Armed Forces Regulations Vol 1 (Admin)

ARMED FORCES REGULATIONS
(Administration)
VOLUME I
A.F.R. Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME I
CHAPTER TITLE ARTICLES
1 Introduction and Interpretations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1.01–1.99
2 Government and Organizations.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2.01–2.99
3 Rank, Seniority, Command and Precedence

Section 1—Rank and Seniority.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3.01–3.22
Section 2—Command.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3.23–3.48
Section 3—Precedence.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3.49–3.99
4 Officers’ Duties and Responsibilities

Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.01–4.05
Section 2—Officer Commanding an Army Command and Area
Commander .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.06–4.07
Section 3—Orders.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.08–4.26
Section 4—General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.27–4.99
5 Duties, Responsibilities and Privileges of Men .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.01–5.99
6 Enrolment and Re-engagement

Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6.01–6.10
Section 2—Officers.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6.11–6.20
Section 3—Men .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6.21–6.99
7 Officers’ Appointments .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7.01–7.99
8 (Not Allocated)
9 (Not Allocated)
10 Transfer and Duty Outside the Army, Navy and Air Force .. .. 10.01–10..99
11 Promotion, Reversion and Compulsory Remustering

Section 1—Promotion .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11.01–11.09
Section 2—Reversion and Compulsory Remustering .. .. .. .. 11.10–11.99
12 Promotion of Officers
Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12.01–12.20
Section 2—Promotion of Officers in Regular Forces .. .. .. .. 12.21–12.40
Section 3—Promotion of Officers in the Reserves .. .. .. .. .. 12.41–12.99
13 Promotion of Officers on Branch List

Section 1—Promotion of officers holding Quartermaster/
Branch List commission .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13.01
Section 2—Promotion of officers Medical/Dental Officers .. . 13.02–13.99
14 Advancement and Promotion of Men 14.01–14.99
15 Release
Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15.01–15.16
Section 2—Officers.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15.17–15.30
Section 3—Men .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15.31–15.49
Section 4—Reinstatement—Officers and Men.. .. .. .. .. .. 15.50–15.99
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Table of Contents A.F.R.
16 Leave and Pass

Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 16.01–16.10
Section 2—Leave.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16.11–16.29
Section 3—Pass and Short Leave.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16.30–16.33
Section 4—Leave Records.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16.34–16.99
17 Dress and Appearance

Section 1—General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17.01–17.14
Section 2—Mourning .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17.15–17.99
18 (NOT ALLOCATED)
19 Conduct and Discipline

Section 1—Personal Conduct.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.01–19.25
Section 2—Grievances and Complaints.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.26–19.35
Section 3—Dealings with Public, Civil Employment and Political
Activities.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.35–19.51
Section 4—Legal Proceedings by Civil Power.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.52–19.63
Section 5—Deserters and Absentees.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.64–19.80
Section 6—Guard Reports.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19.81–19.99
20 (NOT ALLOCATED)
21 Summary Investigations and Boards of Inquiry

Section 1—Summary Investigations.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.01–21.06
Section 2—Boards of Inquiry—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.07–21.18
Section 3—Special Provisions concerning Summary Investigations
and Boards of Inquiry.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.19–21.20
Section 4—Claims by or against the State.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.21–21.40
Section 5—Missing or Absent Officers and Men.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.41–21.45
Section 6—Personal Injuries and Death.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.46–21.50
Section 7—Accidents involving Service Vehicles.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.51–21.54
Section 8—Aircraft Accidents.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.55–21.60
Section 9—Fire, Explosion or Similar Occurrence.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.61–21.70
Section 10—Public and Non-Public Property .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.71–21.75
Section 11—Joint Boards of Inquiry.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21.76–21.99
22 Provost Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22.01–22.99
23 (NOT ALLOCATED)
24 Casualties and Funerals

Section 1—Casualties.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24.01–24.14
Section 2—Funerals.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24.15–24.99
25 Service Estates and Personal Belongings

Section 1—Service Estates.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25.01–25.15
Section 2—Disposal of Personal Belongings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25.16–25.21
Section 3—Loss of or Damage to Private Property and Personal
Belongings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 25.22–25.99
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A.F.R Table of Contents
26 Personal Records and Documents

Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 26.01–26.07
Section 2—Personal Assessments .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 26.08–26.15
Section 3—Certificates.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26.16–26.30
Section 4—Change of Name.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26.31–26.40
Section 5—Conduct Sheets.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26.41–26.99
27 Messing, Institutes, Canteens and Cabins

Section 1—Messing—Officers.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.01–27.22
Section 2—Messing - Men.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.23–27.30
Section 3—Mess Administration - General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.31–27.40
Section 4—Services Institutes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.41
Section 5—Canteens - Navy.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.42–27.51
Section 6—Ship’s Fund .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 27.52–27.56
Section 7—Non Public Property .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27.57–27.99
28 Allotment and Occupation of Quarters

Section 1—General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28.01–28.05
Section 2—Married Quarters . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28.06–28.19
Section 3—Single Quarters .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28.20–28.29
Section 4—Civilians28.30 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28.30–28.99
29 Works and Buildings

Section 1—General. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29.01–29.14
Section 2—Inspections .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29.15–29.25
Section 3—Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29.26–29.99
30 Fire Prevention Services.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30.01–30.99
31 Employment of the Armed Forces in a National Disaster .. .. 31.01–31.99
32 Bands .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 32.01–32.99
33 Chaplain Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 33.01–33.99
34 Medical Services
Section 1—General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34.01–34.06
Section 2—Medical care of Members of the Forces .. .. .. .. 34.07–34.20
Section 3—Medical care of Dependents of Members of the
Forces.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34.21–34.29
Section 4—Medical care of Civilians, Civil Servants, School
Teachers and their Dependents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34.30–34.99
35 Dental Services
Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 35.01–35.02
Section 2—Dental care of Members of the Forces .. .. .. .. .. 35.03–35.09
Section 3—Dental care of Dependants.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 35.10–35.99
36 Materials
Section 1—General.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36.01–36.09
Section 2—Loss of or Damage to Material.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36.10–36.19
Section 3—Write off. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36.20–36.28
Section 4—Explosives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36.29–36.34
Section 5— Rations.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36.35–36.99
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Table of Contents A.F.R
37 (Not Allocated)
38 Liability for Public and Non Public Property.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38.01–38.99
39–49 (Not Allocated)
50 Physical and Recreational Training .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50.01–50.99
53 Photography
Section 1 - Official Photography .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 53.01–53.19
Section 2 - Private Photography .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 53.20–53.99
54 Education
Section 1 - Responsibilities and Duties .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 54.01–54.10
Section 2 - Education Training.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 54.11–54.99
57 Correspondence, Books Publication and Mails

Section 1 - Correspondence.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57.01–57.25
Section 2 - Telecommunications .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57.26–57.50
Section 3 - Mails .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57.51–57.99
58 Examinations.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58.01–58.99
62 Flying of Flags .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62.01–62.99
63 Honours and Salutes

Section 1 - Honours and Salutes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 63.01–63.03
Section 2 - Guards of Honours – Entitled Personages.. .. .. .. 63.04–93.99
64 International Relation.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 64.01–64.99
65 Military Funerals
Section 1 - General Instructions.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65.01–65.05
Section 2 - Firing Party.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65.06–65.99
iv
ARMED FORCES REGULATIONS
IN exercise of the powers conferred on the Armed Forces Council by Article

152 of the Constitution, and with the prior approval of the President, these
Regulations are made this 25th day of September, 1970
VOLUME 1
(Administrative)
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION AND INTERPRETATIONS
1.01—CITATION
(a) These Regulations may be cited as Armed Forces Regulations

(“AFR”).
(b) Section 98 (Interpretation) of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105) and the
interpretation sections of the British Army Act, 1955 shall apply to the Armed
Forces Regulations, unless the provisions therein are included in or are
inconsistent with the provisions of the said Armed Forces Regulations.
1.02—INTERPRETATIONS
In AFR and in all orders and instructions issued to the Armed Forces under the Constitution and
the Armed Forces Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) “Accounting Officer” means an officer who is responsible for the receipt,
custody, control and distribution of, and accounting for public funds;
(ii) “administrative deduction” means an amount chargeable against the pay and
allowances of an officer or man to reimburse the state or an institute, mess or
canteen in whole or in part, for financial loss for which that officer or man has
been found responsible;
(iii) “advancement” means the acquisition of a higher trade group than that formerly
held;
(iv) “aircraft” means any machine for flying, whether propelled by mechanical
means or not, and includes any description of balloon;
(v) “air force” means the Air Force of Ghana;
(vi) “Armed Forces Act” means the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105);
(vii) “Army” means the Army of Ghana;
(viii) “attachment” means—

(a) the assignment of a person for continuous duty or training outside his
parent service to another service within the Armed Forces; or
1
Art. 1.02 A.F.R.
1.02—INTERPRETATIONS—contd.
(b) the temporary assignment of a person within his parent service to a

component, subcomponent, formation, station, unit or ship other than that
in which he is ordinarily employed and in which he continues to fill a
position;
(ix) “bands” means those bands of the Armed Forces authorised by establishment or
by the Chief of Defence Staff;
(x) “Camp training” means duty performed by an officer or man of the Reserves
while undergoing annual training in camp including proceeding to and returning
from the camp;
(xi) “casualty” means any injury to or illness of an officer or man whether or not it is
fatal, and includes the absence of a missing officer or man;
(xii) “civil prison” means any prison, gaol or other place in Ghana in which
offenders sentenced by a civil court to imprisonment can be confined, and if
sentenced out of Ghana, any prison, gaol or other place in which a person,
sentenced to imprisonment by a civil court having jurisdiction in the place where
the sentence was passed, can for the time being be confined;
(xiii) “classification” means—

(a) one of the grades of private namely trained soldier or recruit; or
(b) one of the grades of able seaman or ordinary seaman;
(c) one of the grades of aircraftman, namely leading aircraftman, aircraftman
1st class or aircraftman 2nd class;
(xiv) “classified material” means all material which for reasons of policy or security
should be specially safeguarded;
(xv) “command” means the authority vested in each officer or man to exercise
control, direction, inspection and the power of decision over others subordinate
to himself to the degree necessary to carry out the responsibility imposed on him;
(xvi) “Commanding officer” means—

(a) the officer in command of a unit, ship or fleet establishment; or
(b) any other officer designated as a commanding officer by the Armed Forces
Council;
(xvii) “continuous duty” means full-time duty performed by an officer or man of the
Reserves anticipated to exceed six months, including proceeding to and returning
from the place of duty, but not including attendance at courses which form part
of the training of the Reserves;
(xviii) “court martial” means a General Court Martial or a Disciplinary Court Martial;
(xix) “department” in relation to the Navy, refers to the main sections into which ships
or fleet establishments are divided for the purpose of allocation of specific duties
and responsibilities;
2
A.F.R. Art. 1.02
(xx) “detached duty” means continuous duty performed by an officer or man away
from his formation, station, unit, ship or fleet establishment;
(xxi) “detachment” means personnel engaged on detached duty;
(xxii) “detachment barracks” means a place designated as such by the Chief of

Defence Staff;
(xxiii) “division” of a ship or fleet establishment refers to the section into which men
serving in the ship or fleet establishment may be divided for purposes of
discipline and to facilitate the training and welfare of the men;
(xxiv) “Divisional Drills” means duty by an officer or man of the Reserves at a naval
division, including attendance at drill, parades, demonstrations, and exercises;
(xxv) “emergency” means war, invasion, riot or insurrection, real or apprehended;
(xxvi) “establishment” means—

(a) the personnel and material authorised to constitute a unit of the Army or
Air Force; and
(b) the outfit of stores authorised for a ship or naval establishment;
(xxvii) “enrol” means to cause any person to become a member of the Armed Forces;
(xxviii) “family” means the wife and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an
officer or man;
(xxix) “Flag Officer” means an officer of the rank of Rear Admiral or above;
(xxx) “fleet establishment” means a naval establishment commissioned by order of the

President;
(xxxi) “formation” means a number of stations or units including a headquarters,

grouped under a single commander;
(xxxii) “Ghana Navy Ship” means a vessel of the Navy of Ghana commissioned as a
vessel of war;
(xxxiii) “institute” means a mess, canteen or institution maintained or operated by a unit,

ship or other element for the purpose of providing goods, services and amenities;
(xxxiv) “Local Training” means duty performed by an officer or man of the Reserves at
local headquarters; including attendance at drills, parades, demonstrations, and
exercises;
(xxxv) “material” means all movable public property, other than money, provided for
the Armed Forces or for any other purpose under the Armed Forces Act, and
includes any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, animal, missile, arms, ammunition,
clothing, stores, provisions or equipment so provided;
3
Art. 1.02 A.F.R.
(xxxvi) “message” means any thought or idea expressed briefly, in plain or secret
language, prepared in a form suitable for transmission by established means of
rapid communication;
(xxxvii) “Ministry” means the Ministry of Defence;
(xxxviii) “navy” means the Navy of Ghana;
(xxxix) “navy division” means a fleet establishment organized as a training and

administrative unit of the Reserves;
(xl) “naval establishment” means offices, quarters, barracks, dockyard, victualling

yards, naval yards, factories, rifle and gun ranges, naval colleges and all other
buildings, works and premises constructed or set apart for the Navy.
(xli) “Naval General Orders” includes General Orders and confidential General
Orders of the Navy;
(xlii) “Naval Training” means duty performed by an officer or man of the naval
Reserve, while undergoing annual training in a ship or fleet establishment,
including proceeding to and returning from the place where the duty is
performed.
(xliii) “non-commissioned officer” means—

(a) squadron, battery or company, quartermaster sergeant, staff sergeant,
sergeant, corporal or bombardier of the army;
(b) petty officer class I & II, leading seaman;
(c) a flight sergeant, sergeant or corporal of the air force;
(xliv) “officer” includes a subordinate officer (see definition of “subordinate officer”);
(xlv) “operational readiness” means the availability of all personnel and material,
within prescribed limits of capability, which enables the unit to perform its
operational task;
(xlvi) “pay” means pay of rank or classification, and trade group, including progressive
pay as appropriate, and includes pay at such consolidated rates as may be
approved from time to time by the Armed Forces Council;
(xlvii) “paymaster” means an officer who is responsible under these Regulations for the
receipt, custody or disbursement of public funds;
(xlviii) “personal equipment” means all material issued to an officer or man for his
personal wear or other personal use;
(xlix) “prescribed” means prescribed in orders and instructions;
4
A.F.R. Art. 1.02
(l) “promotion” means the acquisition of a higher rank than that formerly held;
(li) “ration strength” means the number of persons for which ration may be drawn at
a unit, ship or other element;
(lii) “reclassification” means a change within the classifications of private, able

seaman or ordinary seaman or aircraftman;
(liii) “reduction” means compulsory demotion from a substantive or temporary rank to

a lower rank by reason of or consequent upon a sentence imposed by a service
tribunal;
(liv) “release” means the termination of the service of an officer or man in any manner
whatsoever;
(lv) “remuster” means the change of a man from one trade to another;
(lvi) “Reserves” means the Regular Reserves, Volunteer Forces and Volunteer
Reserves of the Armed Forces.
(lvii) “reversion” means the return to lower rank other than by reduction;
(lviii) “secondment” means the assignment of an officer or man for continuous duty
outside the Armed Forces;
(lix) “Senior Naval Officer in Command” means the officer appointed in command
of a naval area or combination of ships;
(lx) “Service” when used adjectivally, means belonging to or connected with the
Armed Forces or any part of the Armed Forces;
(lxi) “service custody” means the holding under arrest or in confinement of any
person by the Armed Forces and includes confinement in a detention barracks.
(lxii) “service detainee” means a person who is under a sentence that includes a
punishment of detention imposed upon him pursuant to the Code of Service
Discipline;
(lxiii) “service offence” means an offence under the Armed Forces Act, or any other
enactment for the time being in force, committed by a person while subject to the
Code of Service Discipline;
(lxiv) “service prisoner” means a person who is under a sentence imposed upon him by
civil court that includes a punishment of imprisonment for less than two years;
(lxv) “service tribunal” means a court martial or a person presiding at a summary trial;
5
Art. 1.02 A.F.R.
(lxvi) “ship” means any vessel of the navy commissioned or ordered to be

commissioned;
(lxvii) “Special Duty” means duty performed by an officer or man of the Reserves other
than continuous military duty, Local Training, Camp Training, Divisional Drills
and naval training including proceeding to and returning from the place where
the duty is performed.
(lxviii) “station” means one or more units designated by orders as comprising a station;
(lxix) “subordinate officer” means—

(a) army cadet
(b) naval cadet
(c) flight cadet, and
(d) midshipman;
(lxx) “summary trial” means a trial conducted by or under the authority of a

commanding officer under section 63 of the Armed Forces Act or a superior
commander under section 64 of the Armed Forces Act;
(lxxi) “superior officer” means any officer or man who, in relation to any other officer
or man, is by the Armed Forces Act or by regulations made there under or by
custom of the appropriate Forces, authorized to give a lawful command to that
other officer or man;
(lxxii) “tender” includes any ship, vessel, fleet establishment or body designated as
such by the Navy Commander;
(lxxiii) “the Captain” in relation to the navy, means the officer appointed to command
the ship or fleet establishment, and, in cases, and to the extent, designated by the
Navy Commander, the officer in immediate command of persons on detached
duty on shore or otherwise;
(lxxiv) “the Captain of an aircraft” means the officer in supreme charge of an aircraft.
(lxxv) “the Executive Officer” means in relation to the navy the officer or man who is
appointed or drafted as such;
(lxxvi) “trade” means a military occupation requiring knowledge and skill as prescribed
in the Armed Forces trade specifications;
(lxxvii) “trade group” means a level of knowledge and skill within a trade as prescribed
in the Armed Forces trade specifications;
(lxxviii) “unit” means an individual body of the Armed Forces authorized by

establishment pursuant to section 2 of the Armed Forces Act with the personnel
and material thereof;
6
AFR Art. 1.06
(lxxix) “ vessel” means any description of craft, however propelled, used or designated
to be used in navigation, other than a commissioned ship of the navy;
(lxxx) “wife”, in a case where there are two wives or more, means the wife nominated
in writing by the officer or man or, where no wife is so nominated, the senior
wife.
(lxxxi) “works and buildings” means the land and physical installations of a unit or naval
establishment, including buildings, runways, roads, water and power installation
and other related fixed installations and structures.
1.03—PERSONS SUBJECT TO AFR
(1) Unless the context otherwise requires, AFR and all orders and instructions issue
to the Armed Forces under the authority of the Armed Forces Act, shall apply to–
(a) the Regular Forces;
(b) the Reserves, when subject to the Code of Service Discipline; and
(c) save as the Armed Forces Council may otherwise direct, all persons other
than those mentioned in (a) and (b), if they are subject to the Code of
Service Discipline.
(2) Officers and men who become prisoners of war continue to be subject to AFR and
all orders and instructions issued to the Armed Forces under authority of the Armed
Forces Act.
1.04—WORDS AND PHRASES—HOW CONSTRUED
Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common approved meaning
except that—
(a) technical words and phrases, and words that have acquired a special
meaning within the Armed Forces shall be construed according to their
special meaning; and
(b) words and phrases that are defined by AFR or by any other law shall be
construed according to the definition.
1.05—SINGULAR AND PLURAL WORDS
In AFR unless the contrary intention appears words used in the singular shall include the
plural, and words in the plural shall include the singular.
1.06—“MAY”, “SHALL” AND “SHOULD”
In AFR—(a) “may” shall be construed as being permissive and “shall” as being

imperative;
(b) “should” shall be construed as being informative only.
7
Art. 1.07 A.F.R.
1.07—“PRACTICABLE” AND “PRACTICAL”
In AFR—(a) “practicable” shall be construed as “physically possible”; and

(b) “practical” shall be construed as “reasonable in the circumstances”.
1.08—MASCULINE AND FEMININE
In AFR unless the context otherwise requires words importing masculine gender shall
include females.
1.09—CALCULATION OF TIME
Except where AFR expressly provides otherwise, when any provision of AFR or any
order or instruction issued to the Armed Forces, or any warrant issued under their
authority—
(a) is expressed to take effect on a particular day, it shall be effective at 0001

hours on that day; or
(b) states that a period of time is to commence on a particular day, that period
shall commence at 0001 hours on that day.
1.10—NOT ALLOCATED
1.11—COMMUNICATION WITH HIGHER AUTHORITY
Unless the context otherwise requires, when in AFR or in any Armed Forces orders a
communication of any kind, or a report or return, is required or permitted to be made to a
higher authority, it shall be made through such channels of communication as the Chief
of Defence Staff may prescribe.
1.12—FORMS
(1) The forms authorized by the Ministry of Defence for use in the Armed Forces
should be followed in all cases in which they are applicable, and when used shall be valid
in law, but a deviation from any form shall not by reason only of that deviation, render
any charge, warrant, order, proceedings or other document, invalid.
(2) An omission of any form authorized by the Ministry of Defence for use in the
Armed Forces shall not, by reason only of the omission, render any act or thing invalid.
1.13—REGULATIONS AND ORDERS TO BE AVAILABLE TO OFFICERS AND

MEN
A commanding officer shall cause regulations and orders issued in implementation of the
Armed Forces Act, to be readily available to all officers and men whom they concern.
8
AFR Art. 1.23
1.14—EXERCISE OF POWERS
(1) When by AFR any power or jurisdiction is given to, and any act or thing is to be
done by, to or before any officer or man, that power or jurisdiction may be exercised by,
and that act or thing may be done by, to or before any other officer or man for the time
being authorized in that behalf by AFR or according to the custom of the service.
(2) When he is on active service, any officer not below the rank of Colonel, or
equivalent in any theatre of war outside Ghana, may, with the approval of the Chief of
Defence Staff exercise and perform in that theatre of war any power or right which by
AFR is required to or may be done by the respective Chief of Staff.
(3) When by AFR any power or jurisdiction is given to, and any act or thing is to be
done by, to or before a Service Commander, that power or jurisdiction may be exercised
by, and that act or thing done by, to or before—
(a) the officer holding the senior appointment in each headquarters when
acting within the scope of the duties assigned to him by the respective
Service Commander; and
(b) any officer designated for that purpose by the Chief of Defence Staff,
subject to such limitations, as the Chief of Defence Staff may impose.
1.15 TO 1.21—INCLUSIVE: NOT ALLOCATED
1.22—NOTIFICATION OF REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND INSTRUCTIONS—

RESERVES
All regulations and all orders and instructions relating to or in any way affecting an
officer or man of the reserve forces, other than an officer or man who is serving with a
unit, ship or other element, when sent to him by registered mail, addressed to his last
known place of abode or business, shall be held to be sufficiently notified.
1.23—NOTIFICATION BY RECEIPT OF REGULATIONS, ORDERS AND

INSTRUCTIONS
All regulations, orders and instructions issued to the Armed Forces shall be held to be
published and sufficiently notified to any person whom they may concern if—
(a) they are received at the unit, ship or other element at which the person is
serving; and
(b) the Commanding Officer of the unit, ship or element takes such
measures as may to him seem practical to ensure that the regulations,
orders and instructions are drawn to the attention of and made available
to those who they may concern.
(See Article 4.26—“Circulation of Regulations, Orders, Instructions, Correspondence

and Publications”)
9
Art. 1.24 A.F.R.
1.24—AUTHORITY OF A SERVICE COMMANDER TO ISSUE ORDERS AND

INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Subject to (2) of this article, a Service Commander may issue orders and
instructions not inconsistent with the Armed Forces Act ; or with AFR:—
(a) in the discharge of his duties under the Armed Forces Act or
(b) in explanation or implementation of regulations.
(2) No order or instruction involving the accounting for public funds shall be issued
under (1) of this Article unless the concurrence of the Ministry of Defence is first
obtained.
1.25—SYSTEM OF SERVICE REGULATION AND ORDERS
The effective date—

(a) of every service regulation and order shall be prescribed by the Approving
authority;
(b) of a regulation or order imposing obligation or duties shall not be

retrospective.
Back to Table of Content
10
CHAPTER 2
GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATION
2.01—CONSTITUTION OF THE ARMED FORCES
Under section 2 of the Armed Forces Act, the Armed Forces are constituted as the army,
navy and air force of Ghana and shall each comprise the following components-
(a) a Regular Force ; and
(b) the Reserves.
2.02—THE REGULAR FORCE
Each Regular Force shall consist of—
(a) officers commissioned under the Constitution, subordinate officers, and
(b) men enrolled in accordance with regulations made under the Armed
Forces Act, for the purpose of rendering continuous service during the
period of their engagement.
2.03—THE RESERVES
(1) The Reserves shall consist of—
(a) a Regular Reserve
(b) a Retired list for officers
(c) a Volunteer Force
(d) a Volunteer Reserve
(e) a Cadet Corps list
(2) The Regular Reserve shall consist of officers transferred to such Reserve and men
who have been transferred thereto in accordance with the terms of their enrolment.
(3) The Retired List for officers shall consist of officers in receipt of pension but who
are not of the Regular Reserve and are not required to undergo periodic training.
(4) The Volunteer Force shall consist of such units or elements as may be deemed
necessary for the purpose of rendering service under the Armed Forces Act.
(5) The Volunteer Reserve shall consist of such officers and men of the Volunteer
Forces or of any other unit of the Armed Forces as are transferred to such Reserves.
(6) The Cadet Corps List shall consist of commissioned officers or men whose duty is
the administration and training of cadet corps.
11
Art. 2.05 A.F.R.
2.05—OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND ADMINISTRATION—CHIEF OF

DEFENCE STAFF
Article 151 (2) of the Constitution provides as follows:-

“(2) The Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces shall, subject to the
provisions of this Article and to the Control or direction of the Armed Forces
Council, be responsible for the operational control and the administration of the
Armed Forces as a whole”.
2.06—POWERS OF COMMAND—SERVICE COMMANDERS
The Service Commanders shall exercise such Command as the Armed Forces Council
shall determine.
2.11—CLASSIFICATION BY LISTS AND TRADES
(1) Officers shall be classified into the following lists:

(a) Army: (i) Regular List
(ii) Short Service List
(b) Navy: (i) General List

(ii) Branch List
(iii) Supplementary List
(c) Air Force: (i) Regular List

(ii) Short Service List
(iii) Supplementary List
(2) Men shall be mustered into such trades as the respective Service Commander
shall prescribe.
Section 2—Calling out Reserves in an Emergency
2.25—CALLING OUT ON SERVICE
In an emergency the Government may on the advice of the Armed Forces Council call
out on service to perform any military duty other than drill or training, such of the
Reserves, unit and other elements thereof and officers and men thereof as the
Government may on such advice consider necessary.
12
CHAPTER 3
RANK, SENIORITY, COMMAND, AND PRECEDENCE
Section1—Rank and Seniority
3.01—RANKS OF OFFICERS AND MEN—ARMY
(1) The ranks of officers shall be—

(a) Field-Marshal;
(b) General;
(c) Lieutenant-General;
(d) Major-General;
(e) Brigadier;
(f) Colonel;
(g) Lieutenant-Colonel;
(h) Major;
(i) Captain;
(j) Lieutenant;
(k) 2nd Lieutenant; and
(l) Officer Cadet.
(2) The ranks of men shall be—
(a) Warrant Officer Class I
(b) Warrant Officer Class II, regimental and orderly room quartermaster
sergeant;
(c) Squadron, battery, company quartermaster sergeant, staff-sergeant;
(d) Sergeant;
(e) Corporal, bombardier;
(f) Private, trooper, gunner, sapper, signalman, rifleman and craftsman.
(3) Staff sergeants of equivalent ranks, sergeants, corporals and bombadiers shall be
non-commissioned officers.
(4) Troopers, gunners, sappers, signalmen, riflemen, privates and craftsmen shall be
classified as—
(a) Trained soldier; and
(b) Recruit.
(5) Privates shall be further classified as—

(a) Private Class I;
(b) Private Class II; and
(c) Private Class III.
13
Art. 3.02 A.F.R.
3.02—RANKS OF OFFICERS AND MEN—NAVY

(a) Admiral of the fleet;
(b) Admiral;
(c) Vice-Admiral;
(d) Rear-Admiral;
(e) Commodore;
(f) Captain;
(g) Commander;
(h) Lieutenant-Commander;
(i) Lieutenant;
(j) Sub-Lieutenant;
(k) Acting Sub-Lieutenant;
(l) Midshipman;
(m) Naval Cadet.

