Release of soldiers is in order - Ghana Armed Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces has disclosed that the release of military personnel who have served with the Forces for 25 years and above, are in line with the Forces’ regulation.

Lt Col E.W.K Nibo, Director of Public Relations, intimated in a release that the periodic release of soldiers had been a routine administrative procedure until recently, when funds for payment of their terminal benefits became a problem.

It has now become necessary since efforts being made for funding to be sourced, has yielded positive results with the present government, he pointed out. Consequently, the Ministry of Defence authorised the Armed Forces to initiate the release, with effect from 1 June 2002 which will be the first phase.

Outlining the procedures of the release programme, Lt Col Nibo indicated that the individuals involved are served with a notification by the Directorate of Military Records, which spells out when to commence and end the Terminal Leave. The Forces Pay Office then works out the 80 per cent gratuity and the individual’s terminal leave pay on receipt of the notifications.

The release is then made formal and issued to his/her Discharge Documents. He explained that when the terminal leave ends, his remaining 20 per cent is paid together with his pension documents to the Accountant General and Pay Office. The statement continued that the outlined procedure is a normal administrative one which all Other Ranks (OR), go through when they are due for retirement after 25 years of service.

“While expressing appreciation, gratitude and commendations to all retiring Service Personnel for diligently and honourably serving their nation, the Armed Forces hoped that the second phase, that is 25-28 years, will be initiated as soon as funds are available,” the statement said.