In Ghana, joining the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is seen by many as a stable and respected career path. Every year, thousands of young people apply to join the Service, whether as officers, border security personnel, or administrative staff hoping for job security, good pay, and opportunities for advancement.
But one question remains at the top of everyone’s mind:
How much does Ghana Immigration Service pay?
In this article, we’ll break down the current salary structure of the Ghana Immigration Service as of July 2025, explain what influences salaries, and help you understand what to expect if you or someone you know is considering a career with GIS.
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Overview of Ghana Immigration Service Salary Structure
The Ghana Immigration Service operates under the Ministry of the Interior and is part of Ghana’s broader security sector. Salaries for GIS officers are determined by the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), which applies to most government workers in the public sector, including military and paramilitary agencies.
The salary structure is rank-based, meaning your earnings depend largely on your position, years of service, and qualifications.
As of July 2025, here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Rank/Position | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Estimated Annual Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit (Trainee) | GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500 | GHS 14,400 – GHS 18,000 |
| Immigration Officer I | GHS 2,000 – GHS 2,500 | GHS 24,000 – GHS 30,000 |
| Assistant Inspector | GHS 2,700 – GHS 3,200 | GHS 32,400 – GHS 38,400 |
| Inspector | GHS 3,500 – GHS 4,000 | GHS 42,000 – GHS 48,000 |
| Chief Inspector | GHS 4,200 – GHS 5,000 | GHS 50,400 – GHS 60,000 |
| Superintendent | GHS 5,200 – GHS 6,000 | GHS 62,400 – GHS 72,000 |
| Chief Superintendent | GHS 6,500 – GHS 7,500 | GHS 78,000 – GHS 90,000 |
| Assistant Commissioner | GHS 8,000 – GHS 10,000 | GHS 96,000 – GHS 120,000 |
| Deputy Commissioner | GHS 12,000 – GHS 15,000 | GHS 144,000 – GHS 180,000 |
| Commissioner | GHS 16,000 – GHS 18,000+ | GHS 192,000 – GHS 216,000+ |
Please note: Figures are estimated based on publicly available data and may vary slightly depending on allowances and internal promotions.
Entry-Level Pay: What a New Recruit Can Expect
For many young people joining the Service for the first time, the starting salary during the training period (often 6 months to 1 year) is typically between GHS 1,200 and GHS 1,500 per month.
During this time, recruits undergo intensive physical and academic training at the Immigration Training School. Meals, uniforms, and accommodation are usually provided, so most of their pay goes into savings or minor personal expenses.
After passing out, new officers are deployed and promoted to Immigration Officer I, where the salary rises to between GHS 2,000 and GHS 2,500/month.
Allowances and Additional Benefits
In addition to basic salaries, officers in the Ghana Immigration Service receive several allowances and benefits, depending on their roles and locations.
Common allowances include:
- Rent/Housing Allowance
- Risk Allowance (for officers working in high-risk border zones)
- Uniform Maintenance
- Transport Allowance
- Professional Allowance (for officers with law, IT, or medical backgrounds)
Officers deployed to remote borders may receive additional hardship or field duty bonuses.
Other non-monetary benefits:
- Free accommodation in some locations
- Pension and Social Security (Tier 1 & 2)
- Health insurance under NHIS
- Annual leave and paid holidays
- Promotion opportunities
Highest Paying Roles in Ghana Immigration Service
As of 2025, some of the highest-paid roles in the GIS include:
- Commissioner of Immigration: The highest-ranking officer, managing all operations. Estimated annual salary: GHS 216,000+
- Deputy Commissioners: Oversee departments like Border Control, Intelligence, and Administration. Estimated salary: GHS 12,000 – GHS 15,000/month
- Specialized Professionals (Lawyers, Secretaries, ICT Experts): These roles often come with extra allowances, and their earnings can exceed GHS 10,000/month depending on years of service and qualifications.
In fact, some senior administrative staff and high-ranking secretaries reportedly earn above GHS 200,000 annually, making them some of the best-compensated within the Service.
Lowest Paying Positions
At the lower end, security guards, cleaners, and some non-commissioned support staff earn between GHS 1,000 and GHS 1,800 per month, depending on whether they are permanent staff or contract-based workers.
These roles are usually filled by civilian support workers and not uniformed officers.
How Promotions Affect Salary
In the GIS, promotions are based on:
- Years of service
- Performance reviews
- Further education or training
- Passing internal exams
With every promotion comes an increase in base salary and access to better allowances. For example, moving from Assistant Inspector to Inspector could raise your pay by up to GHS 1,000/month.
Some officers also gain access to official vehicles, housing, and domestic travel support as they climb the ranks.
Salary Comparison: GIS vs Other Security Agencies
How does the Ghana Immigration Service compare to other security forces?
| Agency | Average Monthly Salary (Mid-Level) |
|---|---|
| Ghana Police Service | GHS 2,500 – GHS 5,500 |
| Ghana Armed Forces | GHS 2,200 – GHS 6,000 |
| Ghana Prisons Service | GHS 2,300 – GHS 4,500 |
| Ghana Fire Service | GHS 2,400 – GHS 4,800 |
| Ghana Immigration Service | GHS 2,700 – GHS 6,000+ |
Overall, GIS salaries are competitive and slightly above average when compared to sister agencies, especially at the middle to senior levels.
Should You Join the Ghana Immigration Service?
For many Ghanaians, a career in immigration offers:
- Stable income
- Government-backed benefits
- Chances for local and international postings
- Long-term pension security
However, recruitment into the GIS is highly competitive, and applicants must:
- Be physically and medically fit
- Hold at least a WASSCE/SSSCE certificate
- Pass aptitude tests and interviews
Advanced roles require degree qualifications in areas like law, IT, administration, or accounting.
Disclaimer: We are not a recruitment agency and do not directly offer jobs. Our goal is to share helpful news and opportunities from verified sources. Always do your own research before applying.