(a) Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class;
(b) Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class;
(c) Petty Officer, 1st Class;
(d) Petty Officer, 2nd Class;
(e) Leading seaman;
(f) Able seaman;
(g) Ordinary seaman.
(3) Able seaman shall be classified as—

(a) Able seaman, 1st Class;
(b) Able seaman, 2nd Class;
(4) Ordinary seaman shall be classified as—

(a) Ordinary Seaman trained man;
(b) Ordinary Seaman under naval training;
(c) Ordinary Seaman under recruit training.
3.03—RANKS OF OFFICERS AND MEN—AIR FORCE

(a) Marshal of the Air Force
(b) Air Chief Marshal
(c) Air Marshal
(d) Air Vice Marshal
(e) Air Commodore
(f) Group Captain
14
A.F.R. Art. 3.05
3.03—RANKS OF OFFICERS AND MEN—AIR FORCE—contd.

(g) Wing Commander;
(h) Squadron Leader;
(i) Flight Lieutenant;
(j) Flying Officer;
(k) Pilot Officer;
(l) Flight Cadet;

(a) Warrant Officer Class I;
(b) Warrant Officer Class II;
(c) Flight Sergeant;
(d) Sergeant;
(e) Corporal;
(f) Aircraftman.
(3) Staff-Sergeants, Sergeants and Corporals shall be non-commissioned Officers.
(4) Aircraftmen shall be classified as—

(a) leading aircraftman;
(b) aircraftman, 1st Class; and
(c) aircraftman, 2nd Class.
3.04—TYPES OF RANK
The ranks prescribed in Article 3.01 to 3.03 depending upon the conditions under which
they are held, shall be—
(a) substantive; or
(b) temporary; or
(c) acting; or
(d) honorary.
3.05—SUBSTANTIVE RANK
(1) The substantive rank of an officer shall be that rank below which he cannot be
reduced otherwise than by a sentence of a court martial.
(2) The substantive rank of a man shall be that rank below which he cannot be
reduced otherwise than by –
(a) a sentence of a service tribunal, or
(b) reversion for inefficiency or misconduct.
(See Articles 11.10—“Reversion and Remustering for inefficiency” and 11.11—

“Reversion and Remustering upon conviction by the civil power”).
15
Art. 3.06 A.F.R.
3.06—TEMPORARY RANK
When an officer or man is on active service, he may be given a higher temporary rank
which he shall normally retain for the duration of the emergency or until he is promoted
to the next higher temporary rank.
3.07—ACTING RANK
(1) An officer or man while filling a position on an establishment for which a rank
higher than his substantive rank is authorized may be promoted to the appropriate higher
acting rank.
(2) An officer or man granted an acting rank is liable to be posted or transferred in his
substantive rank at any time.
3.09—HONORARY RANK
(1) The President acting on the advice of the Armed Forces Council may grant
honorary rank to a person—
(a) who has rendered distinguished service to the Armed Forces, or
(b) who, from an educational or administrative point of view, is likely to
promote the general efficiency of the Armed Forces.
(2) The grant of an honorary rank under (1) of this Article shall not—
(a) in itself cause a person to become a member of the Armed Forces;
(b) confer any right of command; and
(c) unless the President acting on the advice of the Armed Forces Council
otherwise directs, involve any expense to the public.
3.10—RELATIVE RANKS WITHIN THE ARMED FORCES
(1) The relative ranks of officers and men within the Armed Forces shall be as
prescribed in the table to this Article.
TABLE OT ARTICLE 3.10
Army Navy Air Force

1. Field-Marshal ... Admiral of the Fleet Marshal of the Air Force
2. General ... Admiral Air Chief Marshal
3. Lieutenant-General ... Vice-Admiral Air Marshal
4. Major-General … Rear-Admiral Air Vice Marshal
5. Brigadier … Commodore Air Commodore
6. Colonel … Captain Group Captain
7. Lieutenant-General … Commander Wing Commander
8. Major … Lieutenant-Commander Squadron Leader
16
A.F.R. Art.3.11
3.10—RELATIVE RANKS WITHIN THE ARMED FORCES—contd.
Army Navy Air Force

9. Captain ... Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant
10. Lieutenant … Sub-Lieutenant Flying Officer
11. 2nd Lieutenant … Acting Sub-Lieutenant Pilot Officer
12. Officer Cadet … Midshipman and Naval Flight Cadet
Cadet.
13. Warrant Officer Class I Chief Petty Officer, 1st Warrant Officer
Class. Class 1
14. Warrant Officer Class II Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Warrant Officer
Class. Class 2
Orderly Room Regimental
and Quartermaster Sergeant
15. Squadron, Battery, Com- Petty Officer, 1st Class Flight Sergeant
pany Quartermaster
Sergeant, Staff-Sergeant
16. Sergeant … Petty Officer, 2nd Class Sergeant
17. Corporal and Bombadier Leading Seaman Ordinary Corporal
18. Trooper … … Able Seaman Ordinary Aircraftman ( All

classifications).
Gunner … … Seaman (All classifica-
Sapper tions).
Signalman (All classifi
cations).
Private
Rifleman
Craftsman
(2) To avoid confusion between the ranks of officers of the Army, Navy and Air
Force, Officers of the Navy shall have the suffix (G.N.) and Officers of the Air Force the
suffix (A.F) after their names.
3.11—LANCE APPOINTMENTS
(1) Subject to (3) and (4) of this Article, the commanding officer of a unit may
appoint as a lance-bombadier or lance-corporal, a man who is drawing a higher rate of
pay of private or equivalent trained soldier.
(2) A man appointed to a lance appointment under (1) of this Article shall—
(a) hold the same rank as he held prior to his appointment, and
(b) relinquish his appointment,
(i) at the discretion of the commanding officer; or
(ii) when he is struck off strength of the unit.
17
Art. 3.11 A.F.R.
3.11—LANCE APPOINTMENTS—contd.
(3) The number of lance-bombadiers or of lance-corporals shall not exceed the

number prescribed by the Ministry.
3.12—ORDER OF SENIORITY
(1) An officer shall take seniority over all men.
(2) Subject to Article 3.13, officers shall take seniority among themselves in
accordance with the order of ranks prescribed in Article 3.01 to Article 3.03 (Ranks of
officers and men).
3.13—SENIORITY BETWEEN TYPES OF RANK
(1) Officers or men who hold acting rank shall have no seniority in that rank. They
shall have seniority among themselves in their order of seniority in their substantive rank.
(2) When any part of the Armed Forces is on active service, substantive and
temporary ranks shall be regarded as equal for purposes of determining seniority.
3.14—SENIORITY FROM SAME DATE OR BY SAME DATES
(1) When officers or men hold the same substantive or temporary rank with the same
date of seniority, their seniority among themselves shall, unless the Chief of Defence
Staff otherwise directs, be determined by their seniorities in their next lower substantive
or temporary ranks.
(2) In the event of their seniorities in their next lower substantive or temporary ranks
being the same their seniority among themselves shall, unless the Chief of Defence Staff
otherwise directs, be determined according to their service numbers, the lesser number
conferring more seniority than the greater number.
(3) Subject to Article 3.13, an officer or man shall take seniority within his rank from
the date of enrolment in or promotion to that rank, as applicable, except that—
(a) the Chief of Defence Staff, or such officer as he may designate, may grant
the requisite seniority;
(b) the Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe the conditions under which
seniority may be adjusted on
(i) reduction or reversion; or
(ii) promotion after reduction or reversion; or
(iii) transfer from the Reserves to the Regular Force; or
(iv) transfer between sub-components of the Reserves;
(c) seniority may be forfeited by reason of the sentence of a Service Tribunal;
18
A.F.R Art. 3.26
3.14—SENIORITY FROM SAME DATE OR BY SAME DATES—contd.
(d) periods of leave without pay and allowances do not count for Seniority.
(See Article 16.24—“Leave without Pay and Allowances”).
3.15—SENIORITY OF ATTACHED AND SECONDED PERSONNEL
An officer or man of a Force of another country who is attached or seconded to the

Armed Forces shall have the same seniority in the Armed Forces in his rank as he holds
in the Force to which he belongs.
Section 2—Command
3.23—COMMAND GENERALLY
In cases not otherwise provided for in Armed Forces Regulations, command shall be
exercised by—
(a) the senior officer present; or

(b) in the absence of an officer, the senior man present.
3.24—COMMAND OF COMMANDS—ARMY
(1) An officer commanding an army command shall exercise command over all army
formations, garrisons, units and detachments allocated to his command.
(2) Unless the Chief of Defence Staff otherwise directs, in the absence of the officer
commanding the command, his command shall be assumed by the next senior Regular
Officer in the command.
3.25—COMMAND OF AREAS—ARMY
(1) An area commander shall exercise command shall exercise command over all
army formations, garrisons, units and detachments allocated to his area.
(2) Unless the Chief of Defence Staff or the officer commanding the command
otherwise directs in the absence of an area commander his command shall be assumed by
the senior Regular Officer within the area.
3.26—COMMAND OF GARRISONS AND UNITS—ARMY

(1) Unless the higher formation commander otherwise directs—
(a) The commanding officer of a garrison shall exercise command over all
army units in the garrison; and
(b) The commanding officer of a unit shall exercise command over all officers
and men in the unit.
19
Art. 3.26 A.F.R.
3.26—COMMAND OF GARRISONS AND UNITS—ARMY—contd.
(2) Subject to (1) of this Article, unless the higher formation commander otherwise
directs, in the absence of the commanding officer of a garrison his command shall be
assumed by the senior officer in the garrison.
3.28—SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER IN COMMAND AFLOAT OR ASHORE—

NAVY
(1) A Senior Naval Officer in Command shall exercise command over all ships and
naval establishments allocated to his command.
(2) Subject to (3) of this Article, unless the Navy Commander or (failing direction
from him) the Senior Naval Officer in Command, otherwise directs, in the absence of the
Senior Naval Officer in Command his command shall be assumed by the next senior
General List Officer in that command.
(3) Only an officer of the Seaman Specialisation may command a seagoing ship or
squadron.
3.29—COMMAND OF SHIPS AND FLEET ESTABLISHMENTS—NAVY
(1) Subject to (5) of this Article, each ship and fleet establishment shall be
commanded by an officer.
(2) The Captain shall exercise command over all persons on board his ship or in his
fleet establishment.
(3) On all occasions, the following officers take command over all other officers and
men who serve in the same ship or fleet establishment:--
(a) the Captain;
(b) the Executive Officer; and
(c) the Officer of the Watch
(See Article 3.32—“Officer of the Watch”).
(4) The provisions of (3) (b) of this Article do not limit the head of a department in
his responsibility and direct access to the Captain concerning matters connected with the
operational readiness of his department.
(5) The Navy Commander may designate ships and fleet establishments in respect of
which a man may be drafted in command. (See Articles 3.30—(Command when ship
wrecked or lost) and 3.31—(when Captain is absent or cease to exercise command).)
20
A.F.R. Art. 3.33
3.30—COMMAND WHEN SHIP WRECKED OR LOST—NAVY
When a ship has been wrecked or otherwise lost or destroyed or has been taken by the
enemy, the order of command among the Captain and the officers and men of the crew
shall remain unchanged until a Board of Inquiry has inquired into the cause of the loss or
capture of the ship or the officers and men are separated or disposed of by the proper
authority.
3.31—WHEN CAPTAIN IS ABSENT OR CEASES TO EXERCISE COMMAND—

NAVY
(1) Subject to (2) of this Article and Article 3.34 (Officers and Men Lent or Borne
“Additional”), command of a ship or fleet establishment shall be assumed under the
circumstances given and in the order following:—
(a) When the Captain has ceased to exercise command, the Executive Officer
shall assume full powers and duties as though he had been appointed in
command.
(b) When the Captain is temporarily absent, the Executive Officer shall
exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Captain on his behalf.
(2) In seagoing ships, command shall descend in accordance with (1) of this Article
and thence by order of rank and seniority through those Officers of the Seaman
Specialisations who hold Watch-keeping Certificates, unless the Commanding Officer
otherwise directs, and thence by order of rank and seniority through all other officers on
the General or Branch Lists.
(3) In fleet establishments command shall descend in accordance with (1) of this
article, and thence by order of rank and seniority through all officers unless the
Commanding Officer otherwise directs.
3.32—OFFICER OF THE WATCH—NAVY
In the performance of the duties with which he is charged, the officer of the Watch shall
exercise command over all persons on board except—
(a) The captain or Commanding Officer; and
(b) The Executive Officer;
of the ship or fleet establishment in which those duties are performed.
3.33—COMMAND BY MEN PERFORMING REGULATING DUTIES—NAVY
A man who is borne in a ship or naval establishment to perform regulating duties or who
has been instructed to perform them for the time being by the—
(a) Captain; or
(b) Executive Officer; or
21
Art. 3.33 A.F.R.
3.33—COMMAND BY MEN PERFORMING REGULATING DUTIES—NAVY—

contd.
(c) Officer of the Watch; or

(d) Head of the man’s department when the duty is a purely departmental one;
shall exercise all other men the command necessary to perform those duties.
3.34—OFFICERS AND MEN LENT OR BORNE “ADDITIONAL”—NAVY
(1) A Senior Naval Officer in Command who is not in command of the ship in which
he is borne shall hold the same relation to that ship as he does to the other ships under is
command.
(2) When a Senior Naval Officer in Command who is also the Captain of a ship
embarks in another ship which is in his command, in circumstances which made it
desirable to appoint him to the ship, he shall be appointed “additional” for the particular
service for the performance of which he embarked. Whilst so borne, his relation to the
ship shall be that prescribed in (1) of this Article (See Articles 3.31—“When the Captain
is Absent or Cease to Exercise Command”).
(3) In all matters of general discipline the members of the staff of a Senior Naval
Officer in Command shall be subject to the Orders and routine of the ship in which they
are borne.
(4) An Officer or man shall—
(a) When lent to a ship or naval establishment or borne additional to the

complement for no specified duty, exercise command as if he were part of
the complement;
(b) When borne additional to the complement of a ship or establishment for a

specified duty, assume only that command required for the performance of
the specified duty, subject to—
(i) in the case of an officer, the provisions of Article 4.02 (General
Responsibilities of Officers) or receipt of contrary instructions
from the Navy Commander, and
(ii) in the case of a man, the provisions of Article 5.01 (General
Responsibilities of Men).
(c) when taking passage in a ship, exercise command as if he were part of the
ship’s complement only if he is required to do duty under (5) of this
Article.
(5) An Officer taking passage in a ship may be ordered to do duty provided he is

junior to the Executive Officer.
22
A.F.R Art. 3.35
3.34—OFFICERS AND MEN LENT OR BORNE “ADDITIONAL”—NAVY—

contd.
(6) A man taking passage in ship shall be employed as part of the ship’s complement.
(7) Unless he has been instructed by the Navy Commander or the Commanding
Officer to do so, no officer who is taking passage in a ship shall assume command under
the provisions of Article 3.31 (When the Captain is absent or ceases to exercise
command).
3.35—EXTENT OF COMMAND—NAVY
(1) Subject to (3) of this Article, unless they are actually under the command of an
officer senior to him then present, the Senior Naval Officer in Command shall take under
his command all officers junior to himself.
(2) (a) An officer who is within the limits of the command of an officer junior to
himself shall not interfere with the command.
(b) While within the limits of another command, officers and ships are subject
to the control of the Senior Naval Officer in Command of that command
in all matters governed by the command standing orders.
(3) Subject to (4) of this Article, when an officer belonging to another command is
placed under his command by the provisions of (1) of this Article, the senior officer shall
not—
(a) divert him from his service; or
(b) interfere with the orders he has received; or
(c) order him to produce any secret orders which he may have in his
possession.
(4) If, for a pressing exigency, a senior officer has deviated from the provisions of (3)
of this article he shall permit the junior officer to proceed in execution of his orders as
soon as possible and forward a report to the appropriate authority.
(5) When a ship is observed:
(a) avoiding battle; or

(b) not doing her duty properly; or
(c) making a mistake;
and the Senior Naval Officer in Command of the command or formation to which she
belongs does not see her distinctly or, when in the presence of the enemy, does not
immediately correct her, the Senior Naval Officer in Command of any other command or
formation may take any action that he deems necessary under the circumstances.
23
Art. 3.36 A.F.R.
3.36—COMMAND OF STATIONS AND UNITS—AIR FORCE
(1) Unless the Air Force Commander otherwise directs, the officer in command of an
Air Force station or unit shall exercise command over all other officers and over all men
at the station or unit.
(2) Subject to (3) of this Article, in the absence of the officer in Command of an air
force station or unit his command shall be assumed by the senior officer who is on the
strength of and present at the station or unit.
(3) Command of an air force station or unit shall not, unless the Air Force
Commander so directs, be assumed by—
(a) an officer who is not on the aircrew list unless the function of the station
or unit is to perform duties connected with his own list; or
(b) an officer who is on a course of instruction at, or who is on temporary duty
at, or who is attached to, the station or unit.
3.37—COMMAND OF SPECIAL FORMATIONS UNITS OR DETACHMENTS
(1) When an officer or man has been appointed to command a special formation, unit,
or detachment, the Chief of Defence Staff may direct that he shall, subject to (2) of this
article, exercise such command independently of the officer commanding the command,
the garrison commander, and the commanding officer of the station within which he may
be operating.
(2) An officer or man in the circumstances prescribed in (1) of this Article shall
conform to any particular orders in force in the locality in which he is operating except
where these orders are inconsistent with the due performance of the duty on which he is
engaged.
3.38—COMMAND BY OFFICER OR MAN OF THE RESERVES

No officer or man of the Reserves shall have power of command over officers and men of
a component other than the Reserves except when—
(a) he is ordered under the Armed Forces Act, 1962 to be on continuing full-
time military service or is employed on active service; and
(b) the officer commanding the command so directs.
3.39—COMMAND IN AIRCRAFT
Section 45 of The Armed Forces Act provides—

“45. (1) Every person subject to the Code of Service Discipline who when in an
aircraft, disobeys any lawful command given by the captain of the aircraft in
relation to the flying or handling of the aircraft or affecting the safety of the aircraft,
whether or not the captain is subject to the Code
24
A.F.R. Art. 3.48
3.39—COMMAND IN AIRCRAFT—contd.
of Service Discipline, shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction shall be

liable to imprisonment for life or to any less punishment provided by the Act.
(2) For the Purposes of this section—
(a) every person whatever his rank shall when he is in an aircraft be

under the command, as respects all matters relating to the flying
or handling of the aircraft, of the captain of the aircraft, whether
or not the latter is subject to the Code of Service Discipline; and
(b) if the aircraft is a glider and is being towed by another aircraft,

the captain of the glider shall so long as his glider is being towed
be under the command, as respects all matters relating to the
flying or handling of the glider or affecting the safety of the
glider, of the captain of the towing aircraft, whether or not the
latter is subject to the Code of Service Discipline”.
3.40—CHAPLAINS EXCLUDED FROM COMMAND
No chaplain of the Armed Forces shall exercise command over any officer or man.
3.41—COMMAND WHEN SERVICES SERVING TOGETHER
(1) When portions of two or more Services of the Armed Forces are serving together,
command of those portions may be exercised by such officer of any Service of the Armed
Forces as may be designated by or under the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff. An
officer so designated shall have command over all officers and men serving in these
portions.
(2) When portions of two or more Services of the Armed Forces are serving together
in a composite unit, officers and men serving in that unit shall, unless the Chief of
Defence Staff otherwise directs, obey the orders of persons senior to them in rank. (See
Article 3.10—“Relative Ranks within the Armed Forces”) as if those persons were
members of their own Service.
3.43—COMMAND IN ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICE
No officer assigned to the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service who is not a medical
officer shall exercise command over a medical officer in respect of his treatment of a
patient.
25
Art. 3.49 A.F.R
Section 3—Precedence
3.49—ARMED FORCES PRECEDENCE
(1) Officers shall take precedence over all men
(2) The Chief of Defence Staff shall take precedence over all other officers of the
Armed Forces.
(3) The Army Commander, the Navy Commander and Air Force Commander shall
take precedence in that order and shall each take precedence over all officers over whom
they exercise command.
(4) the Officer commanding an army command, a garrison commander and an officer
in command of an army formation, station or unit shall take precedence over all officers
over whom they exercise command.
(5) the senior naval officer in chief command, the senior naval officer in command
and the captain, commanding officer and executive officer of a ship or fleet establishment
shall take precedence over all officers over whom they exercise command.
(6) an officer in command of an air force formation, station or unit shall take
precedence over all officers over whom he exercises command.
3.50—PRECEDENCE OF THE ARMED FORCES ON PARADE
(1) The order of precedence in the Armed Forces is the army, navy and air force.
When elements of the Armed Forces take part in a joint parade or ceremony they shall
take part in that order.
(2) except as prescribed in (3) of this article, officers of the army, navy or air force
taking part as individuals in a joint parade or ceremony shall take precedence among
themselves in accordance with their respective ranks and seniority.
(3) when officers of the army, navy or air force take part as individuals in a joint
parade or ceremony, the senior army officer, the senior naval officer and the senior air
force officer shall take up their positions together, jointly taking precedence over all other
army, naval or air force officers who may be present, but taking precedence among
themselves according to their individual ranks and seniority.
(4) the order of precedence of the Armed Forces on all parades will be:
1. Regular Army
2. Regular Navy
3. Regular Air Force
4. Ghana Armed Forces Nursing Service
5. Women’s Auxiliary Corps
26
A.F.R Art. 3.99
3.50—PRECEDENCE OF THE ARMED FORCES ON PARADE—contd.
6. Reserve Army
7. Reserve Navy
8. Reserve Air Force
9. Volunteer Army
10. Volunteer Navy
11. Volunteer Air Force
12. Army Cadet Corps
13. Sea Cadet Corps
14. Air Cadet Corps
27
CHAPTER 4
OFFICERS’ DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1—General
4.01—RESPONSIBILITY OF OFFICERS TO SUPERIORS
An officer shall be responsible to his immediate superior for the proper and efficient
performance of his duties.
4.02—GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
An officer shall:—
(a) acquaint himself with, observe and enforce—
(i) the Armed Forces Act, 1962 ( Act 105)
(ii) the State Secrets Act, 1962 ( Act 101)
(iii) AFR, and
(iv) all other regulations, rules, orders and instructions that pertain to
the performance of his duties;
(b) afford to all persons employed in the public service such assistance in the
performance of their duties as is practical;
(c) promote the welfare, efficiency, good order and discipline of all who are
subordinate to him;
(d) ensure the proper care and maintenance and prevent the waste of all public
and non-public property within his control: and
(e) report to the proper authority any infringement of the pertinent statutes,
regulations, rules, orders and instructions governing the conduct of any
person subject to the Code of Service Discipline when he cannot deal
adequately with the matter himself.
4.03 TO 4.04—NOT ALLOCATED
4.05—VISITS TO STATIONS, UNITS, SHIPS AND FLEET ESTABLISHMENTS
An officer visiting a garrison, station, unit, ship or fleet establishment shall report to the
commanding officer before proceeding with the object of his visit.
Section 2—Officer Commanding an Army Command and Area Commander
4.06—GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) An officer commanding an army command shall, for the control and
administration of all formations, units and detachments allocated to his command, be
directly responsible to—
a. the Army Commander, or
b. such officer as the Army Commander may designate.
28
A.F.R Art. 4.21
4.06—GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES—contd.
(2) An area commander shall be responsible to the officer commanding the command
for the control an administration of all army formations, units and detachments allocated
to his area.
4.07—DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF AN OFFICER COMMANDING AN ARMY

