- President Mahama has directed the immediate release of funds to pay outstanding retirement gratuities owed to retired Ghana Armed Forces personnel
- The arrears, exceeding GH¢1 billion, resulted from the implementation of Constitutional Instrument 129 without adequate budgetary provision
- President Mahama also launched a 10,000-unit housing project to reduce the military’s accommodation deficit
President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister of Finance to immediately release funds to settle outstanding retirement gratuities owed to retired personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The arrears, which exceed GH¢1 billion, affect both officers and enlisted personnel and stem from the implementation of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 129. Introduced in 2020, CI 129 amended the terms and conditions of service for GAF personnel, significantly increasing retirement and gratuity benefits.
President Mahama explained that the policy was implemented without the necessary budgetary provisions, resulting in accumulated arrears over the past four years. The unpaid benefits are owed to approximately 3,000 retired personnel across various ranks.
Speaking at the annual West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) in Accra last Friday, the President said he had directed the Minister of Finance to release funds to pay outstanding arrears for personnel in the 1995 and 1996 year groups at existing rates, while arrangements are made to clear the remaining arrears under CI 129.
WASSA Celebration
The WASSA celebration is held annually to provide an informal platform for social interaction within the GAF and to enable military leadership to engage with personnel and civilian staff. This year’s event, attended by President Mahama, brought together senior military officers, civilian staff, and other stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson; the Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi; senior officers from other security agencies; and state officials. The event featured musical performances by the GAF Central Band and popular hip-life artistes King Promise and Kofi Kinaata.
Commissioning and Welfare Initiatives
As part of the programme, President Mahama commissioned a fleet of pickup trucks, buses, and Land Cruisers to boost the mobility and operational efficiency of the Armed Forces. He also cut the sod for the construction of 10,000 housing units for GAF personnel.
Addressing welfare concerns, the President announced that a new salary structure for the GAF would take effect in March, with arrears for January and February to be paid within the same month.
He acknowledged that accommodation remains a major challenge, revealing a nationwide housing deficit of about 14,000 units. To address this, the government has partnered with Defence Industries Holding Company and FT Global Investment Ltd to deliver 10,000 housing units over the next five years. The first phase, involving 2,000 units, has already begun, alongside the ongoing Barracks Regeneration Programme.
Operational Readiness and Retooling
On security and operations, President Mahama announced that two forward operating bases (FOBs) in the northern part of the country were ready for commissioning, with funding secured to complete four additional bases before the end of the year.
He also outlined plans to strengthen national defence through the acquisition of armoured personnel carriers, strategic drones, and advanced communication systems. In addition, the government will establish Ghana’s first cyber and electronic warfare centre at the Tamale Air Force Base to enhance border surveillance and defence capabilities.
Further planned acquisitions include offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy, four Eurocopter helicopters for the Ghana Air Force, and a new executive jet to support official duties.
Commendations
Dr Forson commended officers and men of the GAF for their dedication and service, describing the occasion as a moment to reflect on achievements and reaffirm commitment to national security. He assured the public of the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to keeping the Armed Forces modern, responsive, and aligned with emerging security threats.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, praised the government’s retooling efforts and expressed appreciation to sister security agencies, diplomatic missions, allied governments, and corporate partners for their support.
He also noted that the GAF is pursuing self-reliance initiatives, including managing its own travel arrangements and expanding ventures such as bakery services, block manufacturing, poultry farming, crop production, and food processing to generate additional resources for logistics and welfare.
