Former Ghana Army Soldier Raymond Highlights Challenges in the Ghana Army After Joining US Military
- Veteran soldier Kwaku Raymond slammed the Ghana Army for the reported lack of benefits for officers occupying junior ranks
- He contrasted the situation back home to the norm in the US, claiming he earned more there, including landing benefits such as a housing allowance, among others
- Raymond said that he still respects the Ghana Army but believes junior soldiers deserve much better
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Kwaku Raymond, a popular former Ghanaian soldier who recently joined the US Army, shared his experiences of challenges and inequalities while serving in the Ghana Armed Forces for nearly 20 years.
Source: Instagram
Raymond, speaking about his experiences, mentioned that most of the perks and benefits in the Ghana Army were heavily officer-centric, while junior ranks were struggling.
He reflected on the military background of his family and mentioned that his father served as a warrant officer and initially earned the same amount as a major, although this all changed after a salary review.
As it stands, in Ghana, lieutenants after a year of service earn more than warrant officers after twenty to 24 years of service.
"So where is the respect?" he remarked.
Raymond stated and highlighted that these discrepancies were not present in the US Army, where pay and benefits are structured and equitable.
He further voiced the hardship of junior ranks, using himself as an example.
He enlisted in the Ghana Army in 2005 and did not have a government apartment in the barracks, instead living with his mother until being assigned an apartment as a private soldier in 2009.
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Raymond compares pay in US & Ghana Armies
Raymond pointed out that after many years of service, the amount of money he was given upon resignation would be no more than $20,000, not enough for even a moderate car like a Honda Accord.
He pointed out that, comparatively, after basic training in the US Army, he had received a $15,000 signing bonus plus a comfortable apartment.
He also mentioned that as a private soldier in the United States Army, he could earn US$8,000 per month, showing the significant differences between the two militaries in pay and reasonable living conditions.
Source: Instagram
Raymond respects Ghana Army despite pay inequalities
Although Raymond has acknowledged these dynamics, he pointed out a deep admiration for the Ghana Army and for all the colleagues he served alongside.
He recognised that the military does have discipline and professionalism, but due to systemic inequities, especially with pay and benefits, many junior ranks were living day to day.
His background also demonstrated the greater challenges within the Ghanaian non-commissioned officer structure and the differences between militaries in his home country and the United States.
Raymond has suggested there is a need for reforms within the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that all soldiers, regardless of rank, are fairly compensated and respected for their service.
Raymond Elleamoh joins US Army
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that a former GAF personnel, Raymond Kwaku Elleamoh, had joined the US Army.
A celebrated soldier, once touted as the strongest serviceman in Ghana, announced his new role in a social media post.
Taking to his Instagram page on June 4, 2025, Elleamoh shared pictures of himself in a US Army uniform after enlisting.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