COMMAND
(1) Subject to the direction of the Army Commander, the detailed duties and
functions of an officer commanding an army command shall include—
(a) the administration, training and efficiency of all formations, garrisons,

stations and units under his command;
(b) the maintenance of a scheme of mobilization and defence for all

formations, garrisons, station and units allocated to his command;
(c) ensuring that all officers and men under his command are familiar with
their duties,
(i) on mobilization, and
(ii) in connection with the defence of the command; and
(d) the organization of his headquarters, less a minimum potion to remain at

the location for static administrative duties, on a mobile basis
commensurate with the dictates of training and operational considerations.
(2) An officer commanding an army command shall report immediately to the Army
Commander or such officer as he may designate—
(a) all incidents in which officers or men have been involved in riots or
disturbances, together with the result of his inquiries into the
circumstances of such incidents; and
(b) any unusual incident having military significance which occurs in his
command.
Section 3—Orders
4.08—COMMAND AND AREA ORDERS
(1) An officer commanding an army command or an area commander shall issue

orders for the information and action of those in his command.
(2) The form of command and area orders shall be as prescribed by the Army
Commander.
29
Art. 4.22 A.F.R.
4.22—STANDING ORDERS
(1) A commanding officer shall issue standing orders which shall include orders that
are peculiar to his garrison, station, unit, ship, or fleet establishment.
(2) An officer in temporary command of a garrison, station, unit, ship or fleet

establishment shall not issue standing orders, nor alter those already in force, without
reference to the officer in permanent command or to superior authority.
(3) A commanding officer, when he is away from his garrison, unit, ship or fleet
establishment, shall not issue standing orders.
4.23—RULES FOR DEFAULTERS
A commanding officer shall ensure that a set of rules for defaulters is drawn up for his
garrison, station, unit, ship or fleet establishment; that such rules are made known to all
defaulters and that they are rigidly enforced.
4.24—UNIT ORDERS
(1) A commanding officer shall issue unit orders as required for the promulgation of
information and direction to all officers and men under his command.
(2) The form of unit orders shall be as the respective Service Commander may
prescribe.
(3) Unit orders shall, by numerical reference, direct attention to any Articles of AFR
which are reproduced periodically in army, navy and air force orders.
4.25—ISSUE OF ARMY, NAVY AND AIR FORCE UNIT ORDERS
(1) In the absence of the commanding officer, unit orders shall be issued by the
officer assuming temporary command. The headnote of unit orders shall indicate the
officer by whom they have been issued.
(2) An officer or man shall normally be warned of all duties, other than ordinary
routine duties in unit orders.
(3) Unit orders shall be numbered consecutively commencing with the first day of
January of each year.
(4) Unit orders shall be,

(a) posted in suitable places on the station, unit, ship or fleet establishment so
that they may be available to officers and men; and
(b) sent to higher formation headquarters as the respective Service
Commander may direct.
30
A.F.R Art. 4.31
4.26—CIRCULATION OF REGULATIONS, ORDERS, INSTRUCTIONS,

CORRESPONDENCE AND PUBLICATIONS
The commanding officer shall ensure that all regulations, orders, instructions,
correspondence and publications affecting officers or men, whether in the performance of
their duties or in the conditions of their service, are given such publicity as will enable
the officers and men to study them and become acquainted with the contents. Orders
relating to any matters requiring special explanation shall be read and explained to men
immediately they are received.
Section 4—General
4.27—OBSERVANCE OF SPECIAL DAYS
A commanding officer shall ensure that inspections of works and buildings and parades,
other than for religious services, are not held on Sunday, Good Friday, or Christmas Day,
unless the exigencies of the service so require.
4.28—UNOFFICIAL SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
A commanding officer shall personally ensure a high standard in unofficial service

journals, magazines, newspapers and programmes published by or under the auspices of
his garrison, station, unit or ship and shall be held responsible for all material published
in them. One copy shall be forwarded to higher formation headquarters on the day of
issue.
4.29—ARMED PARTIES ON UNUSUAL DUTIES
A commanding officer shall personally ensure that the officer or man in charge of an
armed party called from his garrison, station, unit, ship or fleet establishment for the
performance of any unusual duty is fully instructed in all particulars that concern the duty
the party may be required to perform.
4.30—PREVENTION OF OFFENCES
(1) A commanding officer shall exert every effort to prevent offences and to prevent
any tendency to screen their existence.
(2) If any type of offence is particularly prevalent in a garrison, station, unit, ship or
fleet establishment the commanding officer shall ensure that notice of the fact is drawn to
the attention of officers and men under his command by a suitable entry in unit orders.
The entry shall be repeated periodically if necessary.
4.31—CO-ORDINATION OF WORK
When one department requires the assistance of another—
(a) to perform any work, the co-ordinating authority shall be the head of the
department that requires the work to be done ; or
31
Art.4.31 A.F.R
4.31—CO-ORDINATION OF WORK—contd.
(b) for the maintenance of any equipment, the co-ordinating authority shall be
the head of the department that uses the complete assembly.
In these circumstances, the departments that perform the work shall meet the
requirements of the co-ordinating authority.
4.32—THE TRAINING OFFICER
A commanding officer shall select an officer not below the rank of Captain, or equivalent
rank to co-ordinate the training of officers and men and generally to supervise training
classes.
4.33—RECREATION PROGRAMMES
A commanding officer shall ensure that suitable recreation programmes are organized for
the officers and men under his command and, where practical for their dependants and
for civilian employees of the Armed Forces.
32
CHAPTER 5
DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MEN
5.01—GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEN
A man shall—
(a) acquaint himself with, and observe
(i) the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105)

(ii) the State Secrets Act, 1962 (Act 101)
(iii) Armed Forces Regulations, and
(iv) all other regulations, rules, orders and instructions, that pertain to
the performance of his duties;
(See Articles 1.13—“Regulations and Orders to be available to Officers

and Men: and 4.26—“Circulation of Regulations, Orders, Instructions,
Correspondence, and Publications”.)
(b) afford to all persons employed in the public service such assistance in the
performance of their duties as is practical;
(c) promote the welfare, efficiency, good order and discipline of all who are
subordinate to him;
(d) ensure the proper care and maintenance and prevent the waste of all public
and non-public property within his control; and
(e) report to the proper authority any infringement of the pertinent statute,
regulations, rules, orders and instructions governing the conduct of any
person subject to the Code of Service Discipline.
5.02—RESTRICTIONS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF MEN
(1) Men shall not normally be employed on work that interferes with the duties of
their trade except in communal duties of the unit or ship. They may, however, be
employed when the commanding officer so directs, wherever they are required—
(a) in communal duties;
(b) in order to give them opportunities to take charge of and handle men in
organized parties;
(c) in the watch and quarter bill, except that men whose vision is poor shall
not be employed on lookout duties; and
(d) during evolutions drills, entering and leaving harbour.
33
Art.5.03 A.F.R.
5.03—SELECTION OF MEN FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DUTY
(1) The commanding officer shall select for duty as instructors only those men who
possess outstanding qualities of—
(a) leadership;
(b) power of command;
(c) patience;
(d) tact; and
(e) ability to impart knowledge
(2) Service Headquarters shall keep a record of men who are recommended by their
commanding officers as possessing outstanding instructional ability.
Section 2—Duties and Privileges of Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers,

Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and Leading Seamen.
5.10—PASSING DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENT AND DOCKYARD GATES
Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and
Leading Seamen dressed in uniform shall on identification be allowed to pass defence
establishment and dockyard gates and to pass parties of men in and out.
5.11—NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, PETTY

OFFICERS AND LEADING SEAMEN—FORM OF ADDRESS
When a warrant officer Second Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer or Leading
Seaman is addressed or spoken to, his name shall be prefixed by the title of his rank.
5.16—DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WARRANT OFFICERS, SENIOR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS AND
PETTY OFFICERS
(1) Discipline and comfort of men in units, ships and fleet establishments are
dependent to a great extent on the manner in which warrant officers, senior non-
commissioned officers, chief petty officers and petty officers carry out their duties and
maintain their positions. Owing to the influence that they exercise on the discipline,
efficiency and morale of the Armed Forces as a whole, it is essential that the importance
of their status be recognized by all officers and men.
(2) Warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, chief petty officers and petty
officers are not promoted to those ranks solely as a result of seniority or on passing
certain examinations.
34
A.F.R. Art.5.99
5.16—DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WARRANT OFFICERS, SENIOR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS AND
PETTY OFFICERS—contd.
As commanding officers and officers look to them for loyal support in maintaining the
efficiency and traditions of the Armed Forces, and junior men look to them for direction
and assistance, they should—
(a) set an example of loyalty and discipline;
(b) accept the responsibilities of their positions;
(c) work at all times for the well-being and efficiency of the Armed
Forces as a whole;
(d) exercise tact; and
(e) obey the orders of their superiors with the same cheerfulness and
alacrity with which they expect to be obeyed by their juniors.
(3) It is the duty of warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, chief petty
officers and petty officers to preserve order and regularity among the other men wherever
they are. This responsibility rests upon them whether they are on duty or not.
(4) A copy of this article shall be kept permanently posted on the notice board in each
warrant officers’, senior non-commissioned officers’, chief petty officers’ or petty
officers’ mess.
5.30—ESCORTS FOR MEDICAL CASES
An officer or man who is seriously ill or definitely psychotic shall be escorted to hospital
by trained medical personnel.
35
CHAPTER 6
ENROLMENT AND RE-ENGAGEMENT
Section 1—General
6.01—QUALIFICATION FOR ENROLMENT
(1) Subject to (2) of this Article a person to be eligible for enrolment in the Armed
Forces shall—
(a) be a Ghanaian citizen;

(b) be of a good character; and
(c) be not less than seventeen years and a half and not more than thirty years
of age.
(2) The following persons may be eligible for enrolment in the Armed Forces—
(a) an applicant who is under the age of seventeen years and half may be
accepted for enrolment as a boy;
(b) an applicant who is over the age of thirty years but has some qualification
or skill specially needed in the Armed Forces may, subject to the approval
of the Chief of Defence Staff, be accepted for enrolment; and
(c) unmarried women.
(3) Female persons enrolled in the Armed Forces may be permitted to marry provided
that they have served for 3 consecutive years. Female persons who are permitted to
marry may apply to leave the service at any time after marriage without prejudice to re-
engagement. (See Article 15.06—Release of Females on Marriage).
(4) The following persons shall not be allowed to enrol in the Armed Forces:—
(a) a member of the Police Service; or
(b) a person who has been discharged from the Police Service or the Armed
Forces Reserves,
(i) as medically unfit for further service, or
(ii) for inefficiency, or
(iii) with conduct assessment below “GOOD”.
6.02—ACTION PRIOR TO ENROLMENT OF PERSONS WITH FORMER

SERVICE
(1) When a person who has previously served in the Armed Forces, the Police
Service or the Reserves applies for enrolment in the Armed Forces be shall he required—
(a) to state the particulars of his former service;

(b) to state the cause of his release; and
(c) to produce his release papers
36
A.F.R. Art. 6.10
6.02—ACTION PRIOR TO ENROLMENT OF PERSONS WITH FORMER

SERVICE
(2) When a person who has previously served in the Armed Forces applies for
enrolment in the Armed Forces within 12 months of his release he may be granted the
rank he held at the time of release provided that there is a vacancy. On enrolment within
6 months of release an Army tradesman may be re-granted the trade classification he had
before release.
6.03—EXPLANATION OF CODE OF SERVICE DISCIPLINE
Officers enrolling persons in the Armed Forces shall inform them of their subjection to
the Code of Service Discipline.
6.04—OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION TAKEN ON ENROLMENT
Person enrolling in the Armed Forces shall take the following oath or solemn
affirmation—
ARMED FORCES OATH
“I………………………………………………swear that I will bear true and faithful

allegiance to the President, Command-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of
Ghana and that I will well, truly and faithfully serve the Government of the Republic of
Ghana as by law established and that I will as in duty bound serve in the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Ghana and go wherever ordered by air, land or sea and that I will observe
and obey all commands of the Government of the Republic of
Ghana as by law established and any officer set over me even at the peril of my life”
6.05—FORM AND MANNER IN WHICH OATH MAY BE TAKEN
The person taking the oath may do so in the form and manner following, that is to say—
(a) he shall hold, if a Christian, a copy of the Gospels of the Four Evangelists,
or of the New Testament, or, if a Jew, a copy of the Old Testament, in his
uplifted hand (provided that if he be physically incapable of so taking the
oath, he may hold such copy otherwise or if necessary, such copy may be
held before him by the person administering the oath) and shall say or
repeat after the person administering the oath the words prescribed by law;
(b) in any other manner which is lawful according to any law, customary or
otherwise, in force in Ghana.
(See section 5 of the Oaths Act, 1960 (C.A. 12)
37
Art. 6.11 AFR
Section 2—Officers
6.11—RANK ON ENROLMENT—OFFICERS
(1) A person enrolled as a commissioned officer shall be enrolled in the rank of 2nd
lieutenant, acting sub-lieutenant or pilot officer.
(2) A person enrolled as a subordinate officer shall be enrolled in the rank of officer
cadet, naval cadet or flight cadet.
(3) Men of or above the rank of Army Sergeant or equivalent, appointed to

commission shall count half their other rank service towards rank on appointment.
Seniority in that rank and increment of pay will be subject to the following conditions:-
(a) The date of seniority as an officer will not be ante-dated to a point

earlier than the officer’s 21st birthday.
(b) Appointment shall not be in a rank higher than Army Lieutenant or

equivalent.
(4) Candidates other than those mentioned in (6)—(10) of this Article, who are
enrolled into the Ghana Armed Forces with university degrees or have passed the
examination of any professional bodies recognized by the Ministry shall have their
commissions ante-dated 18 months from the effective date of the appointment, or the date
of attaining 21 years of age if later, and shall be entitled to qualification pay subject to the
conditions laid down under AFR.
(5) Candidates who are qualified under (4) of this Article or hold requisite
professional or relative professional qualifications and who have had responsible
practical experience approved by the Ministry as being of direct value to their arm of
service shall reckon for qualification pay under AFR the period of approved post-
qualification experience up to a maximum total ante-date of 7 years subject to the
following limitations: —
(a) First four years,
(b) Any later experience other than (a) in half.
(6) Ante-dates for Medical and Dental Officers—Candidates appointed to

commissions as Medical and Dental Officers shall be commissioned in the rank of Army
Captain or equivalent and shall reckon for qualification pay and professional allowance
their civil experience in a recognized professional appointment after full registration
subject to a maximum total ante-date of 7 years for civil experience: —
(i) First four years, in hospital and civil appointment full
(ii) Any later experience in half.
38
A.F.R Art. 6.12
6.11—RANK ON ENROLMENT—OFFICERS – contd.
(7) Nursing Officers
(a) Candidates appointed to commissions in the Nursing Service shall be

commissioned in the rank of Army Lieutenant or equivalent.
(b) Candidates appointed to commissions as Qualified Sister Tutors in the
Nursing Service shall be commissioned in the rank of Army Captain or
equivalent.
(c) No ante-date towards rank, pay increment, or promotion is permissible in
respect of (a) and (b) above.
(8) Legal Officers:--Candidates appointed to commissions as Legal Officers shall be

commissioned in the rank of Army Captain or equivalent and shall reckon for special
qualification pay their civil experience gained by professional practice in Criminal and
Civil Law Courts in a recognized professional appointment after full registration in
accordance with the qualification pay scale under AFR subject to a maximum total ante-
date of 7 years for civil experience:-
(a) For the first four years in full.

(b) Any later experience in half.
(9) Veterinary Officers—Candidates appointed to commissions as Veterinary

Officers shall be commissioned in the rank of Army Captain or equivalent and shall
reckon for special qualification pay their civil experience in a recognized professional
appointment after full registration, in accordance with the following scale, subject to a
maximum total ante-date of 7 years for civil experience:-
(a) First four years in full.

(b) Any later experience in half.
(10) Chaplain or Chief Imam—Candidates appointed to commissions as Chaplain or

Chief Imam shall count 41/2 years previous qualified service as chaplain or Chief Imam
towards rank on appointment subject to the following limitations:-
(a) Initial appointment shall not be in the rank higher than Army
Lieutenant or equivalent.
(b) On commission they shall be promoted in the rank of Army Captain or
equivalent effective from the date of commission.
6.12—DURATION OF SERVICE
(1) Enrolment as an officer in the Regular Armed Forces shall be for service for—
(a) an indefinite period of time; or

(b) five years or specified period as the Chief of Defence Staff may
prescribe.
39
Art. 6.12 A.F.R.
(2) Enrolment as an officer in the Reserves shall be for service for an indefinite
period of time.
(3) During an emergency or when he is on active service, the term of service of an

officer enrolled for a fixed time is subject to extension.
(4) Subject to the approval of the President acting on the advice of the Armed Forces
Council, the fixed term of service of an officer, other than a subordinate officer, may be
extended with his consent for such further period or periods as the Chief of Defence Staff
may prescribe.
Section 3—Men
6.21—RANK ON ENROLMENT
A person enrolled as a man shall be enrolled in the rank of private or equivalent rank.
6.22—TERM OF SERVICE
(1) Subject to (2) and (3) of this Article the term of service of a man on enrolment or
re-engagement shall be for a continuing full-time service for a term of six consecutive
years.
(2) Tradesmen in trades prescribed by the Ministry may, in order to bring them to a
satisfactory standard of efficiency, be required to vary their term of service under (1) of
this Article to a term of service for continuing full-time service of twelve consecutive
years and may sign the certificate prescribed in the Schedule to this Chapter.
(3) A man selected to undergo training outside Ghana may be required to serve—
(a) not less than five consecutive years continuing full-time service reckoned
from the date of completion of his training; or
(b) the unexpired portion (if any) of any term of service he has to serve under
(1) or (2) of this Article, whichever is the greater.
6.23—PROLONGATION OF SERVICE
(1) Subject to such conditions as the Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe—
(a) a man who enrols on an initial engagement for 6 consecutive years full-
time service may vary his term of service to one of 12 consecutive years
full-time service;
40
A.F.R Art. 6.99
6.23—PROLONGATION OF SERVICE—contd.
(b) a man who completes 12 consecutive years full-time service may be re-
engaged to complete 18 consecutive years full-time service;
(c) a man who is re-engaged to complete 18 consecutive years full-time

service may be allowed to continue in the service beyond 22 consecutive
years but on a year to year basis;
(d) a man may be allowed to continue beyond 22 consecutive years for a

period of one year subject to such conditions as may from time to time be
laid down by the Chief of Defence Staff. He shall have the right of
discharge at three months’ notice and commanding officers shall have the
right to give him 3 months’ notice of discharge.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in (1) of this Article a man who has completed 18 years
full-time service shall have the right of discharge at three months’ notice and his
commanding officer shall also have the right to give him three months’ notice of
discharge.
(3) In this Article “full-time” means continuing full-time service.
6.24—MEDICAL STANDARDS
The medical standards for enrolment of officers and men for any prolongation of service
will be as prescribed by the Ministry for each of the three services.
SCHEDULE
Article 6.22 (2)
FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE SIGNED BY MEN UNDERTAKING

TRAINING IN ANY TRADE PRESCRIBED BY THE MINISTRY.
CERTIFICATE
(To be attached to the Attestation Paper)
I…….………………………………………, understand that on undertaking training as

……………………………… my terms of engagement are automatically changed and I
hereby agree to serve for 12 consecutive years full-time service with effect from the
original date of enrolment, in accordance with Article 6.22 (2) of Armed Forces
Regulations.
Date……………………………… ……………………………….
Signature

41
CHAPTER 7
OFFICERS’ APPOINTMENTS
7.01—AUTHORITY TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS
The authority to appoint officers is vested in the President acting in accordance with the
advice of the Armed Forces Council (See Article 151 (3) of the Constitution.)
7.02—NOTIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
(1) When the appointment of an officer is promulgated the commanding officer on

whose unit or establishment the officer is borne shall inform him of the appointment.
(2) All appointments shall be promulgated in the Appointments List.
7.14—APPLICATION FOR PARTICULAR APPOINTMENT
(1) Except as provided in (2) of this Article, officers shall not apply for a particular
appointment.
(2) An officer may apply for a particular appointment –
(a) to undergo technical or other courses of instruction necessary or useful to

his employment as an officer; or
(b) to study foreign languages abroad; or
(c) to gain experience in a particular type of establishment, ship or sphere of

activity; or
(d) on urgent personal grounds.
7.15—APPLICATION TO HAVE APPOINTMENT CANCELLED
Unless there are urgent reasons to support cancellation an officer shall not apply to have
his appointment cancelled.

42
CHAPTER 8
NOT ALLOCATED
Back to Table of Content 43

CHAPTER 9
NOT ALLOCATED
44
CHAPTER 10
TRANSFER AND DUTY OUTSIDE THE ARMY, NAVY OR AIR FORCE
10.01—COMPULSORY TRANSFER BETWEEN SERVICES
(1) An officer or man on active service may for the period of such service be
transferred from the service in which he has been enrolled to another Service of the
Armed Forces.
(2) Subject to (1) of this Article no officer or man shall without his consent be
transferred from the Service in which he has been enrolled to another Service of the
Armed Forces.
10.02—VOLUNTARY TRANSFER BETWEEN SERVICES
An officer or man may be voluntarily transferred from one Service to another Service of
the Armed Forces with the prior approval of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service
Commander concerned.
10.03—COMPULSORY TRANSFER BETWEEN CORPS—ARMY
An Army Commander or such officer as he may designate may order the transfer within
the Army of an officer or man from one corps to another.
10.04—VOLUNTARY TRANSFER BETWEEN CORPS—ARMY
An officer or man may, at his request and with the approval of the Army Commander on
such officer as he may designate, be transferred within the Army from one corps to
another.
10.05—DUTY OUTSIDE THE ARMED FORCES
(1) Personnel shall not be employed under any Government other than that of Ghana
except when such employment has been sanctioned by the Chief of Defence Staff. The
conditions to be observed in such cases will be notified by the Chief of Defence Staff.
Before such employment begins, an officer or man shall be required to sign a certificate
stating that he is willing to be employed under the conditions laid down by the Chief of
Defence Staff.
(2) While so employed, provided the officer or man is qualified and recommended,
he will be considered for promotion in his proper turn.
(3) The promotion of personnel seconded or attached will be governed by the

following conditions:-
(a) if they can be absorbed in the new rank in a vacancy within the
establishment of the unit to which they are seconded, they will be
promoted and will complete their normal tour of duty with that unit;
(b) if no vacancy in the new rank exists into which they can be absorbed, they
will be returned to their parent unit unless they are contractually bound, or
they volunteer to remain until completion of that tour of duty.
45
Art. 10.05 A.F.R.
10.05—DUTY OUTSIDE THE ARMED FORCES—contd.
In either circumstances they will forgo promotion until the completion of their
tour of duty. They will then be promoted when the next vacancy occurs, if still
recommended, with seniority adjusted to the date they would have been
promoted had they not remained detached from their parent unit.
10.06—RESTRICTIONS ON ATTACHMENT OR SECONDMENT
No officer or man shall be seconded unless—
(a) the Chief of Defence Staff is satisfied that on the termination of the
proposed secondment the officer or man concerned will be acceptable for
duty in the Armed Forces; and
(b) it appears possible that the period of secondment will be in excess of six
months but not in excess of two years.
10.07—STATUS WHEN SECONDED OR ATTACHED
(1) An officer or man attached or seconded has like powers of command and
punishment over men of the force to which he is attached or seconded as if he were an
officer or man of that force of equivalent rank relative to the rank he holds.
(2) An officer or man who is seconded or who is attached outside the Ghana Armed
Forces shall perform his duties as if he were a member of the force to which he is
attached or seconded and shall obey orders of persons senior to him in rank, as if those
persons were members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
10.08—LOAN
An officer or man may be loaned under an agreement between the Ministry of Defence
and the appropriate authority of another country or government, an agency or a civilian
body.
46
CHAPTER 11
PROMOTION, REVERSION AND COMPULSORY REMUSTERING
Section 1—Promotion
11.01—AUTHORITY FOR PROMOTION
(1) The promotion of an officer to the rank of Colonel or equivalent and above shall
be made by the Cabinet acting in accordance with the advice of the Armed Forces
Council.
(2) The promotion of any officer to any rank lower than Colonel or equivalent shall
require the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff or such officer as he may designate.
(3) The promotion of a man to any rank shall require the approval of the Chief of
Defence Staff or such officer as he may designate.
11.02—CONDITIONS GOVERNING PROMOTION
(1) Subject to (2) of this Article no officer or man shall be promoted to a higher rank
unless—
(a) there is an appropriate vacancy in the total establishment for his
component;
(b) he is recommended by the appropriate authority; and
(c) he has passed such qualifying examinations and satisfied such other
conditions as the Chief of Defence Staff or the respective Service
Commander may prescribe.
(2) In any particulars instance or in any given circumstances the Chief of Defence
Staff may direct that the qualification required as to the passing of qualifying
examinations may be waived.
Section 2—Reversion and Compulsory Remustering
11.10—REVERSION AND REMUSTERING FOR INEFFICIENCY
(1) For the purpose of this Article, competent authority means—
(a) the Chief of Defence Staff, or such officer as he may designate ; or

