranks.
Enlisted Ranks
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Ordinary Seaman
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Able Seaman
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Leading Seaman
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Petty Officer
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Chief Petty Officer
Officer Ranks
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Midshipman
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Sub-Lieutenant
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Lieutenant
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Lieutenant Commander
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Commander
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Captain
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Commodore
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Rear Admiral
How Promotions Affect Navy Salary
Promotions depend on:
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Years of service
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Performance and conduct
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Educational qualifications
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Passing internal exams and training
Each promotion raises your salary and increases your allowances. For example, moving from Leading Seaman to Petty Officer can increase your pay by GHS 1,000 – GHS 1,500 monthly.
Ghana Navy Salary vs Other Security Agencies 2025
| Agency | Entry-Level Salary (GHS) | Top Rank Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana Navy | 1,200 – 1,500 | 25,000+ |
| Ghana Army | 1,500 – 2,000 | 22,000+ |
| Ghana Police Service | 1,200 – 1,500 | 20,000+ |
| Ghana Immigration Service | 1,100 – 1,400 | 20,000+ |
The Navy offers competitive pay and allowances, especially for officers deployed at sea or in high-risk operations.
How Ghana Navy Salaries Are Paid
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Salaries are paid monthly by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
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Officers receive payments directly into their bank accounts.
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Payslips show salary, allowances, and deductions (tax, SSNIT, etc.).
Benefits of Working in the Ghana Navy
Working in the Navy provides more than just a salary:
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Job Security: Permanent employment with a pension.
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Career Growth: Opportunities to rise through the ranks.
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Healthcare: Free medical care for officers and their families.
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Housing: Barracks or housing allowance.
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Professional Development: Advanced training in navigation, engineering, and leadership.
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Pension: Guaranteed retirement benefits through SSNIT.
Ghana Navy Recruitment Requirements in 2025
Enlisted Ranks:
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Ghanaian citizenship
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Age: 18–25 years
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Minimum WASSCE/SSSCE passes
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Physically and medically fit
Officer Ranks:
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University degree or diploma
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Age: 21–35 years
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Good character, leadership potential
Training for Ghana Navy Recruits
All recruits go through rigorous training before deployment:
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Duration: 6–9 months
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Location: Navy Training School and onboard ships
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Training Includes: Seamanship, weapons handling, maritime law, fitness, and survival skills
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Stipend: Recruits earn GHS 300 – GHS 600 monthly during training.
Cost of Living vs Navy Salary in 2025
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | 500 – 900 |
| Transport | 300 – 500 |
| Rent (if not in barracks) | 600 – 1,200 |
| Utilities & Airtime | 200 – 400 |
With allowances covering housing, food, and transport, even junior sailors can maintain a modest lifestyle.
FAQs on Ghana Navy Salary 2025
What is the starting salary for an Ordinary Seaman?
GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500 per month plus allowances.
How much does a Rear Admiral earn?
About GHS 20,000 – GHS 25,000+ monthly plus senior-level allowances.
Does the Navy provide housing?
Yes, most officers live in barracks or receive a housing allowance.
Are women allowed in the Navy?
Yes, both men and women are welcome.
Do recruits get paid during training?
Yes, they receive a monthly stipend.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ghana Navy Salary Worth It in 2025?
The Ghana Navy salary structure in 2025, combined with allowances, job security, and career growth opportunities, makes the Navy an excellent career choice. If you are looking for a stable job that offers good pay, respect, training, and the chance to serve Ghana, the Navy is a great option.
Whether you join as an Ordinary Seaman or work your way up to Rear Admiral, the Ghana Navy offers a clear path to success.
If you are thinking of applying to the Navy in 2025, the answer is yes — it is worth it.