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.
The Ministry confirmed in a statement dated March 2, 2026, that the government had released funds to cover the arrears for all eligible officers, expressing appreciation for their patience during months of delayed payments.
In a significant policy shift, the Ministry also revealed that the payment of rent allowances has now been mechanised. Effective March 2026, allowances will be processed and paid alongside monthly salaries — a move expected to eliminate delays and ensure consistency.
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The development is a major relief for personnel across the security services, for whom rent allowances remain a key component of welfare support amid rising housing costs and general living expenses.
Delays in the payment of such entitlements have, in recent months, raised concerns over morale within the services, with many officers relying heavily on the allowance for accommodation and household stability.
The Ministry further indicated that it will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to guarantee the timely disbursement of allowances and related benefits.
The latest development also comes in the wake of controversy surrounding a 20 percent tax deduction on rent allowances. The Interior Ministry had clarified that the deduction was applied at source by the Finance Ministry in line with existing tax laws, and not a directive from the Interior.
The twin developments — clearing arrears and mechanising payments — highlight the government’s efforts to improve welfare within the security sector.
However, concerns remain that deductions on allowances could trigger renewed dissatisfaction among personnel, who are primarily focused on their take-home benefits.