(b) the Army Commander or the Navy Commander or the Air Force
Commander with respect to a man within his command ; or
(c) when any part of the Armed Forces is on active service by reason of an
emergency, the officer in chief command or such officer of any Service of
the Armed Forces, not below the rank of a colonel or equivalent rank, as
the officer in Chief command may designate
47
Art. 11.10 A.F.R.
11.10—REVERSION AND REMUSTERING FOR INEFFICIENCY—contd.
(2) Subject to (4) and (5) of this Article, and to such conditions as may be prescribed
by the Chief of Defence Staff, the competent authority may—
(a) revert a man to a lower rank for inefficiency ; and

(b) with or without reversion, remuster a man to any trade or group for
inefficiency.
(3) All action under (2) of this Article shall be originated by the man’s commanding
officer who shall report the facts to a competent authority. Before reverting or
remustering a man for inefficiency in his trade, the competent authority may cause him to
be examined by a trade test board. When the board reports adversely on a man the
competent authority may revert and remuster the man in accordance with (2) of this
Article.
(4) When a competent authority authorizes the reversion for inefficiency of a man,
the man shall only be reverted—
(a) if he holds substantive or acting rank only, one rank at any one time; or
(b) if he holds acting rank, to his substantive rank or temporary rank
whichever is the higher or to any intermediate acting rank.
(5) When a reversion for inefficiency of a man is to the rank of private or equivalent
rank, the man shall be reverted to the highest classification in that rank.
(6) Any order made under this Article shall state that the reversion or Remustering is
for inefficiency.
11.11—REVERSION AND REMUSTERING UPON CONVICTION BY CIVIL

POWER
(1) Subject to (2) and (3) of this Article, man convicted by civil power may be
reverted for misconduct by—
(a) the Chief of Defence Staff;

(b) the officer in chief command or such officer of any service of the Armed
Forces not below the rank of colonel or equivalent rank, as the officer in
chief command may designate when any part of the Armed Forces is on
active service.
(2) No man shall be reverted under (1) of this Article, unless the nature of the offence
of which he has been convicted clearly indicates that he is not fit to hold and exercise the
authority of his rank.
(3) When a man is reverted under (1) of this Article, he shall not be reverted below
the highest classification of private or equivalent rank, or below such higher rank as may
be prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
48
A.F.R. Art. 11.14
11.11—REVERSION AND REMUSTERING UPON CONVICTION BY CIVIL

POWER—contd.
(4) Subject to any other provisions of A.F.R., no man shall be reverted

administratively for misconduct except under the provisions of this Article.
(5) Any order for reversion made under this Article shall state that the reversion is as
a result of a conviction by the civil power.
(6) When a man is, under the provisions of this Article, reverted to a rank which is
not authorized in his existing trade group, he shall be remustered to the highest group in
his trade which is permissible in the rank to which he is reverted. No other compulsory
remustering shall be effected as a result of a conviction by the civil power.
(7) Any order for remustering made under (6) of this Article shall state that the
remustering is necessarily consequent upon an order for reversion under this Article.
11.12—ADMINISTRATIVE REMUSTERING CONSEQUENT UPON

REDUCTION BY SERVICE TRIBUNAL
(1) When by sentence of a service tribunal a man has been reduced to a rank which is
not authorized in his existing trade group, he shall be remustered to the highest group in
his trade which is permissible in the rank to which he is reduce.
(2) Any order for remustering under (1) of this Article shall state that the remustering
is necessarily consequent upon a sentence of reduction by a service tribunal.
11.13—RELINQUISHMENT OF RANK
(1) An officer or man shall be ordered by the appropriate authority to relinquish an

acting rank and revert to his substantive or temporary rank, whichever is the higher, or to
any intermediate acting rank, when the officer or man no longer holds the position for
which his acting rank was authorized.
(2) An officer or man may apply for permission to relinquish any rank held by him
and to revert to a lower substantive rank—
(a) if the application is an officer holding a substantive rank, by the Armed

Forces Council;
(b) if the applicant is an officer holding an acting rank, by the Chief of

Defence Staff;
(c) if the applicant is a man, by the respective Service Commander.
11.14—COMPULSORY REMUSTERING OF MEN

The Chief of Defence Staff, or such officer as he may designate, or the respective Service
Commander, may compulsorily remuster a man to any trade or
49
Art. 11.14 A.F.R.
11.14—COMPULSORY REMUSTERING OF MEN—contd.
group on such grounds as the Chief of Defence Staff, or respective Service Commander,
may prescribe—
(a) when a man is on active service;
(b) while the man is undergoing a course of training or instruction in a trade;

and
(c) at any time when the exigencies of the Services so require.
50
CHAPTER 12
PROMOTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1—General
12.01—APPLICATION
This Chapter applies to all officers including female officers.
12.02—SENIORITY COUNTING FOR PROMOTION
(1) All seniority counts in full for promotion except—

(a) seniority forfeited as a result of a sentence by a service tribunal;
(b) seniority lost when not in receipt of full service pay.
(2) To ensure that promotion to the ranks of lieutenant, captain and major in the
Army, and the Air Force, sub-lieutenant and lieutenant-commander in the Navy is made
on an equitable basis consistent with the requirement s of the Army, Navy, and Air Force,
officers eligible for promotion to those ranks shall be selected only from officers of a
specified number of years’ seniority.
Section 2—Promotion of Officers in Regular Forces.
12.21—LIEUTENANT OR SUB-LIEUTENANT
To be eligible for promotion to the rank of lieutenant or sub-lieutenant, an officer must—
(a) have 2 years seniority in the rank of 2nd lieutenant or sub-lieutenant and
(b) be considered as suitable for promotion by his commanding officer.
12.22—CAPTAIN OR LIEUTENANT (NAVY)
To be eligible for promotion to the rank of captain or lieutenant (Navy), an officer

must—
(a) have 4 years seniority in the substantive rank of lieutenant or sub-
lieutenant; and
(b) have passed the necessary qualifying examinations; and
(c) be considered as suitable for promotion by his commanding officer.
12.23—MAJOR OR LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER
To be eligible for promotion to the rank of major or lieutenant-commander, an officer
must—
(a) have 5 years seniority in the substantive rank of captain or lieutenant
(Navy) and
(b) have passed the necessary qualifying examinations, and
(c) be considered as suitable for promotion by his commanding officer.
51
Art. 12.24 A.F.R.
12.24—CONDITION FOR PROMOTION TO RANKS HIGHER THAN MAJOR

OR LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER
Condition for promotion to ranks higher than major or lieutenant-commander shall be by

selection from officers who have proved themselves fit professionally and
administratively for the higher rank, completed the qualifying service and obtained such
other qualifications as may be prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
Section 3—Promotion of Officers in the Reserves
12.41—PROMOTION
Instructions governing the promotion of officers of the Reserves are as prescribed by the
Chief of Defence Staff.
52
CHAPTER 13
PROMOTION OF OFFICERS ON BRANCH LIST
Section 1—Promotion of Officers holding Quartermaster/Branch List Commission
13.01—CAPTAIN OR LIEUTENANT (NAVY)
(1) To be eligible for promotion to the rank of Captain or Lieutenant (Navy), an

officer must:—
(a) have four years seniority in the substantive rank of Army Lieutenant or
equivalent;
(b) have been recommended as suitable for promotion by his Commanding
Officer.
(2) To be eligible for promotion to the rank of an Army Major or equivalent an

officer must have held the rank of an Army Captain or equivalent for at least six years.
Promotion to the rank of an Army Major or equivalent shall be on the basis of time
promotion.
Section 2—Promotion of Officers Medical/Dental Officers
13.02—MAJOR OR LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
To be eligible for promotion to the rank of Army Major or equivalent, an officer must: -
(a) have five years seniority in the substantive rank of an Army Captain or
equivalent;
(b) be considered suitable for promotion and recommended by his
Commanding Officer.
13.03—LIEUTENANT-COLONEL AND COMMANDER (NAVY)
(1) To be eligible for promotion to the rank of an Army Lieutenant-Colonel or

equivalent an officer must have five years seniority in the substantive rank of an Army
Major or equivalent and must have ten years Military Service before promotion to the
rank of a Lieutenant-Colonel or equivalent.
(2) Be considered suitable for promotion and recommended by his Commanding

Officer and selected by the appropriate Ministry of Defence selection Board.
13.04—CONDITION FOR PROMOTION TO RANKS HIGHER THAN

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL AND COMMANDER (NAVY)
Condition for promotion to ranks higher than an Army Lieutenant-Colonel or equivalent

shall be by selection from officers who have proved themselves fit professionally and
administratively for the higher rank, completed the qualifying service and obtained such
other qualification as may be prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.

CHAPTER 14
ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF MEN
14.01—GENERAL
Men shall be advanced in trade grouping and promoted in rank in accordance with
instructions prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff, or an officer designated by him, or
by the Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders in respect of men within their commands.
54
CHAPTER 15
RELEASE
Section 1—General
15.01—RELEASE OF OFFICERS AND MEN
(1) An officer or man may be released, during his service, only in accordance with
this article and the table hereto.
(2) When the service of an officer or man is terminated by death, his release shall be
recorded for that reason.
(3) Except as prescribed in (4) of this article, the authority to approve release shall
be—
(a) the President acting on the advice of the Armed Forces Council in the case
of an officer of the rank of Colonel and above, or
(b) the Chief of the Defence Staff, or such officer as he may designate, in the
case of an officer of the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and below, a
subordinate officer and man.
(4) Except as provided in (3) of this article, an officer or man may be released, during
his service, only for the reasons and under the conditions prescribed in the table to this
article.
(5) The authority to approve the release of an officer or man under a punishment of
dismissal with disgrace from Armed Forces or dismissal from Armed Forces shall be that
authority who may approve the punishment in accordance with AFR and release shall be
deemed to be approved upon approval of the punishment.
55
TABLE TO ARTICLE 15.01
APPROVAL REQUIRED
Officers below the

Officers of the Notation on
To whom rank of Colonel,
Item Reasons for Release Cases in which Applicable rank of Colonel Certificate of Special Instructions
Applicable subordinate
and above services
Officers and men
1. Misconduct (a) Having been sentenced Officers and Promulgation and approval “Dismissed When sentenced by
to Dismissal with men. of sentence. with disgrace” Court Martial to
Disgrace from the Dismissal with
Armed Forces. disgrace from the
Armed Forces.
(b) Having been sentenced do. Promulgation and approval “Dismissed When sentenced by
to Dismissal from the of sentence. for Court Martial to
Armed Forces Misconduct.” Dismissal from the
Armed Forces.
(c) Service Misconduct do. President Chief of Defence “Misconduct.” When convicted by a
Staff or such Service tribunal of
officer as he a serious offence
may designate. that warrants
release under this
category.
(d) Having been convicted do. do. do. do. When convicted by the
by the Civil Power civil power of an
during service offence of a serious
nature related to the
performance of his
duties which would
have warranted
release under this
category if
convicted by a
Service tribunal.
Officers below the
Item Reasons for Release Cases in whi5ch Applicable rank of Colonel Certificate of Special Instructions
an d above services
Officers and men
Misconduct—contd. (e) Illegally absent and not do. do. do. do. Who has been illegally
claimed for further absent and will not
service. be required for
further service
under existing
service policy.
(f) Having made a false do. do. do. do. See article 15.32 –
Statement, other than as Release for
to age only, with a Fraudulent
fraudulent purpose at Enrolment.
the time of enrolment.
(g) Having failed to settle do. do. do. do. See article 19.07 –
his private debts Private Debts.
2. Inefficiency (a) Through continued lack do. do. do. “Service See articles15.21 and
of application or Terminated” 15.33
interest. Notice of Intended
Release.
(b) Through continued
unsatisfactory service.
(c) Unsatisfactory Conduct
3. Medically unfit On medical grounds do. do. do. “Honourably See article 15.05 –
being disabled or released” Retention of
incapable of performing Personnel Eligible
his duties as a member of for Release on
the Armed Forces. Medical Grounds
and Release as
Medically Unfit.
Officers below the
an d above services
Officers and men
4. Voluntary Retirement (a) To take up civil do. do. do. do. See article 15.18 –
employment Voluntary Release –
Officers – when
dealing with an
application made
under this item by an
Officer. Applies only
when civil
employment is with
another Government
agency, or is beneficial
to the Armed Forces or
otherwise in the
national interest.
(b) For entry into another do. do. do. do. Not applicable when
service release is for entry into
another service of the
Armed Forces.
(See article 10.02—
Voluntary Transfer
between Services).
(c) When time served will do. do. do. do. Applies to a member of
do. normally entitle the Armed Forces who
applicant to pension is governed by the
under the Armed Armed Forces
Forces Regulations Regulations.
(a) he is an officer with
not less than 10 years’
officers’ service
although he has not
Officers below the
an d above services
Officers and men
4 Voluntary Retirement reached the
–contd. compulsory release
age for his rank, (see
article 15.17 –
Compulsory Release
Ages - Officers); or
(b) he is a man with
not less than 18 years’
pensionable service
(d) On Request Officer and men President Chief of Defence “Honourably Applies to officer
Staff or such officer released” cadets under certain
as he may circumstances (See
designate. Article 15.02 Release
as of Right).
Otherwise applies
only in cases not
within (a) of (b) of
this item and then
only in exceptional
circumstances when
the applicant has a
good and substantial
reason for seeking
release and if the
exigencies of the
service permit.
Release on request
shall be subject to the
conditions of article
15.18.
Officers below the
an d above services
Officers and men
4 Voluntary Retirement (e) By purchase do. do. do. do. See article 15.18
–contd. Voluntary Released
Officers and article
15.33 – Release on
request – Men.
(f) On compassionate Men do. do. do Applicant must give a
grounds good and
substantial reason
for seeking
compassionate
release and the
exigencies of the
service must
permit.
(g) On completion of do. do. do. do.
engagement where a
man does not accept an
offer of further service.
5. Compulsory (a) To promote economy Officers and do. do. do. In the case of men the
Retirement to on reduction of Men approving authority
promote Economy or authority strength will receive
Efficiency instructions from
the Ministry.
(b) To promote service do. do. do. See article 15.17 –
efficiency in any of the Compulsory
following cases:— Release Ages –
(i) Having reached Officers, and article
compulsory release 15.31 –
age Compulsory Ages –
Men.
Officers below the
an d above services
Officers and men
5 Compulsory (ii) Being considered do. do. do. do. See article 15.21 –
Retirement to unsuitable for reasons Notice of Intended
promote Economy or other than misconduct, Release
Efficiency—contd. inefficiency or medical Marriage: (see Article
unfitness. 15.06 “Release of
Females on
marriage).
(iii) When the officer or do. do. do. do. See article 15.21 and
man is not 15.33—Notice of
advantageously intended Release.
employable in his
present rank
(iv) When retention in the do. do. do. do. Applies only to
Reserves of an officer officers and men of the
or man is not practical Reserves.
or not desirable
(v) When the retention of Subordinate do. do.
a subordinate officer is Officers
not practical or not
desirable.
(vi) On completion, or Officers … do. do. do. See article 6.12
during the final year of Duration of Service
a fixed period of
service.
(vii) On completion of Men … do.
an engagement where a
man is not offered
further service
(viii) Having been Officers and do. do. do.
enrolled irregularly. Men
Officers below the
an d above services
Officers and men
5 Compulsory (ix) Having completed the do. do. do. do.
Retirement to period for which he is
promote Economy or required
Efficiency –contd. (c) On Demobilization do. do. do. do. Applies to officers and
men who enrol in
the Armed Force
during a period of
active service on an
emergency and
who do not
subsequently
become enrolled
for service in the
Armed Forces
(Regular) or the
Reserves.
Art. 15.02 A.F.R.
15.02—RELEASE AS OF RIGHT
(1) Except during an emergency or when he is on active service, an officer or man is
entitled to be released at the expiration of the term of service for which he is enrolled or
re-engaged.
(2) Unless the Chief of Defence Staff otherwise directs, any period of absence
without leave, or desertion, shall not be reckoned towards the completion of the term of
service for which an officer or man was enrolled or re-engaged.
(3) Subject to (1) of this Article, no officer or man may claim his release as of right
except—
(a) an officer not on active service (by reason of an emergency)
(i) under item 4 (c) (on request) of the table to Article 15.01 if he is a
subordinate officer who requests his voluntary retirement where he
will otherwise be reverted to the rank from which he was promoted
to subordinate officer;
(ii) under item 4 (d) ( on request—other causes) of the table to Article
15.01;
(b) a man not on active service by reason of an emergency, under item 4 (c) of
the table to Article 15.01.
15.03—EFFECTIVE DATE OF RELEASE

The effective date of release shall—
(a) in the case of a punishment awarded by a court martial of dismissal with
disgrace from the Armed Forces or dismissal from the Armed Forces, be
as soon as practicable after approval of the punishment; and
(b) in all other cases—
(i) be set by the approving authority, or
(ii) if no date be set by the approving authority, be as soon as
practicable after release is approved.
15.04—PLACE OF RELEASE
(1) Except as prescribed in (2) and (3) of this Article, an officer or man shall be
released in Ghana.
(2) An officer or man who is serving outside Ghana at the time his release is
approved may, if he so requests, be released at the place where he is serving if prior
approval is obtained from the Chief of Defence Staff.
(3) the provisions of (1) of this Article shall not apply to an officer or man who is
released as a consequence of imprisonment beyond Ghana following conviction by the
civil power.
(4) An officer or man who is an alien serving with the Ghana Armed Forces and
whose release is approved, may if he so requests, be released in Ghana and repatriated to
his country of origin (see Article 209.73.)
58
Art. 15.05 A.F.R.
15.05—RETENTION OF PERSONNEL ELIGIBLE FOR RELEASE ON

MEDICAL GROUNDS AND RELEASE AS MEDICALLY UNFIT
(1) An officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces who is suffering from a disease or
injury which necessitates prolonged treatment or medical observation may, at the
discretion of the Chief of Defence Staff and on the recommendation of the Director of
Medical Service be retained in the Armed Forces for the duration of such treatment or
medical observation.
(2) If at any time it becomes apparent that the officer or man will continue to be unfit
for military service despite prolonged treatment he shall be released as medically unfit
but, at the discretion of the Chief of Defence Staff and on the recommendation of the
Director of Medical Services, he may continue to receive medical attention as though he
were a member of the Armed Forces.
15.06—RELEASE OF FEMALES ON MARRIAGE
(1) A female person enrolled in the Armed Forces shall, if she marries during her first
three years of service, be release under item 5 (b) (ii) ( unsuitable for further service) of
the table to Article 15.01 unless in the opinion of the Chief of Defence Staff, her
continued employment is in the best interest of the Armed Forces.
(2) When a female person becomes pregnant before marriage release will be effected
under item (5) (b) (ii).
(3) The release of a female recruit and subordinate officer may be approved under
item (5) (b) (iii) if the Chief of Defence Staff considers that she is unsuitable for further
training and that it is in the interest of the service for the release to be approved.
15.07—REPORTING OF CLAIMS
(1) When forwarding an application for the release of an officer or man, the
commanding officer shall report any outstanding or potential public or non-public claim
against the officer or man and shall furnish proof of that claim.
(2) When the release has been approved the commanding officer shall report to his
formation headquarters any claim described in (1) of this Article which will not be
liquidated on or before the proposed date of release.
59
Art. 15.17 A.F.R.
Section 2—Officers
15.17—COMPULSORY RELEASE AGES OF OFFICERS HOLDING

PERMANENT COMMISSIONS
(1) The normal compulsory release ages of officers holding permanent commissions in
all branches and ranks shall be 50.
(a) In certain branches and ranks the compulsory release age may be as
follows:—
Lt.-Gen. Maj.-Gen. Brig. Col. Lt.-Col
All Arms 65 63 60 55 53
Medical and Dental—

(i)Specialist — 65 65 65 65
(ii)Non-Specialist — 60 59 58 58
Legal — — 60 60 60
Female Officers — — 55 55 55
(b) The compulsory retiring age for chaplains will be 55. If a chaplain selected for
appointment as a chaplain-general is required to complete three years in the post before
retirement he will be retained beyond the compulsory retiring age, if necessary until he
completed that period.
(c) Officers holding permanent commissions at ages above the normal who are
unable to complete ten years’ reckonable service before reaching the age of compulsory
release will be retained beyond the normal release ages until they have completed at least
that period, provided that their service is satisfactory.
(d) Officers appointed direct to permanent commissions from the ranks who are
required to serve a minimum period of ten years after appointment will where necessary,
be retained beyond the normal compulsory retiring ages to give the required minimum
period of service.
(2) The compulsory retiring ages laid down in this article are subject to variation,
either upwards or downwards, as the Ministry may from time to time determine. Such
variations however, would not be compulsorily applied to any officer so as to affect his
retirement in the rank held by him at the date of the order announcing the change.
(3) It is the policy of the Ministry to adhere to the normal compulsory retiring ages
wherever possible, but the Ministry has the right to retire an officer
60
Art. 15.17 A.F.R.
15.17—COMPULSORY RELEASE AGES OF OFFICERS HOLDING

PERMANENT COMMISSIONS—contd.
prematurely at any time should it consider this to be necessary; in general, however, such
right would not be exercised, unless it was necessary for the efficiency of the Armed
Forces, before the officer had completed the service necessary to qualify for retired pay.
(4) Similarly, where the Ministry considers that it is necessary in the interest of the
Service, an officer may be retained beyond the normal retirement date. When an officer is
retained compulsorily such continued employment will be for a specific and firm period
of time and will be treated as continuous employment on the Active List and not as re-
employment.
15.18—VOLUNTARY RELEASE—OFFICER
(1) Every application by an officer for release under Item 4 (Voluntary Retirement)
of the table to Article 15.01 shall be made in writing through the commanding officer
who shall add his recommendations when forwarding the application to the appropriate
authority.
(2) When a commanding officer recommends such release, he shall certify that his
recommendation is not made for the purpose of allowing the applicant to avoid the
consequences of his inefficiency, unsuitability or misconduct.
(3) The Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe those courses of more than six months
duration in respect of which an officer who has attended on duty shall not be released at
his request, under Item 4 of the table to Article 15.01 unless he has served a period
(which shall not be less than three years) to be determined by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(4) Where, in the opinion of the Chief of Defence Staff, special and unforeseen
circumstances require that an officer apply for his release prior to the completion of the
minimum period of service prescribed under (3) of this Article, his release may be
approved but only if he refunds the portion of the cost incurred by the public for his
attendance at the course in accordance with (5) of this Article.
(5) Where, under (4) of this Article, a portion of the cost incurred by the public is to
be reimbursed, such portion shall be assessed on the following basis:-
(a) if the release occurs within three years of the commencement of the
required minimum period of service, the total cost incurred by the public
in providing the course;
(b) if the release occurs more than three years after the commencement of the
required minimum period of service, that part of the cost incurred by the
public which is proportionate to the number of years still to be served (
part of a year being reckoned as a full year).
61
Art. 15.18 A.F.R.
15.18—VOLUNTARY RELEASE—OFFICER—contd.
(6) The cost incurred by the public on which reimbursement shall be based shall be—
(a) the amount paid by the State either directly to the institution providing the
instruction or by reimbursement of the officer concerned for fees or any
other costs arising out of or attributable to his attendance under
instruction; and
(b) except for any period during which the officer performed normal military
duties, pay and allowances including the applicable rate of subsistence
allowance for his rank and status, whether in issue or not, for the period
for which he attended the course, but not including:
(i) transportation and travelling expenses provided to send him and
his dependants, furniture and effects to or from the course,
(ii) any assisted leave transportation benefits extended to him, or
(iii) income tax deductions applicable to that period.
(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, the Chief of Defence Staff may in
a particular case attended by special and unforeseen circumstances authorize a reduction
in the portion to be refunded by the officer to such reasonable part of the cost incurred by
the public as he may consider appropriate.
15.20—RETIRED LIST
(1) A list designated as the “Retired List” shall be maintained at the Ministry.
(2) On release, an officer who has completed ten or more years of service in the
Armed Forces shall have his name entered on the Retired List if he was an officer of the
Regular Armed Forces and is entitled to a pension or gratuity or cash termination
allowance.
(3) The name of a former officer entered on the Retired List shall be carried
throughout his lifetime except that it may be removed for misconduct.
(4) The rank shown against the name of an officer on the retired list shall be the
substantive, acting or temporary rank held by him on the date of his release.
(5) A former officer whose name is entered on the Retired List shall have the
privilege of using the title of his rank and shall include the word “Retired” immediately
after his name.
(6) An officer entered on the Retired List shall be required to undertake in writing
to—
(a) serve in the Armed Forces when called upon to do so at any time a state of
emergency has been declared; and
(b) report all changes of his address to the Ministry of Defence.
62
A.F.R Art. 15.31
15.21—NOTICE OF INTENDED RELEASE
(1) When it is proposed to recommend the release of an officer other than a

subordinate officer under—
(a) item 1 (c) (service misconduct) or 1 (f) (fraudulent statement on enrolment);

