Anger in military over scrapping of key allowances

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) High Command has announced a major adjustment to the allowance structure for military personnel serving on external duties and those seconded to international organizations, sparking discontent among affected officers.

In a directive issued on August 25, 2025, the High Command under President John Dramani Mahama administration rescinded parts of an earlier policy communicated on June 30, 2025, which had expanded the range of allowances payable to soldiers on external assignments.

Initially, the revised policy allowed personnel abroad to receive additional benefits — including Ration Allowance and Batman Allowance — alongside their Foreign Service salaries and other organizational emoluments.

However, following what the Military High Command described as a “subsequent review,” the two allowances have now been struck out. The latest addendum clarified that only the following entitlements will remain valid for external and seconded officers:

Operational Allowance

Hazardous Allowance

Qualification/Trade Allowance

Military Sustenance Allowance

Responsibility Allowance

Professional Allowance

Principal Staff Allowance

Recovery of Already-Paid Allowances

The directive, signed by Brigadier General S. Osumanu of the Defence Finance Controller’s office, further instructed that any Ration and Batman Allowances already disbursed to affected personnel since the initial implementation date of August 1, 2025, must be recovered.

This claw-back policy has caused unease among soldiers currently deployed abroad, with some expressing frustration in internal communication platforms, including closed WhatsApp groups.

Political Undertones

The decision has reignited debates over the welfare of Ghanaian military personnel, particularly in comparison with previous administrations.

Under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, the full package of allowances was maintained, and some officers now feel shortchanged under the Mahama administration. Sources within the military suggest that the withdrawal of the benefits has already dampened morale among troops on external duties.

Background: Allowances and Soldier Welfare

The issue of allowances has long been a sensitive one within the Armed Forces.

Soldiers on peacekeeping and external assignments often rely on these supplementary benefits as a cushion against the high cost of living abroad. The inclusion of Ration and Batman Allowances in June had been welcomed as a morale booster, particularly as Ghana continues to contribute troops to international peacekeeping missions.

The abrupt reversal, however, has revived concerns about government’s commitment to the welfare of its soldiers, particularly as Ghana navigates tight fiscal conditions and scrutiny over public spending.

Next Steps

The addendum has been circulated to Defence Advisors and all service commands — the Army, Navy, and Air Force — for strict compliance.

It remains to be seen how the recovery of allowances already disbursed will be managed, and whether affected officers will petition for a review of the High Command’s decision.

For now, Ghana’s military personnel deployed abroad will have to adjust to a leaner package of entitlements, a development that could strain relations between the government and the rank and file.