President John Dramani Mahama has introduced new compensation schedules for Ghana Armed Forces members that will go into effect in March 2026 and has ordered the swift payment of more than GH 1 billion in unpaid gratuity arrears owing to approximately 3,000 retired military personnel.
On January 23, 2026, the President reported during the annual West African Soldiers’ Social Activity, held on the forecourt of Accra’s Department of Public Relations.
President Mahama told officers, troops, defense civilian staff, and guests in his address that the arrears accumulated after the 2020 revised gratuity system were not backed by budgetary allocation in subsequent years.
You might find it interesting that the previous government made no financial provision over the four years following 2020 to put into effect the new gratuity levels. Arrears of over one billion cedis totaling around three thousand employees from several grades have resulted from this.
Implemented in 2020, Constitutional Instrument 129 raised the length of service while also boosting pension benefits and gratuities for retiring staff members, therefore causing the arrears.
President Mahama said he had instructed the Finance Minister to distribute money to cover unpaid gratuities for the 1995 and 1996 year groups at the current rate, therefore resolving the amounts owed under CI 129.
According to the President, March 2026 will see the introduction of new salary scales for military personnel, with arrears for January and February payable in the same month.
He said, I am happy to tell you that your new wage scales will kick in March and that the arrears for January and February will also be reimbursed. President Mahama said that the 48 Engineer Regiment would receive District Road Improvement Programme equipment to help with government road building under the Big Push initiative, so generating income for the military.
The President says two forward operating bases in the northern part of the country are set for commissioning. Additionally noted by him is the money in the 2026 budget for building four extra bases before year.
He disclosed plans to form two additional military contingents in the Oti and Central regions, citing changing security situations there.
According to President Mahama, the government is buying four Eurocopter helicopters for the Ghana Air Force, offshore patrol boats, armored personnel carriers, strategic drones, and advanced communication systems for the Ghana Navy.
President claims that the ongoing recruiting drive started last year intends to increase the Ghana Armed Forces by 12,000 troops over four years.
He expressed condolences to the families of the eight servicemen who died on mining-related operations. Apart from his recruiting initiatives, he offered condolences to the families affected by the El-Wak Stadium stampede and prayed for a speedy healing for the victims.
He said he supports initiatives like a mutual health fund for military members and their families, with seed money expected from the National Security Secretariat.
He praised Able Seaman Class 2 Precious Sarah Akutor of the Ghana Navy for finishing a three-kilometer open water swim, and her fundraising and awareness campaign for children with special needs. He also congratulated Lance Corporal Jerry Lartey on winning the WBA Africa Super Lightweight title.
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