(b) item 2 (b) (unsatisfactory service);
(c) item 5 (b) (iii) (unsuitable for further service)
of the table to Article 15.01, the commanding officer shall furnish the officer concerned
with a written statement of the reasons for the proposed recommendation. He shall
require the officer to reply in writing within fourteen days stating either the officer‘s
objections to the proposed recommendation or that he has no objections to make.
(2) If an officer to whom notice of intended release has been furnished under (1) of
this article does not reply in writing within fourteen days, his failure to reply shall
constitute an admission by him that he has no objection to the proposed release.
(3) The recommendation for release together with either the reply of the officer
concerned or statement that he has failed to make a reply shall be forwarded to the
appropriate authority.
(4) Nothing in this Article shall require notice to be given to an officer whose release
is being considered on the ground of—
(a) having been convicted by the civil power, when the officer has been
committed to undergo a sentence of imprisonment; or
(b) marriage. (See Article 15.06—“Release of Females on marriage”).
Section 3—Men
15.31—COMPULSORY RELEASE AGES
(1) Subject to (3) and (4) of this Article, a man of the Regular Armed Forces shall be
released when he reaches the age limit prescribed for his substantive rank shown in the
table to this Article whether or not his current engagement has expired.
(2) Subject to (3) and (4) of this Article, a man on the Reserves shall be released on
reaching the age limit prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff, whether or not his
current engagement has expired.
(3) The Chief of Defence Staff may in exceptional circumstances authorize the
retention of a man beyond the compulsory release age prescribed for his rank.
(4) When any part of the Armed Forces is on active service, the compulsory release
ages for men of all components shall be such as the Chief of Defence Staff may
prescribe.
63
Art. 15.31 A.F.R.
15.31–-COMPULSORY RELEASE AGES—contd.
Rank Age
Warrant Officer, Class 1 or equivalent rank 55
Warrant Officer, Class 2 or equivalent rank 52
Staff-Sergeant or equivalent rank and below 50
15.32—RELEASE FOR FRAUDULENT ENROLMENT
(1) A man may be released under the provisions of item 1 (f) (fraudulent statement on
enrolment) of the table to Article 15.01 who after enrolment, is found to have:
(a) failed to disclose on enrolment that he was in a state of desertion from, or

belonged to, another service of the Armed Forces;
(b) failed to disclose on enrolment that he was in a state of desertion from, or
belonged to, any other Armed Forces; or
(c) made any other false statement with a fraudulent purpose in the documents
signed by him on enrolment, except a false statement as to age only.
(2) The commanding officer shall—
(a) in the case described in (1) (a) of this Article, report the matter to the
appropriate authority which shall—
(i) ascertain from the headquarters of the service to which the man
belonged, whether it is desired to claim him under his original
engagement, and
(ii) if he is claimed, order the immediate release of the man, or
(iii) if he is not claimed instruct the commanding officer as to the

man’s disposal; or
(b) in the case described in (1) (b) or (1) (c) of this Article, report the
particulars to the appropriate authority for direction.
15.33—RELEASE ON REQUEST—MEN
The release of a man under Item 4 (d) (Voluntary—On Request—Other Causes) of the
Table to Article 15.01 (Release of Officers and Men) shall not be approved unless—
(a) the applicant has good and substantial reasons for seeking his release and
the exigencies of the service permit;
(b) the applicant is not on active service by reason of an emergency;
64
A.F.R. Art. 15.33
15.33—RELEASE ON REQUEST—MEN—contd.
(c) the cost of his transportation from his home to his place of enrolment is
refunded if release is applied for within the first year of an initial
engagement; and
(d) when the Chief of Defence Staff so directs, he pays the amount prescribed
in the Table to this Article.
Cases Applicable Amounts to be paid
1. If release is applied for within three months of an N¢60.00

initial engagement or a subsequent re-engagement
2. If release is applied for after three months of an initial N¢142.00 reduced by N¢5
engagement or a subsequent re-engagement. for each month in excess of
twelve that has elapsed on
his engagement or re-
engagement, except that at
no time shall the amount he
is required to pay be less
than N¢60.00
15.36—NOTICE OF INTENDED RELEASE—MEN
(1) When, in the case of a man who is of or above the rank of petty officer, 2nd Class,
or sergeant or who is below the rank of petty officer, 2nd Class, or sergeant but has served
for ten or more years in the Regular Forces, it is proposed to recommend his release
under—
(a) item 1 (c) (service misconduct) or 1 (f) fraudulent statement on

enrolment); or
(b) item 2 (b) (unsatisfactory service); or
(c) item 5 (b) (iii) (unsuitable for further service);
of the Table to Article 15.01 (Release of Officers and Men), the commanding officer
shall furnish the man concerned with a written statement of the reasons for the proposed
recommendation. He shall require the man to reply in writing within fourteen days
stating either the man’s objections to the proposed recommendation or that he has no
objection to make.
65
Art. 15.36 A.F.R.
15.36—NOTICE OF INTENDED RELEASE—MEN—contd.
(2) If a man to whom a notice of intended release has been furnished under (1) of this
Article does not reply in writing within fourteen days, his failure to reply shall constitute
an admission by him that he has no objection to the proposed release.
(3) The recommendation for release together with either the reply of the man
concerned or a statement that he has failed to make a reply shall be forwarded to the
appropriate Formation Headquarters.
(4) Nothing in this Article shall require notice to be given to a man whose release is
being considered on the grounds of:
(a) having been convicted by the civil power, when the man has been
committed to undergo a sentence of imprisonment; or
(b) marriage (See Article 15.06—“Release of Females on Marriage”.)
Section 4—Reinstatement of Officers and Men
15.50—REINSTATEMENT
(1) Subject to AFR, where an officer or man has been released from the Armed
Forces or transferred from one component to another by reason of a sentence of dismissal
or a finding of guilty by a service tribunal or any court, and the sentence or finding ceases
to have force and effect as a result of a decision of a competent authority, the release or
transfer may, with the consent of the officer or man concerned, be cancelled, and he shall
thereupon, except as provided in those regulations, be deemed not to have been so
released or transferred.
(2) Subject to (3) of this Article, where an officer or man has been released or
transferred from one component to another by reason of a sentence of dismissal or a
finding of guilty by a service tribunal or any court, and the sentence or finding ceases to
have force and effect as a result of a decision of a competent authority the Chief of
Defence Staff, at any time, may, with the consent of the officer or man concerned, cancel
such release or transfer.
(3) The pay and allowances of an officer or man whose release or transfer is
cancelled under (2) of this Article shall be subject to such deduction as may be imposed
in any regulation, order or instruction.
(4) An officer or man whose release or transfer has been cancelled, pursuance to (2)
of this Article, shall be entitle to such benefits as may be prescribed in any regulation,
order or instruction.

CHAPTER 16
LEAVE AND PASS
Section 1—General
16.01—WITHHOLDING OF AND RECALL FROM LEAVE AND PASS
(1) Leave and pass may be withheld by reason of the exigencies of the service.
(2) An officer or man on leave or pass may be recalled to duty at any time.
16.02—INVOLUNTARY ABSENCE FOLLOWING LEAVE OR PASS
(1) An officer or man who is unable through circumstances beyond his control to
return to his place of duty at the expiration of his leave or pass shall—
(a) report the circumstances and the anticipated date of return to the
commanding officer or the nearest Armed Forces unit; and
(b) on returning to his place of duty present proof, including a medical
certificate if applicable, of the circumstances that have prevented his
earlier return.
(2) A commanding officer to whom a report is made under (1) (a) of this Article shall
communicate by signal full particulars to the commanding officer of the officer or man
concerned.
16.04—PERMISSION TO PROCEED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY ON LEAVE OR

PASS
(1) Except when specially authorized by the Chief of Defence Staff an officer or man
on leave or pass shall not proceed beyond Ghana or the country in which he is serving.
(2) An officer of the rank of Captain and above or equivalent rank with six years
Commissioned Service may at intervals of not less than five years and at the discretion of
the Chief of Defence Staff be granted free return passage to a country outside Ghana for
himself and wife (but not for any children) on the understanding that his military
efficiency would benefit from such a visit. In such cases, in order that the maximum
benefit may be obtained, the officer will undertake during his period in such country any
refresher course or attachment that may be arranged for him.
Section 2—Leave
16.11—APPLICATION OF SECTION
Leave under the provisions of this section shall be granted only to an officer or man of—
(a) the Regular Armed Forces; and
67
Art,16.11 A.F.R.
16.11—APPLICATION OF SECTION—contd.
(b) the Reserves when he is on active service, or performing continuous duty.
16.12—LEAVE YEAR
The leave year shall be from the first day of July to the thirtieth day of June of the
following year.
16.13—AUTHORIZATION OF LEAVE
Except when the approval of a higher authority is required by this section leave may be
granted to—
(a) (i) commanding officer or an areas commander by the officer
commanding the command; and
(ii) an officer commanding a command or the head of a branch at

Army Headquarters, by the Army Commander.
(b) (i) he Captain of a ship or fleet establishment or a Senior Officer in

Command, by the Senior Officer in Chief Command; and
(ii) a Senior Officer in Chief Command, or the head of a branch at

Navy Headquarters, by the Navy Commander.
(c) A commanding officer or a head of a branch at Air Force Headquarters, by

the Air Force Commander.
16.14—ANNUAL LEAVE
(1) Annual Leave up to a maximum of forty-two days in each leave year may be
granted to an officer or man by the commanding officer. If approval is granted by or
under the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff annual leave in respect of one leave
year may, in special circumstances, be taken in the subsequent leave year.
(2) Annual leave shall not be granted following enrolment until the completion of six
months’ paid service or the completion of training, whichever is the longer, except:--
(a) leave included in a training syllabus; or

(b) for urgent and exceptional personal reasons; or
(c) when leave is in the best interest of the Armed Forces.
(3) Leave corresponding to annual or compassionate leave taken in respect of the

current leave year under the regulations of another Force to which an officer or man has
been attached or seconded shall be deducted from the annual leave permissible under (1)
of this Article.
68
Art,16.14 A.F.R.
16.14—ANNUAL LEAVE—contd.
(4) No officer or man shall be granted annual leave to be taken six months before the
commencement of terminal leave.
(5) An officer or man of the Reserves when employed on continuous duty may be
granted annual leave on the basis of two and one-half days for each month served. This
leave shall be taken during the period of continuous duty.
16.16—SICK LEAVE
(1) An officer or man may be granted sick leave not exceeding:—
(a) forty-two days by a commanding officer; or

(b) ninety-one days by an officer commanding a command or an area
commander, or a senior officer in Chief Command including any leave
granted under (a) of this paragraph; or
(c) one hundred and eighty-three days by the appropriate Service
Commander, including any leave granted under (a) and (b) of this
paragraph;
on the recommendation of a medical board, or, when the leave is for not more than thirty
days, on the recommendation of a medical officer.
(2) An officer or man who has been absent on sick leave shall report to the medical
officer immediately on return to his unit.
(3) Sick leave shall not be granted to an officer or man who is about to be released on
medical grounds or for any other reason.
16.17—COMPASSIONATE LEAVE
(1) An officer or man may be granted compassionate leave not exceeding—
(a) fourteen days by a commanding officer ; or

(b) thirty days by an officer commanding a command, an area commander, or
a senior officer in Chief Command including any leave granted under (a)
of this paragraph; or
(c) ninety-one days by the appropriate Service Commander including any
leave granted under (a) and (b) of this paragraph.
(2) Compassionate leave may be granted only for urgent and exceptional personal
reasons and shall be counted against any portion of the officer’s or man’s annual leave
that has not been taken.
69
Art. 16.18 A.F.R.
16.18—VERIFICATION OF GROUNDS FOR COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

When an officer or man applies for compassionate leave, the commanding officer shall—
(a) in normal cases verify to his satisfaction the grounds upon which the leave
is requested before granting it; and
(b) in cases of apparent urgency grant the leave and instruct the applicant to
furnish definite verification of the grounds on his return from leave.
16.19—TERMINAL LEAVE
(1) The Chief of Defence Staff or such officer as he may designate may grant
terminal leave to an officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces whose release or
transfer to the Reserves has been approved. Terminal leave granted shall not extend
beyond the date of release. It shall be computed on the basis of thirty days for each
completed five years of continuous service and seven days for each completed year of
continuous service under five years.
(2) For the purposes of this Article “continuous service” shall mean the period of
uninterrupted full-time paid service in the Armed Forces ending on the day of release.
Any period of leave without pay shall not be considered as interrupting the continuity of
service when computing terminal leave.
(3) Terminal leave shall not be granted to an officer or man whose release is
approved under Article 15.01, Item 1 (Misconduct) and 2 (Inefficiency ).
(4) Terminal Leave shall be granted to an officer or man who proceeds on voluntary
retirement.
16.20—SPECIAL LEAVE
An officer or man may be granted special leave not exceeding thirty days by and under
the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff.
16.21—MATERNITY LEAVE
(1) A pregnant female officer shall be entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave of which 6
weeks shall be taken as ante-natal leave and the other 6 weeks taken as post-natal leave.
Maternity leave shall be taken on half pay.
(2) Earned annual leave would be taken immediately before or after the post-natal
leave. Maternity leave and annual leave cannot be taken separately in a given leave year.
16.23—SPECIAL LEAVE FOR TRAVELLING TIME

(1) Special leave for travelling time may be granted, in accordance with (2) of this
Article, to an officer or man who intends to spend his leave at a place more than twenty-
four hours distant by the most direct rail or road or route from his unit. Special leave for
travelling time shall be in addition to other leave.
70
Art,16.31 A.F.R.
16.23—SPECIAL LEAVE FOR TRAVELLING TIME—contd.
(2) When an officer or man proceeds on annual leave, the commanding officer may
grant special leave for travelling time, once in each leave year, not in excess of three days
to cover the period of travel to place of leave and not in excess of three days to cover the
return journey.
16.24—LEAVE WITHOUT PAY AND ALLOWANCES
(1) An officer or man may be granted leave without pay and allowances for any
period by or under the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff.
(2) Except as the Chief of Defence Staff may, if he considers it in the best interest of
the Armed Forces otherwise order a period of leave without pay and allowances shall not
count for—
(a) seniority; or
(b) promotion; or
(c) award of good conduct medals or badges; or
(d) any other service purpose.
Section 3—Pass and Short Leave
16.30—GRANTING OF A PASS FOR SHORT LEAVE
(1) A pass for short leave may be granted to an officer or man by a commanding
officer
(2) Subject to (3) of this Article a pass shall not be –

(a) granted for a period of forty-eight hours more often than once each month;
or
(b) granted for a period in excess of forty-eight hours;
(c) granted consecutively with another pass; or
(d) reckoned against annual leave.
(3) A pass may be granted for a period of more than forty-eight hours to include a
public holiday.
16.31—ORDERS REGARDING SHORT LEAVE – NAVY
(1) The Senior Officer in Chief Command shall issue whatever orders he considers
necessary relative to the granting of short leave in his command.
(2) To ensure uniformity in the short leave granted to each ship’s company when two
or more ships are in company the senior officer shall inform the Captain of the ships
concerned as to the time during which leave may be granted.
71
A.F.R Art. 16.32
16.32—SHORT LEAVE OUTSIDE PORT LIMITS—NAVY
An officer or man shall not proceed on short leave outside the limits of the port if he is—
(a) a senior officer not in chief command without the permission of the Senior
Officer in Chief Command; or
(b) the Captain of a ship or fleet establishment, without the permission of the
senior officer present under whose orders his unit is serving; or
(c) an officer other than one mentioned in (a) and (b) of this Article or a man,
without the permission of his Captain.
16.33—SHORT LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEN
Except when short leave is stopped as a result of disciplinary action, men shall be granted
short leave to the fullest extent practical and, in the case of chief petty officers and petty
officers, irrespective of the number of watches the remainder of the ship’s company is in.
Section 4—Leave Records
16.34—RECORDING OF LEAVE
When leave, other than the short leave prescribed in Article 16.30 is granted to an officer
or man, the type and length of leave, together with any travelling time authorised, shall
be recorded.
16.35—LEAVE FORMS
(1) Leave forms shall be issued to all men proceeding on leave other than short leave
and, when considered desirable, to men proceeding outside the limits of the port on short
leave.
(2) Before they proceed on leave the attention of all men shall be drawn to the
instructions printed on the reverse side of the leave form.
(3) Completed leave form books may be destroyed when they are no longer required
for reference purposes.
72
CHAPTER 17
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Section 1—General
17.01—UNIFORMS
Officers and men of the Armed Forces shall wear the uniforms prescribed by the
President on the advice of the Armed Forces Council.
17.02—PERSONAL APPEARANCE
(1) The dress and appearance of an officer or man shall on all occasions be such as to
reflect credit on the Armed Forces.
(2) Except as provided in (3) of this Article no officer or man shall wear a beard
unless he is required to do so for medical or religious reasons. The prior approval of the
commanding officer is to be obtained.
(3) (a) The Captain may permit the officers and men borne in his ship to wear
beards and moustaches.
(b) When the permission is granted, the use of the razor shall be discontinued
entirely, and moustaches shall not be worn without the beard, nor the beard without
moustaches.
(c) The hair of the beard and moustaches shall be kept well cut and trimmed.
(d) The Captain shall give any other directions that seem to him desirable
upon these points and shall establish, so far as practical, uniformity of the length of the
hair, beard and moustaches of the men.
(4) When any part of the navy is on active service the Captain shall draw the attention
of persons requesting the privilege of wearing beards and moustaches to the following:—
(a) that experience gained in naval sinkings has shown that oil in beards has in
some cases blocked the nasal passages resulting in the death of persons who
might otherwise have survived; and
(b) that the wearing of a beard is a hazard when under attack by gas, since the
beard is likely to prevent a respirator fitting closely.
17.03—WHEN UNIFORM TO BE WORN
(1) Unless the Chief of Defence Staff otherwise directs—

(a) an officer or man on duty shall wear uniform; and
(b) an officer or man not on duty may wear civilian clothes.
(2) An officer or man who desires to wear uniform while on leave outside Ghana
shall request permission to do so at the time he applies for that leave.
(3) When a request for permission to wear uniform is made under (2) of this Article,
the authority having power to approve the leave—
73
A.F.R. Art. 17.03
17.03—WHEN UNIFORM TO BE WORN—contd.
(a) may, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Chief of Defence Staff,
approve the request if the leave is to be spent in—
(i) countries of the Commonwealth,

(ii) countries in which the Armed Forces are stationed in accordance
with any agreement entered into by Ghana, and
(b) shall, in all other cases, refer the request to the Ministry.
(4) When permission is granted to wear uniform on leave outside Ghana the authority
granting the leave shall record the permission on the leave form and, when permission
has been given under (3) (b) of this Article—
(a) if the authority granting the leave is outside Ghana he shall inform the
Ghanaian representative in the country concerned; and
(b) if the authority granting the leave is in Ghana the Chief of Defence Staff
shall cause the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be notified.
17.04—WEARING OF UNIFORM—RESTRICTIONS
(1) Except that he may wear a military uniform of obsolete pattern no officer or man
shall wear any part of a military uniform at a fancy dress ball.
(2) No officer or man of the Reserves shall wear uniform except when he is—
(a) on duty; or
(b) attending a military entertainment or a ceremony at which the wearing of
uniform is appropriate.
(3) A former officer or man released other than by reason of misconduct may wear
uniform—
(a) with the permission of the local Armed Forces commander, when attending
a military entertainment or a ceremony at which the wearing of uniform is
appropriate; or
(b) on other occasions with the permission of the Chief of Defence Staff.
17.05—WEARING OF UNIFORM IN THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

If he is satisfied that no discredit to the Armed Forces will ensue, the appropriate Service
Commander may authorize any person to wear Armed Forces uniform in a theatrical
production, stage play or other public performance.
17.06—CIVILIAN CLOTHES
(1) Unless permission is granted under Article 17.03, civilian clothes shall be worn
by officers and men on leave outside Ghana.
(2) An officer and, subject to (5) of this Article, a man may wear civilian clothes
when on leave.
74
A.F.R Art. 17.09
17.06—CIVILIAN CLOTHES—contd.
(3) In respect of the navy, civilian clothes may be worn—

(a) in a ship by an officer when he is proceeding on or returning from leave;
and
(b) in a fleet establishment by
(i) an officer or man when he is proceeding on or returning from leave;
(ii) an officer, chief petty officer, or petty officer when he has been
granted leave and is in his mess or cabin, and
(iii) a man, when he has been granted leave and is in a canteen or other
authorised place of recreation.
(4) Men who avail themselves of the privilege to wear civilian clothes while on leave
shall not wear any distinctive items of uniform clothing.
(5) The privilege of men to wear civilian clothes may be withdrawn by a

commanding officer at his discretion—
(a) for misconduct; or
(b) if the standard of appearance is unsatisfactory.
17.07—PROVISION OF UNIFORM
(1) All officers of the Regular Forces, other than subordinate officers, shall at their
own expense expect as otherwise directed, provide themselves with and maintain articles
of uniform in the required quantities and according to the appropriate sealed patterns. A
uniform allowance and uniform maintenance allowance, at a rate to be prescribed by the
Chief of Defence Staff, shall be issued to all officers for the provision and upkeep of
uniform.
(2) Officer cadets, naval cadets and flight cadets of the Regular Force and officers of
the Reserves shall be provided with articles of uniform in accordance with orders issued
by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(3) Men of the Regular Forces shall be provided with articles of uniform in
accordance with orders issued by the Chief of Defence Staff.
17.08—KIT INSPECTION
The uniform of a man below the rank of warrant officer or equivalent rank shall be
inspected at all kit inspections for the purpose of ascertaining whether—
(a) there are any deficiencies;
(b) any replacements or repairs are required;
(c) the kit is clean;
(d) all items are properly marked; and
(e) the man is improperly in possession of any article.
17.09—WEARING OF ACCESSORIES WITH UNIFORM

(1) Subject to (2) of this Article, no officer or man shall wear in a visible position on
his uniform any article not forming part of his order of dress.
75
A.F.R Art. 17.09
17.09—WEARING OF ACCESSORIES WITH UNIFORM—contd.
(2) Unless the Chief of Defence Staff otherwise directs an officer or man may wear
on his uniform the special emblems on the day specified in the table to this Article.
Occasion Date Emblem

Remembrance Day 11th November Poppy
Section 2—Mourning
17.15—STATE MOURNING
(1) Except as provided in (2) of this Article, State Mourning shall not apply to the
Armed Forces.
(2) An officer while—

(a) attending State Functions; or
(b) in attendance upon the President; or
(c) on duty with an escort or guard of honour provided for a Head of State;
shall wear State mourning if the State is in mourning, but otherwise shall not wear any
mourning.
17.16—SERVICE MOURNING
(1) Service mourning shall apply to officers only.

(2) The Chief of Defence Staff may order service mourning on the occasions, under
the conditions, and for the duration he considers necessary.
17.17—OTHER CASES OF MOURNING

Subject to Article 17.15—
(a) an officer or warrant officer class 1, or equivalent rank, shall wear
mourning while taking part in service funerals or ceremonial services
connected with service funerals;
(b) an officer or man may wear mourning at a private funeral in the event of a
personal bereavement; and
(c) no officer or man shall wear mourning at the unveiling of memorials,
Remembrance Day Services, or other similar ceremonies.

