President John Dramani Mahama has announced that new salary scales for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces will take effect in March 2026, with arrears for January and February to be paid in the same month.

The President made the announcement on Friday at the West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASSA) at Burma Camp, describing the decision as “tidings of great joy” amid loud applause from officers, soldiers and defence civilian staff.

“I bring you tidings of great joy. It pleases me to announce that your new salary scales will start in March, and the arrears for January and February will also be paid in March,” President Mahama said.

The salary adjustment, he noted, reflects government’s commitment to the welfare and motivation of military personnel, stressing that the effectiveness of any armed force depends on the professionalism, welfare and morale of its people.

Speaking in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, President Mahama reaffirmed his determination to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces remain adequately resourced, well-trained and properly equipped to address both current and emerging security challenges.

The announcement was made during WASSA, an annual tradition that offers the President an opportunity to engage with service personnel in a relaxed but meaningful setting, review the past year and outline the way forward. President Mahama described WASSA as more than a social event, calling it a symbol of unity, esprit de corps, and the enduring values of discipline, loyalty and professionalism that define the Armed Forces.

Beyond salaries, the President announced government’s support for a proposed mutual health fund for service personnel and their families to enhance access to healthcare and improve financial security. He said the National Security Secretariat will provide seed funding for the welfare trust fund, and acknowledged the contribution of Mr. Kofi Appiah, CEO of All Day Ventures, towards the initiative.

On accommodation, President Mahama noted that government is addressing a housing deficit of about 14,000 units for military personnel. He welcomed the partnership between the Defence Industrial Holding Company and FT Global, which is expected to deliver 10,000 housing units over the next five years. Earlier in the day, he commissioned the first phase of 2,000 housing units, underscoring government’s commitment to improving living conditions for service personnel and their families.

The President commended the Ghana Armed Forces for keeping Ghana a beacon of stability and democratic resilience in a sub-region confronted with complex and evolving security threats. He praised the conduct of troops involved in Operation Gong Gong and Operation Maidaburi in Boko and surrounding areas, noting that their professionalism has contributed to the relative calm currently being experienced.

President Mahama urged officers, soldiers and defence civilian staff to remain disciplined, professional and loyal in the discharge of their duties, expressing confidence that the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to serve Ghana, the sub-region, Africa and the world with distinction.