A simmering dispute between the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) High Command and a group of retiring soldiers over the payment of gratuity arrears has escalated into a major standoff, with tensions reaching a critical stage ahead of a June 20 deadline for the affected personnel to vacate official military accommodation.
At the centre of the controversy are soldiers from the 1995 and 1996 recruit intakes who are currently on terminal leave and preparing to exit the military after decades of service.
Retirees on terminal leave
The affected personnel have vowed not to leave their official residences until what they describe as outstanding issues relating to their gratuity payments are fully resolved.
Soldiers refuse to vacate
The development has raised concerns within military circles, given the sensitive nature of the institution and the potential implications for morale among serving and retiring personnel.
Origins in CI 129 reform
The dispute stems from the implementation of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 129, introduced in 2020 to amend the terms and conditions of service of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Changed retirement structure
The instrument extended the retirement age of military personnel and significantly altered the computation of retirement benefits and gratuity payments.
However, the policy change reportedly created a substantial financial obligation for the state because the revised gratuity structure was introduced without corresponding budgetary provisions.
Presidential directive on arrears
President John Dramani Mahama earlier directed that gratuity arrears resulting from the implementation of CI 129 be paid to affected military personnel.
Government estimates indicated that the policy generated approximately GH¢1 billion in gratuity arrears, with 238 officers and 2,155 soldiers expected to benefit during the initial phase of implementation.
According to President Mahama, the introduction of the new retirement and gratuity structure substantially increased the benefits due personnel and created liabilities that had not been adequately catered for when the policy was introduced.
Eligibility framework defined
Under the approved arrangement, personnel who retired from November 2020 onwards became eligible to receive arrears based on the revised gratuity formula.
However, the retiring soldiers involved in the current dispute contend that the amounts credited to their accounts do not reflect the full arrears they are entitled to under the President’s directive.
Dispute over payments
Their dissatisfaction stems largely from the decision by the military authorities to spread the payment of the gratuity arrears over a two-year period.
Under the implementation roadmap adopted by the Ghana Armed Forces, the arrears are to be paid in four instalments between February 2026 and December 2027.
Phased payment contested
The affected soldiers insist that the phased payment arrangement falls short of their expectations and argue that they should receive the full arrears immediately upon retirement.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that dissatisfaction over the instalment arrangement extends beyond the current batch of retirees.
Wider discontent emerging
Other personnel due for retirement in the coming years are also reportedly unhappy with the payment structure and fear they may face similar delays in receiving their full benefits.
As the gratuity dispute intensified, the issue became intertwined with the occupation of military accommodation.
In a letter dated May 20, 2026, issued by the General Headquarters Logistics Department at Burma Camp, military authorities directed the affected personnel to vacate their official accommodation by June 20, 2026.
Eviction notice issued
The letter warned that personnel who failed to comply with the directive could face forcible eviction.
According to the notice, individuals who remained in military accommodation without authorization after the deadline would be surcharged for unlawful occupation and required to settle all outstanding utility bills.
The directive followed a legal challenge mounted by some of the affected personnel seeking an injunction to restrain the military from proceeding with the eviction exercise.
However, military authorities indicated that the application was dismissed by the court on May 18, 2026, effectively clearing the way for the enforcement of the eviction order.
The General Headquarters letter described the communication as the final notice on the matter and indicated that no further extensions or notices would be issued.
Affected personnel were instructed to clean their accommodation and hand over the keys before the expiration of the deadline.
Those occupying General Headquarters accommodation were specifically directed to return their keys to the Director of Accommodation at the Department of Logistics at Burma Camp.
The notice further directed unit commanders across the Army, Navy and Air Force to ensure strict compliance with the order.
The communication was signed by Colonel Anana on behalf of the Director-General of Logistics and circulated to military formations and commands nationwide.
Despite the warning, several of the affected retirees have reportedly maintained that they will not vacate their residences until the gratuity issue is fully addressed.
The standoff now places military authorities in a delicate position as they balance enforcement of accommodation regulations with the growing frustrations of retirees who believe they have not received the full benefits due them after years of service to the nation.
Tense standoff at critical stage
With the eviction deadline expiring tomorrow, attention is now focused on how the Ghana Armed Forces High Command and government would manage the situation to prevent the dispute from escalating further within one of the country’s most important state institutions.
The outcome of the standoff could have significant implications not only for the affected retirees but also for thousands of serving military personnel closely monitoring developments surrounding the implementation of the revised gratuity regime.