76
CHAPTER 18
NOT ALLOCATED

CHAPTER 19
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Section 1—Personal Conduct
19.01—OBSERVANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS, ORDERS

AND INSTRUCTIONS
Every officer and man shall acquaint himself with and obey: —
(a) the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105)

(b) the State Secrets Act, 1962 (Act 101)
(c) AFR and
(d) all other enactments, rules, orders and instructions necessary for the
performance of his duties.
19.02—CONFLICTING ORDERS
If an officer or man is given an order which he considers to be in conflict with the Armed
Forces Act, or orders issued to the Armed Forces or with any particular order he has
previously received, he shall point out the conflict orally, or in writing if the order does
not require immediate obedience, to the superior by whom the order was given. If the
superior still directs him to obey the order, he shall do so.
19.03—ILLEGAL ORDERS
If a person who is bound to obey a duly constituted superior receives from the superior an
order to do some act or make some omission which is manifestly illegal, he is under a
legal duty to refuse to carry out the order and if he does carry it out he will be criminally
responsible for what he does in doing so.
19.04—INTOXICANTS
(a) in an institute with respect to which a general authority has been granted
to possess or consume an intoxicant during specified hours; or
(b) in such other place and at such times as the commanding officer may
approve.
19.05 AND 19.06—NOT ALLOCATED
19.07—PRIVATE DEBTS
(1) Private debts of an officer or man are the responsibility of the individual
concerned.
(2) Every complaint received from a creditor that an officer or man has failed to pay
his debts shall be dealt with as prescribed by the respective Service Commander.
78
Art,19.09 A.F.R
19.09—USE OF OUTSIDE INFLUENCE FORBIDDEN
No officer or man shall attempt to obtain favourable consideration on any matter relating
to his service by use of influence from sources outside the Armed Forces.
19.10—COMBINATIONS FORBIDDEN
No officer or man shall without authority:—

(a) combine with other officers or men for the purpose of bringing about
alterations in existing regulations for the Armed Forces; or
(b) sign with other officers or men memorials, petitions, or applications
relating to the Armed Forces; or
(c) obtain or solicit signatures for memorials, petitions, or applications
relating to the Armed Forces.
19.11—INTERVIEW AND COMMUNICATION WITH OFFICERS AT

HEADQUARTERS
(1) No officer or man shall apply for an interview with any officer at:—
(a) command or area headquarters without the permission of his commanding
officer; or
(b) Army, Navy or Air Force Headquarters without the prior permission of the
headquarters concerned.
(2) No officer or man shall communicate privately with officers at Army, Navy or
Air Force Headquarters or a Command or Area Headquarters on a personal matter
relating to his service.
19.12—COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMMANDING OFFICER

An officer or man may, upon application, see his commanding officer on any personal
matter.
19.13—REBUKE IN PRESENCE OF JUNIOR
No officer or man shall rebuke any person in the presence or hearing of any one junior to
the person in rank, unless a public rebuke is absolutely necessary for the preservation of
discipline.
19.14—IMPROPER COMMENTS
(1) No officer or man shall make remarks or pass criticism tending to bring his
superior into contempt, except as may be necessary for the proper presentation of a
complaint to redress a grievance.
(2) No officer or man shall do or say anything which:—

(a) if seen or heard by any member of the public might reflect discredit on
the Armed Forces or on any of its members; or
79
A.F.R Art.19.25
19.14—IMPROPER COMMENTS—contd.
(b) if seen or heard by, or reported to, those under him might discourage
them or render them dissatisfied with their condition or the duties on
which they are employed.
19.16—FOREIGN EXPEDITIONS AND MANOEUVRES
(1) Subject to (2) of this article no officer or man, without the permission of the Chief
of Defence Staff shall in a foreign country:—
(a) accompany or take part in a Naval, Army or Air Force expedition of a

foreign power; or
(b) officially attend the manoeuvres or public parades of the Naval, Army
or Air Forces of a foreign power.
(2) Nothing in this article shall prevent attachés, authorized staff and exchange
personnel, whose normal duties so require, from attending manoeuvres or public parades
of the Naval, Army or Air Forces of a foreign country they are attached or accredited.
19.17—REPORTS OF EXPEDITIONS AND MANOEUVRES
(1) An officer or man who attends an expedition or manoeuvres outside Ghana shall
forward to his Headquarters a report on the expedition or manoeuvres he witnesses.
(2) Subject to (1) of this article, no officer or man shall, without permission from his
Headquarters, send to anyone an account of or comment on any expedition or
manoeuvres he may witness.
19.18—CONCEALMENT OF DISEASE
An officer or man who is suffering or suspects he is suffering from a disease shall,

without delay, report himself sick.
19.19—WOMEN ON BOARD OR ON PASSAGE—NAVY
Subject to Article 64.09 (Refugees), unless the senior officer present is formally
requested to do so by a diplomatic officer representing Ghana in a foreign nation, no
woman shall be permitted to reside on board or take passage in any of the Ghana Navy
ships except with the express permission of the Navy Commander.
80
Art,19.26 A.F.R
Section 2—Grievances and Complaints
19.26—REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE
(1) If an officer or man thinks that he has suffered any personal oppression, injustice,
or other ill-treatment, he may complain orally to the commanding officer.
(2) If an officer or man thinks that he has been wronged by the commanding officer,
either because a complaint under (1) of this article has not been redressed or for any other
reason, he may complain in writing to the commanding officer.
(3) If the commanding officer has not redressed a complaint made under (2) of this
article within fourteen days of its receipt by him, the complainant may submit his
complaint in writing to—
(a) the formation commander, where the complainant’s station, unit, or other
element is commanded by a formation; or
(b) the officer commanding the command, where the complainant’s station,
unit or other element is commanded by a command.
(4) If the complainant who makes a complaint under (3) (a) of this article does not
receive from the formation commander the redress to which he considers himself entitled,
he may submit his complaint in writing to the officer commanding a command
(5) If the complainant does not receive from the officer commanding a command the
redress to which he considers himself entitled, he may submit his complaint in writing to
he Chief of Defence Staff.
(6) If the complainant does not receive from the Chief of the Defence Staff redress to
which he considers himself entitled, he may submit his complaint in writing to the Armed
Forces Council.
(7) If the complainant is a commanding officer, a formation commander or an officer

commanding a command, his complaint shall first be made in writing and addressed to
his immediate superior. In other respects the procedure for making complaints shall be
the same as for other officers.
(8) Every complaint shall be submitted through the usual channels except that if a
commanding officer, a formation commander, or an officer commanding a command
does not forward a complaint to higher authority to higher authority when requested to do
so, then that complaint may be forwarded direct.
(9) Every person to whom a complaint is made under this article shall cause such
complaint to be inquired into, and shall, if he is satisfied of the justice of the complaint,
take such steps as are within his power to afford full redress, to the complainant or if he
has not power to afford full redress submit the complaint to higher authority.
81
A.F.R Art. 19.36
19.26—REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE—contd.
(10) No officer or man shall be penalized for making a complaint in accordance with
this Article and with Article 19.27.
19.27—RULES FOR STATING GRIEVANCES
(1) A statement of grievance presented under Article 19.26—

(a) shall
(i) be made as early as practicable while it is still possible to ascertain
the facts of the case, and
(ii) be confined to a statement of the facts complained of and to the
alleged consequences to the complainant; and
(b) shall not

(i) be made jointly by two or more complainants, or
(ii) be made anonymously, or
(iii) contain a statement known to the complainant to be untrue, or
(iv) include language or comments which are insubordinate or
subversive of discipline, except so far as may be necessary for an
adequate statement of the complaint.
(2) If a complainant requests assistance in the presentation of his grievance, the

commanding officer shall detail an officer to assist him, who shall, if practicable, be an
officer designated by the complainant.
Section 3—Dealings with Public, Civil Employment, and Political Activities
19.36—DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR OPINION
(1) For the purposes of this article, “military” shall be construed as relating not only
to all or any of the services of the Armed Forces but also to the Armed Forces of any
country.
(2) Subject to Article 19.38, no officer or man shall, without permission obtained
under Article 19.37—
(a) publish in any form whatever or communicate either directly or indirectly or

otherwise disclose official information, or an unpublished or classified
official document or the contents thereof to an unauthorized person;
(b) use that information or document for a private purpose;
(c) published in any form whatever any military information, or his views on
any military subject to unauthorized person;
82
Art,19.36 A.F.R
19.36—DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR OPINION—contd.
(d) deliver publicly, or record for public delivery either directly or through the
medium of radio or television, a lecture, discourse or answers to questions
relating to a military subject;
(e) prepare a paper or write a script on any military subject for delivery or
transmission to the public;
(f) publish his opinions on any military question that is under consideration
by superior authorities;
(g) take part in public in a discussion relating to orders, regulations or

instructions issued by his superiors;
(h) disclose to an unauthorized person, without the authority of the

department, agency or other body concerned, any information acquired in
an official capacity while seconded, attached or loaned to that department,
agency or other body;
(i) furnish to any person, not otherwise authorized to receive them, official
reports, correspondence or other documents, or copies thereof; or
(j) publish in writing or deliver any lecture, address, or broadcast in any way
dealing with a subject of a controversial nature affecting other
departments of the public service or pertaining to public policy.
(3) This article does not apply to a writing, lecture, address or broadcast confined
exclusively to members of the Armed Forces.
19.37—PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE INFORMATION
(1) Permission under Article 19.36 may be granted by the Chief of Defence Staff or
such other authority as he may designate.
(2) Permission given under (1) of this article does not convey or imply endorsement
of the contents of the publication and no statement to imply official approval or
endorsement shall be included in any part of the publication nor may the permission be
referred to in any way.
19.38—COMMUNICATIONS TO NEWS AGENCIES
Any communication concerning or affecting the Armed Forces or any part thereof that it
may be considered desirable to make to the press or any other agencies concerned with
dissemination of news or opinions shall be made by the Chief of Defence Staff or a
person designated by the Chief of Defence Staff.
83
AFR Art.19.43
19.39—COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHER SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENTS
No officer or man shall enter into direct communication with any other service or with
any government department on subjects connected with his service or with his particular
duties or future employment, unless he is authorized to do so.
19.40—DEALINGS WITH CONTRACTORS
(1) No officer or man shall have any private dealings with contractors, their agents or
employees, whether on an honorary basis or otherwise, which may lay him open to
suspicion of being influenced in the discharge of his duty other than by purely public
considerations.
(2) No officer or man shall—

(a) give a private testimonial to a contractor regarding wares or services
supplied to the Armed Forces; or
(b) include in his correspondence with a contractor anything that might be
used as a testimonial.
(3) No officer or man shall derive, by virtue of his status as a member of the Armed
Forces, pecuniary benefit or personal advantage from any contract made on behalf or for
the benefit of the Armed Forces.
19.41—ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
No officer or man shall, without the consent of the Chief of Defence Staff, accept a gift,
reward, or favour from any foreign sovereign, state, or functionary.
19.42—ADMISSION AND ACCEPTANCE OF LIABILITY
(1) No officer or man shall, without the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff—
(a) admit liability to any person who is not a member of the Armed Forces; or
(b) accept liability on behalf of the State for any loss or damage arising out of
or occasioned by the performance or military duties by himself or by
another.
(2) No officer or man shall, without the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff,
accept on behalf of the State any liability for the defence of civil or criminal proceedings
brought against any other officer or man by a member of the public.
19.43—CIVIL EMPLOYMENT
(1) Subject to (3) of this article, no officer or man on full-time service shall engage in
any civil employment or undertaking which in the opinion of his commanding officer—
(a) is or is likely to be detrimental to the interest of the Armed Forces; or
84
Art,19.43 A.F.R
19.43—CIVIL EMPLOYMENT—contd.
(b) reflects or is likely to reflect discredit upon the Armed Forces; or
(c) in the case of officers and men of the Regular Armed Forces is continuous.
(2) No officer or man on full-time service shall authorize the use of his name or
photograph in connection with any commercial product, except so far as his name may be
part of a firm name.
(3) Except that he shall not engage in any civil employment or undertaking which
reflects or is likely to reflect discredit upon the Armed Forces the provisions of this
article shall not apply to an officer or man who is—
(a) on leave immediately preceding release; or
(b) on leave without pay.
19.44—DIRECTORSHIPS AND INTEREST IN COMPANIES
(1) Subject to (2) of this article, no officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces or of
the Reserves on active service, shall serve as director of any company, unless—
(a) the company is a private one;
(b) stock of the company is neither sold nor quoted on the open market; and
(c) approval from the Chief of Defence Staff is obtained.
(2) When any part of the Armed Forces is on active service an officer or man of the
Reserves may retain any directorships he held prior to being placed on active service.
19.45—POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND CANDIDATURE FOR OFFICE
(1) No commanding officer shall—

(a) allow a political meeting to be held or a political speech to be delivered at
his station, unit or ship; or
(b) allow a candidate in an election or a political agent or canvasser to visit his
station, unit or ship for the purpose of carrying on political activities unless
authorised by or under service instructions or orders.
(2) No officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces shall—
(a) take any active part in the affairs of any political organization or party; or
(b) issue an address to electors, or announce himself or allow himself to be
announced as a candidate, or prospective candidate, for election to the
Parliament or to local council.
(3) No officer or man shall institute or take part in any party or political meeting at
any station, unit ship or property occupied by the Armed Forces.
85
A.F.R. Art.19.56
Section 4—Legal Proceedings by Civil Power
19.52—OPERATION OF CIVIL LAW
(1) Officers and men remain subject to the civil law.
(2) The civil police have power to arrest an officer or man whether or not he is in a
station, unit, ship or property occupied by the Armed Forces.
(3) A commanding officer shall afford every facility to the civil power in detecting
and apprehending officers and men serving in his station, unit or ship whose arrest is
required on any criminal charge; but he shall require any police officer claiming to act on
behalf of he civil power to produce satisfactory evidence of his authority so to act.
19.53—SEARCH OF SHIPS OR AIRCRAFT BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS
(1) Subject to (2) of this article, the Captain of a ship or aircraft shall permit Ghana
customs officers to search his ship or aircraft.
(2) The Captain shall, when in his opinion the interests of security so require refuse
access to parts of the ship or aircraft containing classified material. When access is
refused to a customs officer in these circumstances, the Captain or an officer designated
by him for that purpose shall, if the customs officer so requests, carry out a search in
those parts of he ship or aircraft to which access has been refused, and make the
appropriate report to the customs officer.
19.55—OFFENDERS RELEASED ON BAIL
(1) When a man has been arrested by a civil power whether in or outside Ghana and
afterwards released on bail pending trial and the unit or other elements to which he
belongs leaves the area before the case is disposed of, the commanding officer shall if
practical, arrange to have him assigned to another unit or other element remain in the
area.
(2) If that cannot be arranged and no service accommodation is available the

commanding officer shall cause the civil power concerned to be notified as soon as
practical of the impending departure.
19.56—ATTENDANCE AS WITNESS IN CIVIL COURTS

(1) An officer or man who has been subpoenaed to appear as a witness in a civil court
shall appear on the date specified in the subpoena.
(2) An officer or man who intends to appear voluntarily as a witness in a civil court
shall request permission from his commanding officer to do so.
86
Art.19.56 A.F.R.
19.56— ATTENDANCE AS WITNESS IN CIVIL COURTS—contd.
(3) When an officer or man who has been subpoenaed or who intends to appear
voluntarily as a witness in civil court considers that—
(a) the evidence which he may give or the documents he may be called upon,
to produce will entail the revelation of material classified as restricted or
higher; or
(b) the public interest would be otherwise affected he shall so inform his
commanding officer.
(4) When a commanding officer receives information in accordance with (3) of this
article he shall—
(a) if the officer or man intends to appear voluntarily refuse permission to

appear; and
(b) if the officer or man has been subpoenaed,
(i) immediately communicate by message direct to superior
headquarters, requesting instructions, and
(ii) direct the attention of the officer or man concerned to the
provisions of (6) of this article.
(5) If on receipt at superior headquarters of a message described in (4) (b) of this

article it is considered the evidence or documents should not be given or produced, the
matter shall be referred to the Chief of Defence Staff so that he may apply to the
Attorney-General for his advice as of a claim to privilege.
(6) When instructions have been requested from superior headquarters as prescribed
in (4) of this article but have not been received by the time the officer or man appears as a
witness, the officer or man shall inform the court of these facts and shall request that his
evidence or the production of documents be deferred until he has received instructions.
19.57—REPORT OF ARREST BY CIVIL POWER
When an officer or man has been arrested by the civil power he shall cause his arrest to
be reported to his commanding officer.
19.58—OFFICER IN ATTENDANCE AT TRIAL BY CIVIL POWER
(1) If a commanding officer receives information that an officer or man under his
command is charged with an offence before a civil court he shall detail an officer from
the unit to attend and watch the proceedings unless:
(a) the offence charged is a minor one under the road traffic laws or local
ordinance; or
(b) the distance from the unit to the place of trial is so great as to make the
detailing of an officer unpractical.
87
A.F.R Art.19.60
19.58—OFFICER IN ATTENDANCE AT TRIAL BY CIVIL POWER—contd.
(2) If it is unpractical to detail an officer to attend and watch the proceedings because
of the distance from the unit to the place of trial, the commanding officer shall, if the
offence is not one coming within (1) (a) of this article, submit a report to the officer
commanding the command. The officer commanding the command shall decide whether
it is advisable for an officer to be present at the trial and, if so, whether an officer shall be
detailed from the unit of the accused or from some other unit nearer the place of trial. In
the latter case the commanding officer to the accused shall communicate direct with the
unit from which the officer is to proceed and shall forward all necessary information and
documents for the use of the attending officer.
19.59—PAYMENT OF FINES AND COSTS
(1) The commanding officer may authorize the payment from public funds, with the
consent of the accused, of any fine and costs imposed which the accused could not
otherwise pay.
(2) Before authorizing payment in accordance with (1) of this article, the
commanding officer shall consider in connection with the accused:
(a) the state of his pay account;

(b) his general character;
(c) whether his services are urgently required; and
(d) whether, if he is convicted, an application is likely to be made for his
release from the Armed Forces.
(3) When a payment is made on behalf of the accused under (1) of this article, the
commanding officer shall ensure that the total amount of the payment is recovered from
the accused.
19.60—DUTIES OF ATTENDING OFFICER PRIOR TO TRIAL
(1) Prior to the trial of an officer or man before a civil court the attending officer
shall:—
(a) obtain a statement of the accused’s
(i) record of service,
(ii) pay account, and
(iii) service conduct generally; and
(b) ascertain whether the commanding officer authorizes him in accordance

with Article 19.59 to pay any fine imposed.
(2) Prior to the trial of an officer or man before a civil court the attending officer shall
inform the accused that his duties do not include acting in any way as the accused’s
lawyer.
88
Art.19.61 A.F.R.
19.61—DUTIES OF ATTENDING OFFICER DURING TRIAL
(1) An attending officer shall, if requested by the court, give the court:
(a) all information in his possession as to the service conduct generally of the
accused; and
(b) full particulars of any previous conviction of the accused of an offence
under sections 39, 51 (where the offence involves wilful destruction or
damage to property), 52 and 77 of the Armed Forces Act, 1962
(2) No attending officer shall:
(a) give particulars of any previous convictions of the accused other than
those specified in (1) (b) of this article; or
(b) produce the conduct sheets of the accused; or
(c) act in any way as the accused’s lawyer.
19.62—CERTIFICATE OF CONVICTION
If an officer or man is convicted or bound over or otherwise dealt with by a civil court his
commanding officer shall obtain a certificate of conviction or a certified copy of the
order of the court.
19.63—ACTION FOLLOWING CONVICTION BY CIVIL POWER
(1) When a commanding officer receives information that an officer or man has been
convicted by a civil court he shall, unless the offence was a minor one under the road
traffic laws, forward to the officer commanding the command or area commander:
(a) a certificate of conviction;

(b) the conduct sheet of the offender;
(c) his recommendation as to whether the offender should be retained in the
Armed Forces; and
(d) if the offender is a man, his recommendations, as to whether he should
be reverted for misconduct.
(2) When a report under (1) of this article is in respect of:
(a) an officer;
(b) a man sentenced to imprisonment; or
(c) a man recommended to be reverted for misconduct;
the officer commanding the command or area commander shall forward it to superior
headquarters with information as to the action taken, or his recommendations.
89
A.F.R Art.19.72
Section 5—Deserters and Absentees
19.64—DEFINITION OF DESERTER AND ABSENTEES
(1) For the purpose of AFR, a deserter is a person convicted of the offence of
desertion by a service tribunal.
(2) For the purpose of this section, an absentee is a person who:
(a) without authority leaves his unit, station, ship, or fleet establishment or the
place where his duty requires him to be;
(b) without authority is absent from his unit, station, ship or fleet
establishment or the place where his duty requires him to be; or
(c) having been authorised to be absent from his unit, station, ship or fleet
establishment or the place, where his duty requires him to be, fails to
return to that unit, ship or fleet establishment or place at the expiration of
the period for which his absence was authorised.
19.65—ACTION TO BE TAKEN WHEN A PERSON BECOMES AN ABSENTEE
(1) On the second day of unauthorized absence the commanding officer shall notify,
by signal, details of the absentee to:
(a) the Armed Forces Provost Unit;
(b) the Armed Forces Record Office; and
(c) the Armed Forces Pay Office.
(2) On the eight day of unauthorized absence the commanding officer shall again
notify, by signal, the addressees mentioned in (1) of this article, confirming that the
person continues to be absent.
(See Article 21.43 - “Investigation of Illegal Absence”)
19.66—APPREHENSION OF DESERTERS AND ABSENTEES
Everyone shall exert his utmost endeavours to prevent desertion and absence without
leave and by lawful means detect, apprehend and bring to trial every one who is
improperly absent.
19.72—DISPOSAL OF DESERTERS OR ABSENTEES FROM OTHER SHIPS,

OR OTHER SERVICES, FOUND IN A SHIP
(1) The Captain shall, when he discovers in a ship or fleet establishment a person
who is a deserter or absentee from another ship or fleet establishment sent him to his own
ship or fleet establishment if it is present and report the particulars of the case to the
Senior Officer in Command. When the offender’s ship is not in the vicinity, the Captain
shall inform the Captain of the ship or the fleet establishment to which the person
belongs.
90
Art.19.72 A.F.R.
19.72—DISPOSAL OF DESERTERS OR ABSENTEES FROM OTHER SHIPS,

OR OTHER SERVICES, FOUND IN A SHIP—contd.
(2) The Captain shall, when he discovers in the ship or fleet establishment a person
who is a deserter or absentee from the army or air force, send a full report of the case to
Naval Headquarters, together with a description of the person and every particular likely
to lead to his identification.
19.73—SEARCH OF FOREIGN SHIPS FOR ABSENTEES OR FUGITIVE

OFFENDERS FORBIDDEN
An officer or man shall not in any circumstances search or attempt to search any foreign
vessel for absentees or offender.
19.76—SUSPENSION FROM DUTY
(1) For the purpose of this article “suspend from duty” means to relieve an officer or
man from the performance of all military duty.
(2) An officer or man may be suspended from duty by:

(a) the Chief of Defence Staff; or
(b) a Service Commander in respect of an officer or man within his command.
(3) An authority mentioned in (2) of this article may suspend an officer or man from
duty unless in the interests of the Armed Forces it is desirable that the officer or man
remain on duty.
(4) Suspension may be ordered in conjunction with open or close custody.
(5) An officer or man shall cease to be suspended from duty at the discretion of the
authority who suspended him
Section 6—Guard Reports
19.81—GUARD REPORTS
(1) A report shall be made by the officer or man in charge of a guard room, detention
room, or detention barrack on each person:
(a) placed in his care under close custody or to undergo sentence; or
(b) confined in a hospital under escort supplied by a station or unit.
(2) The report prescribed in (1) of this article shall be made to the commanding
officer:
(a) on the day the person is admitted to custody;
91
A.F.R Art.19.99
19.81—GUARD REPORTS—contd.
(b) on the first day an escort is supplied for a man confined to hospital; and
(c) subsequently
(i) if the man is not undergoing sentence, daily, or
(ii) if the man is undergoing sentence, forty-eight hours prior to the

expected time of release from custody.
(3) Each report shall contain:
(a) the number, rank, name and unit of the person in custody;
(b) the date on which the person was first received into custody;
(c) the offence with which he has been charged or for which a sentence has
been imposed;
(d) the authority by whose order the person was confined; and
(e) the time yet to be served, if a punishment of detention has been imposed
92
CHAPTER 20
NOT ALLOCATED

CHAPTER 21
SUMMARY INVESTIGATIONS AND BOARDS OF INQUIRY
Section 1—Summary Investigations
21.01—GENERAL
(1) In this chapter “summary investigation” means an investigation, other than a

board of inquiry, ordered by the officer commanding a command, formation, station, unit
or other elements.
(2) When he requires to be informed on any matter connected with his formation,
station, unit or ship or affecting an officer or man under his command, and a board of
inquiry is not required by these regulations nor ordered by higher authority, the officer
commanding the command, the area commander or the commanding officer may conduct
a summary investigation into that matter in such manner as he sees fit.
(3) Subject to (4) of this article, the report of a summary investigation may be in
synopsis form and on completion, if required to be forwarded to higher authority, shall
include the recommendations of the officer who ordered the summary investigation.
(4) When a summary investigation concerns an occurrence the nature of which

requires or warrants specific findings, the report shall contain findings and
recommendations and all information that would normally be contained in the record of
proceedings of a board of inquiry.
(5) The ordering of a summary investigation does not preclude the subsequent
convening of a board of inquiry.
Section 2—Boards of Inquiry—General
21.07—CONVENING AUTHORITIES—BOARDS OF INQUIRY
(1) Section 10 of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 provides:

“10. The President or any person authorised in that behalf by him or any
prescribed person may, where he or such person thinks it expedient that
information on any matter connected with the government, discipline,
administration or functions of the Armed Forces or affecting any officer or
man of the said Forces is necessary, convene a Board of Inquiry for
investigating and reporting on such matter. That Board of Inquiry shall be
constituted, and its procedure shall be governed, in accordance with the
regulations made under this Act.”
(2) A board of inquiry may be convened by:—

(a) President;
(b) The Chief of Defence Staff;
94
Art.21.09 A.F.R.
21.07—CONVENING AUTHORITIES—BOARDS OF INQUIRY—contd.
(c) an officer commanding a command;

(d) an officer commanding a formation; and
(e) a commanding officer
21.08—COMPOSITION OF BOARDS OF INQUIRY
(1) A board of inquiry shall:
(a) be composed of three or more officers, as determined by the convening

authority. One or more warrant officers or chief petty officers may be
appointed as additional members.
(b) When a female officer or woman may be involved in the investigation a

female officer shall be included as a member of the Board.
(2) In determining the composition of a board of inquiry the convening authority

shall—
(a) appoint a commissioned officer not below the rank of an army captain or
equivalent as president;
(b) when practical, appoint as president an officer equal or superior in rank to
any officer whose reputation may be affected as a result of the investigation;
(c) not appoint as a member an officer senior in rank to the president;
(d) not appoint as a member an officer, warrant officer or chief petty officer
officially connected with or having a personal interest in the investigation or
likely to be called as a witness;
(e) not appoint a warrant officer or chief petty officer as a member when the
findings may result in disciplinary action being taken against an officer,
warrant officer or chief petty officer;
(f) appoint only medical officers to a medical board of inquiry; and
(g) if practical, when the investigation may involve technical or professional
knowledge or skill, include at least one number with the required
qualifications.
21.09—TERMS OF REFERENCE
The convening authority shall provide a board of inquiry with written terms of reference
containing full and specific instructions as to:
(a) the investigation to be undertaken;

(b) the information required;
(c) the matters on which findings or recommendations are required; and
(d) the security classification of the matter to be investigated (if applicable).
95
A.F.R Art.21.10
21.10—EVIDENCE
(1) A board of inquiry shall:

(a) receive and record all available evidence which is relevant.
(b) Attach as exhibits to the original record of proceedings all relevant
documents produced; and
(c) Attach a certified true copy of each exhibit to each copy of the proceedings;
(2) All evidence before a board of inquiry shall be taken on oath. Except that where
any child of tender years called as a witness does not in the opinion of the board
understand the nature of an oath, his evidence may be received though not given on oath,
if in the opinion of the board he is possessed of sufficient intelligence to justify the
reception of the evidence and understands the duty of speaking the truth.
(3) For the purposes of (2) of this article “oath” shall be deemed to include a solemn
affirmation.
(4) A witness testifying on oath before a board of inquiry shall:
(a) take the following oath:

