If you’re searching for the updated Ghana Prison Service salary structure and allowances in 2025, you are in the right place. Whether you’re planning to join the Service, comparing security salaries in Ghana, or simply curious about how much officers earn monthly, this detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the Ghana Prison Service pay, allowances, ranks, and benefits.
We’ll break down the salary structure by rank, explain all the allowances, show how promotions affect earnings, and answer the most common questions about prison officer salaries in Ghana today.
Who Are the Ghana Prison Service?
The Ghana Prison Service (GPS) is the government agency responsible for safe custody, welfare, and rehabilitation of prisoners across the country. Beyond guarding prisons, they also play a big role in reformation, vocational training, and reintegration of inmates into society.
With headquarters in Accra and facilities in all regions, the Service operates under the Ministry of the Interior. Officers serve in maximum, medium, and low-security prisons, as well as in administrative, training, and rehabilitation units.
Joining the Ghana Prison Service offers job stability, respect, and a chance to serve the nation while earning a steady monthly income.
Ghana Prison Service Salary Structure by Rank (2025)
The Ghana Prison Service salary structure in 2025 follows a rank-based system. Your monthly salary depends on your rank, years of service, and responsibilities. As you move up, your pay and allowances increase.
Below, we explain the monthly salary and key responsibilities for each rank.
Entry-Level Officers
Second Class Officer
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500
Responsibilities: Guarding prisoners, assisting in daily operations, basic supervision under higher-ranked officers.
First Class Officer
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,500 – GHS 1,800
Responsibilities: Supervising inmates, maintaining order, escorting prisoners, reporting to corporals or sergeants.
Mid-Level Officers
Corporal
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,800 – GHS 2,300
Responsibilities: Leading small teams, enforcing rules, ensuring security during work programs.
Sergeant
Monthly Salary: GHS 2,400 – GHS 3,000
Responsibilities: Supervising staff and inmates, training junior officers, managing daily schedules.
Senior Officers
Chief Sergeant
Monthly Salary: GHS 3,200 – GHS 4,000
Responsibilities: Overseeing large groups of officers, enforcing standards, handling serious incidents.
Inspector
Monthly Salary: GHS 4,200 – GHS 5,000
Responsibilities: Managing sections of a prison, overseeing rehabilitation programs, coordinating operations.
Executive Officers
Chief Inspector
Monthly Salary: GHS 5,200 – GHS 6,000
Responsibilities: Supervising multiple facilities, policy implementation, staff evaluation.
Superintendent
Monthly Salary: GHS 6,500 – GHS 7,500
Responsibilities: Regional management, overseeing security strategies, inter-agency collaboration.
Chief Superintendent
Monthly Salary: GHS 7,800 – GHS 9,000
Responsibilities: National-level planning, supervising senior officers, strategic development.
Director of Prisons
Monthly Salary: GHS 10,000 – GHS 12,000+
Responsibilities: Head of the Ghana Prison Service, setting national policies, coordinating with the Interior Ministry.
Summary Table: Ghana Prison Service Salary Structure and Allowances (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Estimated Monthly Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class Officer | 1,200 – 1,500 | 300 – 500 |
| First Class Officer | 1,500 – 1,800 | 400 – 600 |
| Corporal | 1,800 – 2,300 | 500 – 800 |
| Sergeant | 2,400 – 3,000 | 600 – 900 |
| Chief Sergeant | 3,200 – 4,000 | 800 – 1,200 |
| Inspector | 4,200 – 5,000 | 1,000 – 1,400 |
| Chief Inspector | 5,200 – 6,000 | 1,400 – 1,800 |
| Superintendent | 6,500 – 7,500 | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Chief Superintendent | 7,800 – 9,000 | 2,500 – 3,000 |
| Director of Prisons | 10,000 – 12,000+ | 3,500 – 4,500 |
Allowances for Ghana Prison Service Officers in 2025
In addition to salaries, officers receive allowances to support their work and living expenses. Allowances vary by rank, posting, and duties.
Main Allowances:
-
Uniform Allowance: GHS 300 – 600 quarterly (for maintenance of uniforms and gear)
-
Risk Allowance: GHS 400 – 1,200 (for those handling dangerous inmates or high-risk situations)
-
Housing Allowance: GHS 600 – 1,800 (if not living in barracks)
-
Transport Allowance: GHS 300 – 800 (to cover commuting)
-
Rural/Deprived Area Allowance: GHS 400 – 1,000 (for posting to remote areas)
-
Meal Allowance: GHS 200 – 500 (for long or overnight shifts)
-
Leave Allowance: Typically one month’s salary paid during annual leave.
