New Military Salaries Take Effect in March – Mahama

President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced that the newly approved salary structure for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces will take effect in March, with arrears for January and February to be paid in the same month.

The President made the announcement on Saturday while addressing officers, soldiers, and defence civilian staff at the West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASA) in Accra.

“I bring tidings of great joy,” President Mahama declared to loud applause. “Your new salary structure will start in March, and the arrears for January and February will also be paid in March.”

The announcement was received with excitement by service personnel, as it represents a major boost to welfare and morale within the Armed Forces.

President Mahama said the salary adjustment forms part of government’s broader commitment to improving the living and working conditions of officers and soldiers, stressing that the strength of any military depends largely on the welfare and motivation of its personnel.

“The strength of any armed force lies in the professionalism, welfare, and motivation of its personnel,” he said. “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I remain firmly committed to ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces are adequately resourced and properly motivated to meet both current and future challenges.”

Addressing Retirement Arrears

The President also touched on long-standing arrears related to military retirement benefits arising from CI 129, introduced in 2020. He disclosed that the lack of budgetary provision in previous years had resulted in unpaid gratuities exceeding GH¢1 billion, affecting about 3,000 retired personnel.

“Over the years, this situation has led to a buildup of arrears owed to retired officers and soldiers of various ranks,” President Mahama said.

He announced that government has directed the Minister for Finance to begin releases for the 1995 and 1996 year groups at existing rates, while steps are taken to fully operationalise the enhanced gratuity levels under CI 129.

Broader Welfare Measures

Beyond salaries, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving overall welfare in the Armed Forces, including healthcare, housing, and working conditions.

He expressed support for the proposed Mutual Health Fund for service personnel and their families, announcing that seed funding for the initiative would be provided by the National Security Secretariat.

“The welfare of our personnel remains a top priority, and initiatives that improve healthcare access and financial security deserve our full support,” he stated.

The President also highlighted ongoing housing projects aimed at addressing the estimated 14,000-unit accommodation deficit within the Armed Forces, describing decent housing as essential to morale and operational effectiveness.

Commitment to a Stronger Armed Forces

President Mahama reiterated that the salary increase and welfare interventions are part of a broader modernisation agenda to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces remain professional, disciplined, and capable of responding to both domestic and regional security challenges.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I remain resolute in ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces are fully resourced and positioned to serve Ghana, our sub-region, Africa, and the world with distinction,” he said.

The WASA event brought together military leadership, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and invited guests to celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.