The Ministry of the Interior has announced the full settlement of outstanding 2025 rent allowance arrears owed to personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service.
In a statement dated March 2, 2026, the ministry confirmed that funds have been released to cover all arrears for eligible officers across the three services. It also expressed appreciation to personnel for their patience during the period of delayed payments.
Beyond clearing the backlog, the ministry revealed a key reform aimed at preventing future delays. Beginning March 2026, rent allowances will be mechanised and paid together with monthly salaries. The move is expected to bring consistency and predictability to payments, which many officers rely on to manage housing costs.
Rent allowances remain a critical component of welfare support within the security services, particularly at a time when living expenses and accommodation costs continue to rise. Prolonged delays in such payments have often led to frustration and concerns over morale among personnel.
The ministry further indicated that it will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to ensure timely disbursement of allowances and related benefits.
However, the development comes against the backdrop of recent concerns over a 20 per cent tax deduction on rent allowances. The Interior Ministry clarified that the deduction was applied at source by the Finance Ministry in line with existing tax laws, and not a policy decision taken by the Interior Ministry itself.
The combined issues of delayed payments and subsequent tax deductions highlight the growing sensitivity surrounding welfare conditions in the security sector. While the government’s move to clear arrears and streamline payments signals responsiveness, concerns over reduced take-home benefits could continue to shape sentiment among officers.