-
Special Duty Allowance: Paid for special assignments or VIP escort duties.
Ghana Prison Service Rank Structure (2025)
The rank structure ensures order, responsibility, and a clear path of promotion.
Non-Commissioned Ranks
-
Second Class Officer
-
First Class Officer
-
Corporal
-
Sergeant
-
Chief Sergeant
Commissioned Ranks
-
Inspector
-
Chief Inspector
-
Superintendent
-
Chief Superintendent
-
Director of Prisons
Promotions depend on years of service, training, exams, and good conduct.
How Promotions Affect Ghana Prison Service Salaries
Promotions bring higher base salaries and allowances. For example:
-
Moving from Corporal to Sergeant may increase your pay by GHS 600 – GHS 900.
-
Advancing from Inspector to Chief Inspector could add GHS 1,000 – GHS 1,500.
Performance, qualifications, and available positions determine the speed of promotion.
Benefits of Working in the Ghana Prison Service
Beyond salaries and allowances, officers enjoy additional benefits:
-
Job Security: Permanent government employment.
-
Pension: Retirement benefits guaranteed by SSNIT.
-
Healthcare: Free or subsidized medical care for officers and families.
-
Training Opportunities: To upgrade skills and qualify for promotions.
-
Uniform & Equipment Support: Provided by the Service.
-
Accommodation: Free or subsidized in barracks.
How Ghana Prison Service Salaries Are Paid
-
Monthly by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
-
Deposited into the officer’s bank account.
-
Payslip includes gross salary, allowances, deductions (like tax and pension).
Ghana Prison Service Salary vs Other Security Agencies
| Agency | Entry-Level Salary (GHS) | Top Rank Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Service | 1,200 – 1,500 | 12,000+ |
| Police Service | 1,200 – 1,500 | 20,000+ |
| Immigration Service | 1,100 – 1,400 | 18,000+ |
| Ghana Armed Forces | 1,500 – 2,000 | 22,000+ |
While the Armed Forces and Police have higher top-level salaries, the Prison Service offers competitive pay and good allowances, especially in mid-level ranks.
Cost of Living vs Prison Officer Salary in Ghana (2025)
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Feeding | 600 – 1,000 |
| Transport | 300 – 500 |
| Rent (if not in barracks) | 700 – 1,500 |
| Utilities & Airtime | 200 – 400 |
Even entry-level officers can maintain a modest lifestyle thanks to allowances.
Recruitment Requirements for Ghana Prison Service (2025)
For Entry-Level Officers:
-
Ghanaian citizenship
-
Age 18–25
-
SSCE/WASSCE with passes in core subjects
-
Physically and medically fit
-
Good character and no criminal record
For Commissioned Officers:
-
Bachelor’s degree or diploma
-
Age 21–35
-
Relevant professional or leadership experience
-
Clean background
Training for New Recruits
Training lasts 6–9 months at designated training schools. It covers:
-
Prison management
-
Law and human rights
-
Physical fitness
-
Security and self-defense
-
Rehabilitation techniques
Trainees receive a stipend of about GHS 300 – 600 during training.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghana Prison Service Salaries
What is the starting salary for a Second Class Officer in 2025?
GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500 per month plus allowances.
Do prison officers receive housing?
Yes, officers are either housed in barracks or given a housing allowance.
Is there a rural posting allowance?
Yes, officers in remote areas receive additional pay.
Do officers get paid during training?
Yes, a modest stipend is paid to trainees.
How much does the Director of Prisons earn?
Around GHS 10,000 – GHS 12,000+ per month plus allowances.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ghana Prison Service Salary Worth It in 2025?
The Ghana Prison Service salary structure and allowances in 2025 make it an attractive option for Ghanaians who want a stable and respected job. The work is challenging but comes with good pay, allowances, benefits, and a clear career path.
If you’re thinking of applying to the Ghana Prison Service this year, the answer is yes — it offers more than just a paycheck. It provides the opportunity to serve your country, develop skills, and enjoy job security.