Personnel of Ghana’s security services are set to receive relief as the government announces payment of their 2025 rent allowance, which has been in arrears for the past year.

In a formal statement shared by the Ministry of the Interior on Monday, March 2, it revealed that it has released funds to settle outstanding rent allowance arrears owed to personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service for the 2025 financial year.

It said, “The Ministry of the Interior wishes to inform the public, particularly personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service, that the Government has released funds for the payment of the outstanding rent allowance for the year 2025. This payment covers the arrears owed to eligible personnel across these services”.

The statement continued with a statement of gratitude and appreciation to the security service for their patience during the last year.

“The Ministry appreciates the patience and understanding demonstrated by the affected officers during this period. Furthermore, the Ministry wishes to announce that the payment process for rent allowance has been mechanised going forward,” the statement added.

This payment covers all eligible officers across the three security services who were affected by the delay.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Public Affairs and Communications Unit, the government expressed appreciation to the affected personnel for their patience and understanding during the period the allowances remained outstanding.

The Ministry also announced a major reform in the payment system to prevent future delays. Beginning March 2026, rent allowance payments will be mechanised and processed alongside officers’ monthly salaries.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of officers under its supervision and assured that it will continue to work with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to ensure all entitlements are paid promptly.

While, the rent allowance for Ghana’s security services is not a constitutional entitlement written directly into the 1992 Constitution, it is a policy-based allowance that has been part of the conditions of service for these agencies for many years. It is meant to support personnel who do not have government-provided accommodation, helping them cover housing costs.

Given the essentiality of their services, accommodation is considered a major condition of service to ensure stability and welfare.

History behind security service barriers, challenges so far

Sometime in the 1800s, during the colonial era, was when the first police and military barracks were built. The government, at the time, adopted it as a policy-based allowance to help house officers close to their duty stations, ensuring that they could be mobilised quickly when needed.

After independence in 1957, successive governments continued the practice of building barracks and service quarters for the Police, Prisons, Fire, Immigration, and Armed Forces.

However, despite these efforts, the rapid expansion of the security services meant that the available housing stock could never keep pace with recruitment. As the number of officers grew, the demand for accommodation far outstripped supply, creating a persistent shortfall that continues to this day.

In an unrelated development, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) received a boost as President John Mahama handed over 100 pickup vehicles to the service.

Speaking during the handing over event held at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, January 8, President Mahama described the move as one of the many efforts by his outfit to strengthen capacity and improve the assets and equipment of the police force.

According to President Mahama, this presentation marks the first batch of the many vehicles the government will present to the police force. This, he highlighted, will enhance police visibility and accessibility.

He said, “These 100 pickups are the first batch of several pickups that we shall be presenting to the Police Service. These are operational necessities. They will improve patrols, reduce response time, extend policing to hard-to-reach areas, and strengthen police visibility nationwide,” the President said.

He explained that the vehicles will enable officers to respond to emergencies more efficiently and operate more safely, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

“In simple terms, they will get the police to where they are needed faster and safer,” President Mahama added.

President Mahama also charged the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Police Service to maintain the vehicles and ensure their proper use, promoting responsibility and professionalism while avoiding public waste, emphasising that his government will not tolerate any form of misuse.

“To the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Police Service, these vehicles are entrusted to you on behalf of the people of Ghana. They are instruments of service, not symbols of power. They must be properly deployed, professionally used, carefully maintained, and fully accounted for. This administration will not tolerate misuse, waste, or indiscipline. Every resource provided for national security must deliver real value to the Ghanaian people.

“As we strengthen capacity, we are equally committed to professionalism and accountability. A strong police service must be lawful. Authority must always be exercised with restraint, and respect for human rights is non-negotiable. The uniform confers authority, but it also demands responsibility,” he said.

Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, expressed deep appreciation to the President and reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to safeguarding the assets and using them effectively.

“I wish to express the heartfelt appreciation of the Ghana Police Service to you,” the IGP said. “We assure you of our loyalty and our commitment to protect these assets, deploy them wisely, and use them relentlessly in the service of peace, safety, and national stability.”

IGP Yohuno further assured that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to playing its role in national development and reform.

“As we move forward, the Ghana Police stands to do its part in the national reset, firm in law enforcement, conduct, and in the defence of our nation,” he stated.