The Ghana Army, as part of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), plays a central role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, maintaining peace, and supporting national development initiatives. Like most professional military organizations, the Ghana Army operates on a structured ranking system that establishes authority, responsibilities, and career progression. Alongside ranks, salaries are carefully defined to ensure that officers and soldiers are compensated according to their position, experience, and years of service.
This article explores the ranks in the Ghana Army, their structure, and the corresponding salary scale.
Structure of Ghana Army Ranks
The Ghana Army follows a hierarchical command structure similar to other Commonwealth nations, divided broadly into Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
Commissioned Officers
Commissioned Officers are trained leaders responsible for planning, decision-making, and overseeing military operations. They often undergo training at the Ghana Military Academy or allied international military institutions.
Ranks under Commissioned Officers include:
- Second Lieutenant
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier General
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Ranks
Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted personnel form the backbone of the Ghana Army. They implement orders, provide technical expertise, and maintain discipline and efficiency at the operational level.
Ranks under NCOs and Enlisted include:
- Private Recruit
- Private
- Lance Corporal
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Staff Sergeant
- Warrant Officer Class II
- Warrant Officer Class I
Salary Structure in the Ghana Army
The salary of Ghana Army personnel depends on rank, years of service, and allowances. Salaries are set by the Government of Ghana and reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Commissioned Officers Salary
On average, Commissioned Officers earn more due to their leadership roles and responsibilities. Approximate monthly salaries include:
- Second Lieutenant – GH¢3,000 – GH¢4,000
- Lieutenant – GH¢4,000 – GH¢5,000
- Captain – GH¢5,000 – GH¢6,500
- Major – GH¢6,500 – GH¢8,000
- Lieutenant Colonel – GH¢8,000 – GH¢10,000
- Colonel – GH¢10,000 – GH¢12,000
- Brigadier General – GH¢12,000 – GH¢15,000
- Major General – GH¢15,000 – GH¢18,000
- Lieutenant General – GH¢18,000 – GH¢20,000
- General – Over GH¢20,000
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Salary
- Private Recruit – GH¢1,500 – GH¢2,000
- Private – GH¢2,000 – GH¢2,500
- Lance Corporal – GH¢2,500 – GH¢3,000
- Corporal – GH¢3,000 – GH¢3,500
- Sergeant – GH¢3,500 – GH¢4,000
- Staff Sergeant – GH¢4,000 – GH¢4,500
- Warrant Officer Class II – GH¢4,500 – GH¢5,000
- Warrant Officer Class I – GH¢5,500 – GH¢6,000
Allowances and Benefits
Beyond basic salary, Ghana Army personnel also enjoy a range of allowances and benefits depending on deployment, specialization, and years of service. These include:
- Housing allowance or accommodation within military barracks.
- Transport allowance for officers.
- Operational allowance during active missions.
- Risk allowance for high-risk assignments.
- Medical care for officers, soldiers, and their families.
- Retirement benefits and pension schemes for long-serving members.
Career Progression in the Ghana Army
The Ghana Army emphasizes discipline, training, and merit in career advancement. Promotions are based on:
- Years of service.
- Academic and professional military training.
- Performance evaluations.
- Availability of vacancies at higher ranks.
This system ensures that both officers and enlisted personnel have clear career development paths.