“I (name) do hereby swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, or
(b) when he objects to taking the oath, make the following solemn
affirmation:
“I (name) solemnly, sincerely and faithfully affirm that the evidence to be
given by me shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”.
(5) When, in the opinion of the President of a board of inquiry the evidence at any
time during the sitting of the board appears likely to affect adversely the character or
professional reputation of any person subject to the Code of Service Discipline, or who is
in the service of the State, the President shall, in addition to receiving his evidence as a
witness, take such steps as are necessary to ensure that such witness has notice of the
proceedings and, if he so desires, has the opportunity of being present during the
remainder of the inquiry. To enable a board to reach an appropriate finding it is essential
that they should have the fullest information on the matter being investigated.
Any person in the categories mentioned above whose character or professional

reputation may be affected by the findings of the inquiry should therefore be encouraged
to exercise his right to be present and question witnesses, etc. The fact that he is not
present shall be recorded in the proceedings.
(6) Any such person as is referred to in (5) of this article may give further evidence,
question witnesses or produce any witness to give evidence on the matters which may
affect him.
96
Art.21.10 A.F.R.
21.10—EVIDENCE—contd.
(7) If an officer or man serving in Ghana(in the case of an inquiry held in Ghana) or
in the same area abroad (in the case of an inquiry held abroad), to whom (5)of this article
applies, has been unable for any valid reason to be present personally at or throughout the
inquiry, the board shall by letter (or otherwise as may be found convenient) inform him
of any statements appearing to require a report or explanation by him and are to receive
from him in writing (or otherwise) any statement in denial, exculpation, or explanation or
otherwise. Any such statements are to be recorded and annexed to the proceedings of the
board.
(8) If, after hearing the evidence, the board are of the opinion that blame apparently
attaches to any Armed Forces personnel serving in Ghana (in the case of an inquiry held
in Ghana) or in the same area abroad (in the case of an inquiry held abroad), the board are
to inform each person so affected accordingly and draw his attention to the particular
evidence on which such opinion is based and are then to ask him if he desires any further
evidence to be taken or has any further statement to make. Any such further statement or
evidence is to be taken down and any new points brought to light are to be fully
investigated. The board are them finally to consider all the facts and make their report as
may be required by the terms of reference.
(9) If the board finally attribute blame to any officer or man to whom (5) of this
article applies, the convening authority shall, provided the officer or man implicated is
serving in Ghana (in the case of an inquiry held in Ghana) or in the same area abroad (in
the case of an inquiry held abroad) forward a copy of the proceedings to the person
concerned and obtain from him a statement (which should be attached to the proceedings)
giving any reasons why he should not be found blameable.
(10) When an officer or man to whom (5) of this article applies is serving abroad (in
the case of an inquiry held in Ghana) or in Ghana, or in another area abroad (in the case
of an inquiry held abroad), the board shall endeavour to come to their finding without
receiving statements from him, making any necessary reservations in their report.
21.11—TIME AND PLACE OF ASSEMBLY
(1) Unless otherwise specified in the convening order, the president of a board of
inquiry shall fix the time and place for its assembly and shall cause notice of the sittings
to be given to all members of the board, witnesses, and other persons interested.
(2) A board of inquiry may be re-assembled as often as necessary to:

(a) examine additional witnesses;
(b) further examine any witnesses; or
(c) make any additional findings or recommendations.
97
A.F.R. Art.21.15
21.12—MEETING NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Unless the convening authority otherwise directs, a board of inquiry shall exclude from
its meeting all persons except:
(a) a witness while giving evidence;
(b) an officer or man whose presence is permitted under (5) of Article 21.10
or under Article 21.14;
(c) a person whose attendance is required by the president; and
(d) counsel while his client is giving evidence.
21.13—ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES NOT SUBJECT TO THE CODE OF

SERVICE DISCIPLINE
(1) The president of a board of inquiry may request a person not subject to the Code
of Service Discipline to:
(a) attend as a witness; or
(b) make a statement in writing;
but no such person may be compelled to attend as a witness or make a statement in

writing.
(2) A witness who attends in accordance with this article shall be entitled to fees and
expensed authorized in A.F.R.
21.14—WHEN ADVISER TO BOARD PERMITTED
The convening authority may appoint or arrange for the attendance of civilian or service
specialists to act as advisers to a board of inquiry
21.15—PREPARATION OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
(1) The proceeding of a board of inquiry should provide a logical account, normally
in chronological order, of the matter investigated, intelligible to a person unacquainted
with the subject matter or with local conditions which may be common knowledge to the
convening authority or the board. For this purpose it may be advisable to attach to the
proceedings means of identifying places or things.
(2) All relevant documents, maps, plans, sketches, copies of any standing or other
orders shown to have been material and correspondence relating to the investigation and
police or other reports which have been produced to a board shall be attached to the
original record of proceedings as exhibits copies being made for each copy of the record
of proceedings. Where original documents are produced to a board, a copy certified by
the president as a true copy of the original may be made and attached to the record of
proceedings as exhibits instead of the originals. Exhibits which cannot conveniently be
attached to or accompany the record of proceedings shall be kept in safe custody at the
unit.
98
Art.21.16 A.F.R.
21.16—PROCEDURE ON COMPLETION OF A BOARD OF INQUIRY
(1) The record of proceedings of a board of inquiry shall be:
(a) signed by the president and each member; and
(b) unless otherwise directed by the convening authority, submitted by the

president
(i) direct to the convening authority, or
(ii) to the commanding officer if convened under Article 21.56

(Investigation of Aircraft Accidents).
(2) When the members are unable to agree on a matter within their terms of
reference, a dissenting member shall state his opinion in writing for transmission with the
record of proceedings.
(3) Units immediately concerned with the incidents forming the subject of the inquiry
are to treat the record of proceedings as confidential or, if appropriate, secret documents,
and shall therefore forward them to higher authority under confidential or secret cover.
(4) The convening authority and any other authority through whom the record of
proceedings are transmitted shall record on the record of proceedings his concurrence in
or opinion of the report, findings or recommendations.
21.17—DISCLOSURE OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
(1) The record of proceedings of boards of inquiry are generally privileged, that is,
they belong to a class of documents which are not made available for disclosure to the
public even in legal proceedings, and must not be disclosed except to officers and men
whose duty it is to consider them.
(2) The record of proceedings or any extracts from them shall not be disclosed to
members of the public, local authorities, the civil police or government civil departments.
Applications for access to such proceedings from such persons or authorities shall be
forwarded to the Chief of Defence Staff for instructions.
21.18—ADMISSIBILITY OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Except in relation to a charge of giving false evidence before a board of inquiry, the
record of proceedings of a board of inquiry shall not be admitted as evidence or used at a
service tribunal. (For inadmissibility in proceedings before a civil court see Article 19.56
—“Attendance as Witness in Civil Courts”.)
99
A.F.R Art.21.41
Section 3—Special Provisions Concerning Summary Investigations and

Boards of Inquiry
21.19—INVESTIGATION OF SEVERAL MATTERS

When several matters, for each of which a summary investigation or board of inquiry
would normally be assemble, arise out of the same occurrence the appropriate authority
may:
(a) order one summary investigation or convene one board of inquiry to
investigate all those matters; or
(b) if he considers that they cannot be suitably dealt with by one summary
investigations or board of inquiry, order separate summary investigations
or boards of inquiry.
21.20—WHEN CLAIM BY OR AGAINST THE STATE APPEARS LIKELY

(1) If it appears at a summary investigation or board of inquiry into any occurrence
that a claim by or against the State may arise, the authority who ordered the summary
investigation or convened the board of inquiry shall be informed immediately.
(2) When the appropriate authority receives information under (1) of this article he
shall order an investigation as prescribed in section 4 (claims by and against the state).
Section 4—Claims by and against the State
21.21—INVESTIGATION OF CLAIMS BY OR AGAINST THE STATE

A board of inquiry convening an occurrence which involves or may involve a claim by or
against the State shall:
(a) proceed as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff; and
(b) comply with this chapter except so far as it may be inconsistent with (a) of
this paragraph.
Section 5—Missing or Absent Officers and Men
21.41—GENERAL
(1) When an officer or man is missing and in the opinion of his commanding officer
his absence is neither voluntary (see Article 21.43), nor due to enemy action (see Article
21.44), the commanding officer shall investigate and submit a full report to the officer
commanding the command or the area commander.
(2) Upon receipt of a report made under (1) of this article the officer commanding the
command or the area commander may:
(a) order a summary investigation; or

(b) convene or order the convening of a board of inquiry.
100
Art.21.41 A.F.R.
21.41—GENERAL—contd.
(3) A summary investigation or board of inquiry held on a missing officer or man

shall make findings as to:
(a) the circumstances in which the officer or man is missing; and

(b) whether it is considered that the officer or man is dead, and, if so, the
probable date of death.
21.43—INVESTIGATION OF ILLEGAL ABSENCE
(1) The commanding officer shall investigate the illegal absence of an officer or man
as soon as practicable after the expiration of twenty-one full days from the date of
commencement of the absence. (See Article 1.09 “Calculation of Time”.)
(2) The investigation shall determine:
(a) the date and hour of the commencement of the illegal absence;
(b) whether the officer or man has returned between that date and the date
on which investigation is held;
(c) whether the officer or man is still absent; and
(d) the items of personal equipment which the officer or man left at the
unit, or ship and which have been impounded.
(3) When it is determined that the officer or man absented himself without authority,
and is still so absent after twenty-one full days, the commanding officer shall make an
appropriate entry in unit orders showing the findings determined under (2) (a), (b) and (c)
of this article.
21.44—INVESTIGATION ON AN OFFICER OR MAN MISSING DUE TO

ENEMY ACTION
The commanding officer shall order a summary investigation when an officer or man is
missing due to enemy action, and report the results of the investigation in the manner
prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
Section 6—Personal Injuries and Death
21.46—INVESTIGATION OF INJURY AND DEATH
(1) This article shall apply to an officer or man of:

(a) the Regular Armed Forces; and
(b) the Reserves when he is on duty.
101
A.F.R. Art.21.50
21.46—INVESTIGATION OF INJURY AND DEATH—contd.
(2) The commanding officer shall order a summary investigation or convene a board
of inquiry when an officer or man dies otherwise than as a result of wounds received in
action.
(3) The commanding officer shall order a summary investigation or convene a board
of inquiry when an officer or man suffers an injury which:
(a) a medical officer certifies to be

(i) serious, or
(ii) likely to cause a permanent disability; or
(b) is suspected to be the result of his own wilful act.
(4) A report of a summary investigation ordered under (2) or (3) of this article shall
be submitted to higher authority in the same manner as the record of proceedings of a
board of inquiry.
21.47—FINDINGS ON INJURY OR DEATH
The report of a summary investigation or the record of proceedings of a board of inquiry

submitted in accordance with Article 21.46 shall contain findings as to:
(a) the cause of the injury or death;
(b) whether the deceased or injured officer or man was on duty at the time of
the injury or death;
(c) whether the deceased or injured officer or man or any other person was to
blame for the injury or death; and
(d) whether the injury or death was attributable to military service as such.
21.48—CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION ARISING FROM INJURY OR DEATH
When a summary investigation or board of inquiry finds that an officer or man was killed
or injured through the fault of some other person, it shall record whether the officer or
man, or his personal representative, has;
(a) received; or
(b) been offered; or
(c) claimed, or intends to claim;
compensation from the person at fault.
102
Art.21.57 A.F.R.
Section 7—Accidents Involving Service Vehicles
21.51—CONVENING OF BOARDS OF INQUIRY ON ACCIDENT INVOLVING

MOBILE EQUIPMENT
Subject to Article 21.71 (Loss of or Damage to Public Property) when mobile equipment
is involved in an accident the commanding officer may order a summary investigation or
convene a board of inquiry. (See Article 21.08—“Composition of Boards of Inquiry”.)
Section 8—Aircraft Accidents
21.55—DEFINITION OF “AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT”
“Aircraft accident” means an event involving an aircraft that is not caused by enemy
action and that occurs:
(a) between the time the engine is started with an intent for flight and the time
the aircraft comes to rest with the engine stopped for normal deplaning,
and that results in damage to any portion of the airframe (air accident); or
(b) at any time when there is no intent for flight and that results in damage to
any portion of the aircraft, or death or injuries to personnel, or damage, to
or loss of property (ground accident).
21.56—INVESTIGATION OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS
(1) When an aircraft accident occurs the commanding officer shall report it in
accordance with orders issued by the Air Force Commander.
(2) The Air Force Commander shall convene a board of inquiry to investigate an
aircraft accident when:
(a) a person is killed or seriously injured; or
(b) there is evidence of neglect or default involving the loss of or damage to
an aircraft.
(3) The commanding officer shall convene a board of inquiry to investigate an
aircraft accident when the cause of the accident is obscure.
21.57—FINDINGS REQUIRED BY A BOARD OF INQUIRY ON AN AIRCRAFT

ACCIDENT
A board of inquiry convened to investigate an aircraft accident shall make findings:
(a) as to the cause of the accident;

(b) as to whether all flying and aircraft maintenance orders were complied
with; and
(c) if an officer or man was killed or injured in the accident; in accordance
with Article 21.47 (Findings on Injury or Death).
103
A.F.R. Art.21.70
Section 9—Fire, Explosion or Similar Occurrence
21.61—INVESTIGATION OF A FIRE
(1) When a fire, explosion or similar occurrence damages or destroys public/non-

public property, the commanding officer shall report it immediately to the officer
commanding the command or the area commander (see Article 30.05—“Reporting a
Fire”).
(2) When a report under (1) of this article is received, the officer commanding the
command or the area commander may:
21.62—PROCEEDINGS OF INVESTIGATION OF A FIRE

The report of a summary investigation or the record of proceedings of a board of inquiry
inquiring into a fire shall include:
(a) copies of fire orders and any special fire instructions in effect at the time
of the fire;
(b) a list of the property destroyed or damaged showing;
(i) the original cost,
(ii) the estimated depreciation, and
(iii) the estimated cost of repairs and replacements;
(c) a sketch or plan and, when practical, photographs of any building involved
in the fire, and the immediate locality; and
(d) any other relevant documents produced.
21.63—FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON A FIRE
A summary investigation or board of inquiry inquiring into a fire shall:
(a) make findings as prescribed in orders issued by the Chief of Defence

Staff; and
(b) when appropriate, make recommendations for the
(i) improvement of existing fire precautions, and
(ii) prevention of future fires.
21.64—EXPLOSION OR SIMILAR OCCURRENCE
A summary investigation or board of inquiry into an explosion or similar occurrence shall

comply as far as practicable with Articles 21.62 and 21.63.
104
Art.21.74 A.F.R.
Section 10—Public or Non-Public Property
21.71—LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PUBLIC PROPERTY
(1) This article shall not apply when an investigation involves:

(a) an aircraft accident; or
(b) a fire, explosion or similar occurrence; or
(c) a claim by or against the State.
(2) When public property is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed otherwise than by
enemy action or by efforts to avoid enemy action, the commanding officer shall report it
immediately to the officer commanding the command or the area commander unless it is
within his powers to write-off the loss (see Articles 29.07—“Powers of Write-off—
Works and Buildings’ and 36.20—“Powers of Write-off—Material”); or
(3) When a report submitted under (2) of this Article is received, the officer
commanding the command or the area commander may:
21.72—LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
(1) Subject to Section 9 (Fire, Explosion or Similar Occurrence) when a loss of or

damage to non-public property is discovered the commanding officer shall, make a
complete report to the officer commanding the command or the area commander.
(2) When a report made under (1) of this article is received, the officer commanding
the command or the area commander may:
(b) convene or order the convening of a board of inquiry
21.73—INVESTIGATION INTO LOSS OR DAMAGE DUE TO A CRIMINAL

OFFENCE
(1) In addition to action taken under Article 21.71 or 21.72, when loss of or damage
to public or non-public property is suspected to be the result of a criminal offence, action
shall be taken in accordance with orders issued by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(2) When a civilian who is not subject to the Code of Service Discipline is suspected
of implication in theft or other offence involving loss of or damage to public or non-
public property, the commanding officer shall:
(a) immediately inform the civil police authorities; and
(b) leave to the police or other civil authorities any questioning of the
suspected civilian.
105
Art.21.75 A.F.R.
21.75—CONVENING OF A BOARD OF INQUIRY ON MISSING CLASSIFIED

MATERIAL
When any material classified higher than Restricted is missing, the commanding officer
shall immediately inform the officer commanding the command or the area commander
and order an investigation in accordance with instructions issued by the Chief of Defence
Staff.
Section 11—Joint Boards of Inquiry
21.76—PROCEDURE FOR A JOINT BOARD OF INQUIRY
Except as provided in Articles 21.77 and 21.78, the provisions of this chapter which
apply to a board of inquiry shall apply to a joint board of inquiry.
21.77—CONVENING OF A JOINT BOARD OF INQUIRY
A joint board of inquiry may be convened to investigate an incident involving personnel

or property of more than one service and shall—
(a) be convened by the appropriate convening authority of the Services

involved, by agreement between the Services concerned; and
(b) be composed of any combination of officers from the Services
concerned.
21.78—PROCEDURE ON COMPLETION OF A JOINT BOARD OF INQUIRY
(1) The requisite number of copies of the record of proceedings of a joint board of
inquiry shall be completed for each Service involved and transmitted to the convening
authority.
(2) The convening authority shall—
(a) obtain and append to the record of proceedings the comments of the
commanding officer of each of the other service formations or units
involved regarding the findings and recommendations of the joint board of
inquiry; and
(b) then append to the record of proceedings his concurrence in or opinion of
the findings and recommendations and forward the required number of
copies of the record of proceedings of the joint board of inquiry to his
superior headquarters through normal channels.
(3) The superior headquarters shall as appropriate either—
(a) approve the board of inquiry and forward the required number of copies to
the headquarters of each service concerned; or
(b) forward the required number of copies to its headquarters for approval.
106
Art.21.99 A.F.R.
21.78—PROCEDURE ON COMPLETION OF A JOINT BOARD OF INQUIRY—

contd
(4) When the Service headquarters has completed the necessary action, an
information copy shall be forwarded to the headquarters of each other Service concerned.

107
CHAPTER 22
PROVOST SERVICES
22.01—APPOINTMENT OF PROVOST OFFICERS

(1) The Chief of Defence Staff may appoint—
(a) an officer as Provost Marshal of the Armed Forces; and

(b) an officer as Deputy Provost Marshal; and
(c) additional officers to be employed on Service police duties.
(2) The method of appointment under (1) of this article shall be by transferring or
posting the officer concerned to an appropriate established position.
22.02—POWERS OF SPECIALLY APPOINTED PERSONNEL
(1) Under section 59 of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 “such officers and men as are
appointed under regulations for the purposes of this section may:
(a) detain or arrest without a warrant any person who is subject to the Code of
Service Discipline, regardless of the rank or status of that person, who has
committed, is found committing, is suspected of being about to commit, or
is suspected of or charged under this Act with having committed a service
offence; and
(b) exercise such other powers for carrying out the Code of Service Discipline
as may be prescribed”.
(2) Every officer appointed under Article 22.01 and every man employed on Armed
Forces provost duties, may be referred to as a provost officer or provost man and is
appointed for the purposes of section 59 of the Armed Forces Act, 1962.
(3) An officer or man specified in (2) of this article may, subject to (4) and (5) of this
article, search the personal equipment and belongings or the person of any person who is
subject to the Code of Service Discipline when that person has committed, is found
committing, is suspected of being about to commit, or suspected of or charged with
having committed, a service offence.
(4) A search under (3) of this article shall, when practical, be conducted under the
direction and in the presence of an officer.
(5) No female person shall be searched except by a female.
22.03—RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVOST OFFICERS

The responsibilities of officers appointed under Article 22.01 shall be as prescribed by
the Chief of Defence Staff.
22.04 TO 22.99—INCLUSIVE: NOT ALLOCATED.
108
CHAPTER 24
CASUALTIES AND FUNERALS
Section 1—Casualties
24.01—REPORTING OF CASUALTIES
The reporting of casualties shall be as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
24.02—PRESS RELEASE REGARDING CASUALTIES

The commanding officer of a station unit or ship at which a serious accident occurs or to
which a serious accident is reported may issue a brief conservative statement to the press,
but shall ensure that:
(a) the accident is not exaggerated in any way; and
(b) where practicable the names of persons involved are withheld until
every practical effort has been made to notify the next of kin.
Section 2—Funerals
24.15—ENTITLEMENT TO MILITARY FUNERALS

If the next of kin so desires, a military funeral:
(a) shall, when practical, be accorded to—
(i) a deceased officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces,
(ii) an officer or man of the Reserves who dies while performing
continuous duty; and
(b) may, with the prior approval of the officer commanding a command or
formation be accorded to;
(i) a deceased officer or man of the Reserves who does not come
within the provision of (a) of this article, and
(ii) a deceased former officer or man.
24.16—PARTICIPATION IN MILITARY FUNERALS

If the exigencies of the service permit, the officer commanding a command or formation
may authorise participation in:
(a) a military funeral accorded by another Service of the Armed Forces to a
member or former member of that Service; and
(b) with the prior approval of the Chief of Defence Staff, a military funeral
other than that prescribed in (a) of this article.
24.17—PLACE OF BURIAL
(1) When an officer or man dies in Ghana, burial shall be:
(a) in any place in Ghana designated by the next of kin,
(b) in a place designated by the Chief of Defence Staff,
(i) if direction cannot be obtained from the next of kin, or
(ii) when the circumstances surrounding the death prohibit the removal
of the remains of the deceased.
109
Art.24.17 A.F.R.
24.17—PLACE OF BURIAL—contd.
(2) When an officer or man dies outside Ghana burial shall be in a place designated
by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(3) The remains of an officer or man buried in a place designated under (2) of this
article shall not be brought to Ghana at public expense at the request of relatives.
24.18—TRANSPORTATION OF DECEASED
When an officer or man is to be buried at a place other than that where his death
occurred, an officer or man, when practical of a rank not lower than that of the deceased,
shall accompany the remains to the place of burial.
24.19—DEATH OF DEPENDANTS ABROAD
(1) Subject to (2) of this article, when a dependant who accompanies an officer or
man serving abroad dies, the remains may be buried in a burial plot in a military
cemetery abroad in which deceased officers or men are buried.
(2) The transportation, funeral and burial of the remains of a dependant mentioned in
(1) of this article shall not involve expense to the public.
24.20—POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION
(1) This article applies in respect of the death of-
(a) an officer or man of the Regular Armed Forces in Ghana or outside

Ghana;
(b) an officer or man of the Reserves during any period of continuous duty in
Ghana or outside Ghana;
(c) a dependant of an officer or man mentioned in (a) and (b) of this
paragraph, who accompanies the officer or man serving outside Ghana;
(d) a person who is neither an officer nor a man but who is subject to the
Code of Service Discipline in Ghana or outside Ghana; and
(e) a person who is neither an officer nor man but whose death occurred—
(i) while he was under the care of a service medical officer, or
(ii) while he was receiving treatment at a service medical facility or
unit.
(2) Subject to (3) and (5) of this article, a post-mortem examination for the purpose of
investigation into the cause of a death, may be ordered by:
(a) The President;

(b) The Chief of Defence Staff or a Service Commander;
110
A.F.R Art. 24.99
24.20—POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION—contd.
(c) any other officer that the Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe or appoint
for that purpose.
(3) A post-mortem examination ordered under (2) of this article shall be conducted
by a civilian medical practitioner duly qualified to practice in the place where the
examination is to be held, or by a Service medical officer.
(4) An order directing a post-mortem examination shall include the name of the
civilian medical practitioner or the name and unit of the Service medical officer
responsible for the conduct of the post-mortem examination.
(5) No order shall be made under this article directing a post-mortem examination to
be held in a country outside Ghana where the laws of that country would preclude
compliance with such an order.
111
CHAPTER 25
SERVICE ESTATES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Section 1—Service Estates

25.01—GENERAL
The service estates of officers and men who die during their service in the Armed Forces
may be collected, administered and distributed in whole or in part in accordance with
AFR.
25.02—APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS
(1) The provisions of this chapter shall apply in respect of an officer or man of—
(a) the Regular Armed Forces;

(b) the Reserves when he is performing continuous duty.
(2) For the purpose of this chapter:
(a) “Service estate” has the same meaning as in section 98 of The Armed
Forces Act, 1962; and
(b) “net assets” means the assets of a Service estate remaining after payment
of any preferential charges prescribed in Article 25.04 – (Preferential
Charges against a Service estate).
25.03—DIRECTOR OF ESTATES
(1) The Chief of Defence Staff shall appoint an officer of the Armed Forces to be
Director of Estates.
(2) The Director of Estates shall, in the exercise of his powers, duties, and functions
under these Regulations, to the exclusion of all other authorities and persons have the
same rights and powers in respect of a service estate as if he had been appointed and
executor or administrator of that estate by a court of competent jurisdiction.
25.04—PREFERENTIAL CHARGES AGAINST A SERVICE ESTATE
(1) Preferential charges against a service estate shall be—

(a) sums due for quarters;
(b) unpaid non-public accounts;
(c) sums due for material; and
(d) a debit balance in the pay account.
(2) The Director of Estates shall pay the charges prescribed in (1) of this article in the
order shown and in preference to all other claims.
(3) The decision of the Chief of Defence Staff shall be final and binding when any
question arises in relation to the payment or disposition of any preferential charge.
112
A.F.R. Art. 25.08
25.05—ADMINISTRATION OF SERVICE ESTATES

(1) Subject to (2) of this Article, the Director of Estates shall administer service estate
and—
(a) When a probate is granted to an executor by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the Director of Estate shall cause to be delivered over to that
executor the net assets of the service estate in his possession.
(b) When an officer or man dies intestate, the Director of Estate shall cause
to be distributed the net assets of the service estate in accordance with the
wishes of the deceased officer or man in his Nomination Paper, or in
accordance with the applicable law of intestate succession, subject to
Article 25.06 and in either case without regard to any debts of or claims
against the estate except:-
(i) those preferential charges prescribed in Article 25.04 (Preferential
Charges against a service estate); and
(ii) any debts incurred in the country (other than Ghana) in which the
deceased officer or man died and owing to a person not a member
of the Armed Forces, when, under the law of the country or under
an international agreement effective under Ghanaian law disposal
of personal property situated in such country and forming part of
the service estate of such officer or man cannot be effected until
such debts are settled.
(2) The Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe the procedure to be adopted and issue
such directions as may be necessary for the administration of service estates and to give
effect to this Article.
25.06—DISTRIBUTION OF ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS

When an officer or man dies intestate the Director of Estates may, without regard to the
law of intestate succession of the domicile of the deceased officer or man, distribute any
order, decoration or medal to such person or persons as he thinks best qualified in the
circumstances to receive them, but normally in the following order of preference—
(a) surviving sons (preferably the eldest); or
(b) where he has no sons or the sons by their character have proved
themselves unworthy of such honour, to the eldest surviving brother of the
whole blood or the eldest paternal half brother or to the eldest son of such
brother of the whole blood or such paternal half brother.
25.07—RIGHT OF CLAIM AGAINST SERVICE ESTATES

No person shall have any claim as of right against a service estate.
25.08—COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

Compliance with these Regulations in respect of the administration of a service estate
shall discharge the Chief of Defence Staff, the Director of Estates or any other person
complying therewith, from all liability by reason of any assets in his hands having been
paid, transmitted or retransmitted or otherwise dealt with in accordance therewith.
113
Art 25.09 A.F.R
25.09—COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT TO DEAL WITH A SERVICE

ESTATE
(1) When an officer or man dies the commanding officer shall appoint a committee of
adjustment to deal with the estate.
(2) A committee of adjustment appointed under (1) of this article shall –
(a) be constituted and proceed as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff;
and
(b) collect, inventory, and safeguard the service estates; and
(c) forward a copy of its proceedings direct to the Director of Estates; and
(d) dispose of the service estate as directed by the Director of Estates.
Section 2—Disposal of Personal Belongings
25.16—COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT TO DEAL WITH PERSONAL

BELONGINGS
(1) For the purposes of this section “personal belongs” means—

(a) personal equipment that an officer or man is, under regulations, permitted
to retain on release; and
(b) personal belongings, including cash, found in camp, quarters or otherwise
in the care or custody of the Armed Forces.
(2) When an officer or man is missing or is released with unsound mind, the
commanding officer shall appoint a committee of adjustment to deal with the officer’s or
man’s personal belongings that are not in the care or custody of his next of kin.
25.17—PERSONAL BELONGINGS OF MISSING OFFICER OR MAN

A committee of adjustment appointed under Article 25.16 to deal with the personal
belongings of an officer or man who is missing shall—
(b) collect, inventory, and safeguard the personal belongings not in the care or
custody of the next of kin;
(c) forward a copy of its proceedings direct to the Director of Estates; and
(d) dispose of the personal belongings mentioned in (b) of this article as
directed by the Director of Estates.
25.18—PERSONAL BELONGINGS OF AN OFFICER OR MAN RELEASED

WITH UNSOUND MIND
A committee of adjustment appointed under article 25.16—(Committee of Adjustment to
deal with Personal Belongings) of an officer or man released with unsound mind shall—
(b) collect, inventory, and safeguard the personal belongings not in the care or
custody of the next of kin.
114
Art 25.19 A.F.R
25.19—AN OFFICER OR MAN COMMITTED TO IMPRISONMENT OR

DETENTION
(1) When an officer or man is sentence to imprisonment or detention, on the

expiration of which sentence he will not be returned to his unit, he shall be informed by
his commanding officer that the Armed Forces are not responsible for the custody of his
personal belongings.
(2) The commanding officer shall require the officer or man to make private
arrangements for the custody or disposal of his personal belongings which are not sent
with him to prison or detention barracks.
25.20—ABSENTEES AND DESERTERS

(1) The personal belongings of an officer or man who is absent without leave, that are
found in camp, quarters or otherwise in the care or custody of the Armed Forces shall be
disposed of in accordance with (2), (3) or (4) of this article.
(2) The commanding officer shall ensure that the personal belongings not in the care
or custody of the next of kin, which are left behind at a station, unit or ship by an officer
or man who is absent without leave are placed in safe custody and an inventory is taken.
(3) When an officer or man absent without leave surrenders himself or is
apprehended within one year from the date of commencement of his absence his personal
belongings shall be returned to him.
(4) When an officer or man absent without leave has not surrendered or been
apprehended within one year from the date of commencement of his absence, the
personal belongings held in safe custody by the Armed Forces shall be forwarded to his
next of kin. If the next of kin is not known, instructions shall be requested from superior
headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff may direct that the personal belongings be
sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of.
25.21—PERSONAL BELONGINGS UNCLAIMED

Personal belongings left unclaimed at any garrison, station, unit or ship in any vehicle or
aircraft shall be disposed of in accordance with orders issued by the Chief of Defence
Staff.
Section 3—Loss of or Damage to Private Property and Personal Belongings
25.31—INSURING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

The Armed Forces do not assume any responsibility for the loss of or damage to the
private property and personal belongings of an officer or man resulting from fire, theft or
other causes except as provided for in AFR Loss of life or damage attributable to the
ordinary risks of civil life are the responsibility of the officer or man concerned and all
officers and men are advised to insure their private property and personal belongings
against these hazards.

CHAPTER 26
PERSONAL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS
Section 1—General
26.01—SERVICE RECORDS
(1) Service records shall be prepared and maintained for every officer and man as
prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff, and a Chief of Staff in respect of his service
(2) The enrolment forms of an officer or man together with any personal documents
prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff or a Service Commander shall be included in the
Service records.
26.02—DOMESTIC EVENTS AFFECTING PENSION, ANNUITY OR PAY AND

ALLOWANCES
(1) When any domestic event occurs which may affect his pension, annuity or pay
and allowances, an officer or man shall submit to his commanding officer evidence of the
event in writing.
(2) When documentary evidence of the event is available, the original document or a
notarial or photostat copy shall be submitted to the commanding officer.
(3) The commanding officer shall:

(a) make appropriate entries in unit orders; and
(b) forward documentary evidence, when available, to the respective Service
Headquarters.
26.04—SERVICE NUMBERS
(1) An identifying service number shall be allotted to an officer or man:
(a) on enrolment; and
(b) on transfer to the Reserves.
(2) The service number of an officer or man allotted to him in;
(a) the Regular Armed Forces; or
(b) the Reserves;
shall be retained by him throughout his service in that component.
(3) The service number of an officer or man shall appear on all his service records.
26.05—IDENTIFICATION CARDS
An identification card in the form prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff shall be given
to an officer or man on enrolment.
116
A.F.R Art. 26.17
Section 2—Personal Assessments
26.08—PERSONAL REPORTS AND ASSESSMENTS

(1) Routine and special personal reports and assessments shall be prepared and
submitted at the times and in the manner prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff or a
Service Commander in respect of his own Service.
(2) An unfavourable report shall be read by the officer or man concerned who shall
sign it.
26.09—RECOMMENDATION FOR PROMOTION

A recommendation as to the suitability of an officer or man for promotion shall be made
at the times and in the manner prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff or a Service
Commander in respect of his own Service.
26.11—ASSESSMENT OF SERVICE CONDUCT

(1) The service conduct of a man shall be assessed as:
(a) exemplary; or
(b) very good; or
(c) good; or
(d) fair; or
(e) indifferent; or
(f) bad.
(2) An assessment of service conduct shall be determined by considering all available
pertinent information and not solely by reference to the conduct sheet of the man
concerned.
Section 3—Certificates
26.16—SIGNATURE ON COMMISSION
(1) The President may cause his signature to be affixed to a commission granted to an
officer of the Armed Forces by stamping the signature on the commission with a stamp
approved by him and used for the purpose by his authority.
(2) A signature affixed in accordance with subsection (1) is as valid and effectual as
if it were in the handwriting of the President, and neither its authenticity nor the authority
of the person by whom it was affixed shall be called in question except on behalf of the
President.
26.17—COMMISSION PARCHMENT
The name of a person shall be submitted to the President with a request for the issuance
of a commission parchment when the person is:-
(a) enrolled in the Armed Forces in; or
(b) promoted to
the rank of 2nd Lieutenant or Acting Sub-lieutenant.
117
Art. 26.18 A.F.R.
26.18—HONORARY RANK PARCHMENT
The name of a person who is granted honorary rank under Article 3.09 shall be submitted
to the President with a request for the issuance of the appropriate parchment.
26.19—WARRANT ON PROMOTION TO WARRANT OFFICER, CLASS ONE

OR CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS FIRST CLASS OR WARRANT OFFICER
(AIR FORCE)
The name of a man shall be submitted to the Chief of Defence Staff with a request for the
issuance of a warrant when the man has been promoted to the substantive rank of warrant
officer, class I, or Chief Petty Officer first class or warrant officer (air force).
26.20—CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
A certificate of service in the form prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff shall be
issued to an officer or man on release or on transfer to the Reserves from the Regular
Armed Forces.
26.21—CERTIFICATE OF DEATH OR PRESUMPTION OF DEATH
(1) when an officer or man dies, the civil law governs the issuance of a death
certificate.
(2) When an officer or man:—
(a) dies and no death certificate is issued by civil authorities; or
(b) is killed in action; or
(c) is missing,
a certificate of death may be issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, if in the opinion of the
Chief of Defence Staff, or any other officer designated by him, there is conclusive proof
that the officer or man is dead. (see articles 21.41–“General” and 21.44–“Investigation
on an Officer or Man Missing Due to Enemy Action”.)
(3) When no conclusive proof that a missing officer or man is dead has been
produced at the end of six months, the Chief of Defence Staff, or any other officer
designated by him, shall make further inquiries of:
(a) the next of kin;
(b) the station, unit or ship of the missing officer or man; and
(c) any other likely source
(4) When:
(a) inquiries made under (3) of this article fail to produce information
indicating that the missing officer or man may still be alive; and
(b) in the opinion of the Chief of Defence Staff, or any other officer
designated by him, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of
the missing officer man or raise beyond reasonable doubt the
presumption that he is dead;
a certificate of presumption of death may be issued by the Chief of Defence Staff.
118
A.F.R Art. 26.32
26.21—CERTIFICATE OF DEATH OR PRESUMPTION OF DEATH—contd.
(5) In a certificate of presumption of death the issuing authority shall:
(a) declare that the missing officer or man is deemed to be dead; and
(b) state the date on which his death is presumed to have occurred.
26.22—SIGNING OF CERTIFICATES OF DEATH AND PRESUMPTION OF

DEATH
(1) All certificates of death and presumption of death issued under Article 26.21 shall
be signed personally by the Chief of Defence staff or any other officer designated by him
for that purpose.
(2) When a certificate of presumption of death has been issued in respect of a missing
officer or man, stating the date on which his death is presumed to have occurred, such
officer or man shall henceforth, for the purposes of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 and the
regulations made thereunder and in relation to his status and service in the Armed Forces,
be deemed to have died on that date.
26.23 TO 26.30—INCLUSIVE: NOT ALLOCATION
Section 4—Change of Name
26.31—CHANGE FROM AN ASSUMED NAME
(1) If an officer or man who has enrolled under an assumed name desires that his true
name be shown on his service records and documents, a birth certificate (if any) and an
affidavit and documentary evidence are required to substantiate his change of name.
(2) The commanding officer concerned shall forward the birth certificate (if any) and
the affidavit or other documentary evidence of the true name or identity of the officer or
man to his formation headquarters for confirmation that the documentary proof of change
of name referred to in (1) of this article is acceptable. Upon notification of acceptability,
the commanding officer shall publish an appropriate entry in unit orders. (See Article
26.34)
26.32—CHANGE OF NAME THROUGH LEGAL PROCESS
(1) If an officer or man desires to change his true name for all purposes he shall do so
at his own expense in accordance with the civil law applicable.
(2) When a change of true name has been effected under (1) of this article the
commanding officer shall forward the court order or other document to his formation
headquarters for confirmation that the documentary proof of change of name is
acceptable. Upon notification of acceptability, the commanding officer shall publish an
appropriate entry in unit orders. (See Article 26.34.)
119
Art. 26.33 A.F.R
26.33—CHANGE OF TRUE NAME FOR SERVICE PURPOSES
If he is on active service and , in the opinion of the Chief of Defence Staff, his true name
might jeopardized his safety if known to the enemy, an officer or man may change his
true name for Services purposes in such manner as the Chief of Defence Staff may
prescribe.
26.34—CHANGE OF NAME IN SERVICE RECORDS
(1) The name under which an officer or man is enrolled in the Armed Forces shall not
be erased from any of his personal records or documents.
(2) Upon notification to the commanding officer concerned of the acceptance of the
documentary proof of change of name submitted under Article 26.31, the personal
records and documents of the officer or man concerned shall be amended to record the
new name. The old name shall be bracketed in all existing records and documents, but
any new records or documents shall bear the new name exclusively.
Section 5—Conduct Sheets
26.41—CONDUCT SHEETS GENERALLY
(1) No conduct sheet shall be prepared for an officer until an entry is necessary. A
conduct sheet shall be prepared for a man:
(a) of the Regular Armed Forces on enrolment; and
(b) of the Reserves when an entry is necessary.
(2) When an officer or man is re-enrolled in the Regular Armed Forces, the conduct
sheet, if any, from his previous service shall be used. (See Article 26.44—“Destruction
of Conduct Sheets”.)
26.42—ENTRIES IN CONDUCT SHEETS
(1) Subject to (2) of this article, an entry shall be made in the conduct sheet of an
officer or man only for:
(a) every conviction by a civil court for an offence, other than a minor traffic
offence, committed after his enrolment. When the sentence of a civil
court is a fine, the commanding officer shall refer the matter with his
recommendations to his service headquarters, and not entry shall be made
unless, in the opinion of the Service Commander concerned, the nature of
the offence tends to bring discredit on the Armed Forces;
120
A.F.R Art.26.43
26.42—ENTRIES IN CONDUCT SHEETS—contd.
(b) every conviction of an officer or man by a court-martial, whether or not

the sentence is wholly or partially remitted;
(c) every punishment imposed upon an officer or warrant officer by a superior

commander under section sixty-four of the Armed Forces Act, 1962;
(d) the following punishments imposed upon a man at a summary trial,

(i) detention
(ii) reduction in rank,
(iii) forfeiture of seniority,
(iv) severe reprimand or reprimand,
(v) fine,
(vi) stoppages,
(vii) confinement to barracks,
(viii) extra work and drill, and
(ix) unless the commanding officer otherwise directs, caution;
(e) every reversion of a warrant officer, chief petty officer, petty officer, non-
commissioned officer or leading seaman to a lower rank consequent upon
a conviction by the civil power but not a reversion in rank for inefficiency.
(See Article 11.11—“Reversion and Remustering upon Conviction by the
civil Power”);
(f) every punishment imposed by an appropriate authority on a Service

prisoner or Service detainee for a breach of the rules or regulations
governing the place where he is confined;
(g) every suspension of a sentence under A.F.R.;
(h) every suspended sentence which is subsequently put into execution or

remitted; and
(i) every remission, commutation, or mitigation of a sentence, whether such

sentence was awarded by a court-martial or otherwise.
(2) An entry shall be made in the conduct sheet of an officer or man in respect of,
(a) any special act of gallantry or instance of distinguished conduct which has
been brought to notice in command or other superior orders or in
dispatches; and
(b) any special commendation from the Chief of Defence Staff.
121
Art. 26.44 A.F.R
26.44—DESTRUCTION OF CONDUCT SHEETS
(1) A conduct sheet which contains an entry of a fine of N¢20.00 or less or a minor
punishment shall be destroyed by an officer and, subject to (2) of this article, a new
conduct sheet containing all other entries prepared and signed by an officer:
(a) on completion of
(i) six months’ service from the date of enrolment, and
(ii) each subsequent period of one year during which no entry has been
made;
(b) on promotion to the rank of sergeant or petty officer;

(c) on promotion to a commissioned rank; and
(d) on re-enrolment.
(2) When an officer or man attain the age of eighteen years, his conduct sheet shall be
destroyed by an officer and a new conduct sheet prepared and signed by an officer. Only
those entries made pursuant to Article 26.42 (2) or showing a conviction by the civil
power shall be transcribed to the new conduct sheet.
26.45—LOSS OF A CONDUCT SHEET
If a conduct sheet is lost, the commanding officer shall ensure that a duplicate, containing
as far as practicable all entries which were on the lost sheet, is prepared and marked
“substituted for original” over his signature.
26.46—ALTERATION OF ENTRIES IN A CONDUCT SHEET
No entry in a conduct sheet shall be altered or expunged except:
(a) when, upon review of a punishment or sentence, the reviewing officer

orders the entry to be altered or expunged; or
(b) on the direction of the commanding officer when
(i) an entry has been made in error, or
(ii) an entry contains an error.
122
CHAPTER 27
MESSING, INSTITUTES, CANTEENS AND CABINS
Section 1—Messing Officers
27.01—MEMBERSHIP OF OFFICERS MESSES
(1) Every officer of the Regular Forces serving, or on temporary duty, in a unit or
ship shall be a member of the appropriate mess.
(2) Members of a mess shall be either full, affiliated or honorary members.
(3) The conditions of eligibility for mess membership are as follows—

(a) Full Members—
all officers of the Regular Forces serving, or on temporary duty, in a unit
or ship;
(b) Affiliated Members—
(i) all officers of the Reserves serving, or on temporary duty, in a unit
or ship,
(ii) officers of the forces of foreign countries attached to the Armed
Forces on duty, and
(iii) civilians of officer status serving with a unit or on temporary duty,
in a unit or ship who have been invited by the mess committee,
with the approval of the commanding officer, to become affiliated
members of the mess;
(c) Honorary Members—
(i) retired officers of the Armed Forces,
(ii) civil government and police officers living in the neighbourhood or
visiting the unit, and
(iii) important residents in the neighbourhood, who have been invited
by the mess committee, with the approval of the commanding
officer and the consent of a general meeting, to become honorary
members of the mess.
(4) No woman shall be invited to become an honorary member of a mess.
(5) The list of honorary members and the periods for which mess privileges have
been granted to such members shall be recorded in a book which shall be—
(a) Kept in the mess for that purpose; and
(b) Reviewed annually by the committee and submitted for the approval of the
commanding officer.
27.02—DINING AND NON-DINING MEMBERS

Every officer, whether married or single, shall normally be a dining member of the mess.
Married officers, or widowers living with or responsible for maintaining their children,
wishing to become non-dining members may do so with the approval of the commanding
officer. Non-dining members must also obtain permission from the commanding officer
to become dining members.
123
Art. 27.03 A.F.R
27.03—PRIVILEGES
(1) Affiliated or honorary membership carries with it the privileges of membership

subject to rules issued locally by the commanding officer.
(2) Only full members of the mess as defined in (3) (a) of Article 27.01 (Membership
of officers Messes),shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to the mess committee or
sub-committees, to attend meetings, vote on mess matters, or serve the mess in any
capacity.
27.04—ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF MESSES
(1) The Commanding Officer is ultimately responsible of the general discipline,

conduct and management of the mess and for ensuring that all rules laid down are
observed. He shall personally ensure—
(a) that every six months a Committee of Management is appointed as laid

down in (2) of this article and that the members of the committee receive
orders in writing defining their responsibilities and duties;
(b) that records are kept of any special instructions given by him for the
management of the mess;
(c) that the daily wine and charges book is examined and initialled weekly by
him;
(d) that general mess meetings are held at regular intervals, which all officers
shall be ordered to attend and at which opportunity shall be given to
officers for matters relating to the management and finances of the mess to
be proposed and discussed;
(e) that any tendency for dining members, particularly those of junior rank, to
dine out of mess too frequently, is checked; and
(f) that local rules relating to the operation and conduct of the mess are
established and made available to the members.
(2) The Committee of Management shall consist of—

(a) the President of the Mess Committee, who shall be appointed by the
commanding officer and shall be the senior member of the committee (but
see Article 27.15—“President of the Wardroom and Mess Committee”).
The duties of the President of the Committee of Management shall be as
prescribed by the commanding officer and shall include responsibility for,
(i) the proper management of the mess, its general discipline, business
and accounts,
(ii) the work of mess committee and staff,
(iii) the close supervision of the activities of all departments of the
mess, and
(iv) the issuing of written instructions to each member of the
Committee of Management specifying his specific duties and
responsibilities;
124
A.F.R Art. 27.05
27.04—ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF MESSES—contd.
(b) the Secretary and Treasure, who shall be appointed by a majority of the
votes of those present at a general mess meeting, but in the event of a
Secretary and Treasurer not being appointed as aforesaid, the commanding
officer may nominate an officer to discharge the duties of the Secretary
and Treasurer until an appointment is made as aforesaid. The duties of the
Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be responsible to the President, are as
follows:—
(i) to ensure the correctness of the accounts of the mess,

(ii) the safe custody, receipt and proper disbursement of moneys
entrusted to and administered by him on behalf of the mess, and
(iii) the custody of the key of the safe or other place in which mess
money and valuables are kept;
(c) the Bar Officer, who shall be appointed by a majority of the votes of those
present at a general mess meeting. He shall be responsible for the efficient
working of the bar and for the provisioning and safe custody of bar cellar
stocks; and
(d) the officer-in-charge of messing, who shall be appointed by a majority of
the votes of those present at a general mess meeting. He shall be
responsible for—
(i) the efficiency of the mess stewards and kitchen staff and, in
particular, the standard of messing,
(ii) the keeping of a daily running record of messing income and
expenditure.
(3) A record shall be kept of the minutes of all mess and messing committee
meetings. The decisions contained in the minutes shall not be considered final until
approved by the commanding officer.
27.05—SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
(1) Every officer on the strength of, or attached to, a unit or ship, whether present or
absent, shall pay a monthly subscription to defray the ordinary expenditure of the mess.
The rate, which shall be fixed by the mess committee, and approved by the commanding
officer, shall not exceed one-half of one day’s basic pay. Basic pay for this purpose shall
be regarded as the initial rate for the rank, excluding any incremental, additional,
qualification, flying or other pay.
(2) In addition to the monthly subscription, a maintenance contribution may be

levied, if considered necessary, and which should not exceed a flat rate of N¢2.00. If a
maintenance contribution is levied it shall be reviewed from time to time.
(3) Apart from monthly mess subscriptions and maintenance contributions, the only
regular charges that may be levied on all members, by the vote of a general
125
Art. 27.05 A.F.R
27.05—SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS—contd.
mess meeting and subject to the commanding officer’s approval, shall be—
(a) charges for guests,
(b) charges for extra messing,
(c) charges for entertainments,
(d) sports subscriptions to mess funds, and
(e) charges for mess contributions to unit sports fund.
(4) During the attachment to another unit the subscriptions and contributions of
officers so attached shall be paid to the mess of that unit and not to their own. When an
officer is attached to another unit for less than seven days the full monthly subscription is
to be charged by his parent mess. For periods of seven days or more the charges shall be
divided on a pro rata basis between each mess. An officer shall not be liable to pay more
than one month’s subscription in any one month. If a mess is not available during a
period of attachment, no subscription shall be paid during the period.
(5) The subscriptions, contributions, charges and extra charges for messing, casual
meals and refreshments shall be published in the rules for officer’s mess in each unit or
ship. The prices of other articles of food, liquor, etc., which may be bought from the mess
by members shall be made available in the mess.
(6) Affiliated members of messes shall pay subscriptions and contributions at such
rates as may be fixed by the mess committee and approved by the commanding officer.
27.06—MEMBERS ACCOUNTS
(1) An account for every member of the Mess shall be kept in the daily charges book
showing the daily charges incurred in the mess with a cumulative total for each day of the
month. It shall be available at certain hours daily for scrutiny by officers and shall be
examined and initialled weekly by the commanding officer
(2) Members account shall be presented monthly, if possible on the first day of the
month succeeding that to which the account refers.
(3) Officer’s private accounts with tradesmen or others shall not be paid through
mess accounts and charged on mess bills.
27.07—PAYMENT OF MESS BILLS
(1) Every officer shall pay his previous month’s mess bill on or before the 10th day of
each month and the president of the mess committee shall report, in writing to the
commanding officer the name of any officer who fails to do so.
(2) When a mess account owed by an officer is overdue the commanding officer may
order that the officer concerned shall be subject to an administrative deduction in an
amount sufficient to pay the account in full.
126
A.F.R Art. 27.23
27.11—MESSING OF OFFICERS IN SHIPS AND FLEET ESTABLISHMENTS
(1) Flag officers and commodores shall keep a separate table at which the flag
Captain, secretary and flag lieutenant shall be messed.
(2) Officers in command of the rank of lieutenant-commander and above, except flag
captains, shall keep a separate table provided that space and furniture permit.
(3) All other officers shall mess in the wardroom mess.
27.14—OFFICERS JOINING MESS—NAVY

(1) All officers appointed to a ship or fleet establishment shall join the mess to which
they belong under Article 27.11
(2) All other officers who are supernumerary or temporarily appointed to a ship or
fleet establishment shall not be subject to payment of mess entrance fee but shall be
charged mess subscription at a rate not greater than that paid by other full members of the
mess.
27.15—PRESIDENT OF THE WARDROOM AND MESS COMMITTEE

(1) The Executive Officer shall be the president of both the wardroom and mess
committee.
(2) Other members of the wardroom mess committee shall be appointed, as far as is
practical, in accordance with Article 27.04 (2) (b), (c) and (d).
27.16—MESS ENTRANCE FEE—NAVY

Except as prescribed in (2) of Article 27.14, an officer upon joining a mess, may be
charged a mess entrance fee not exceeding N¢ 10.00. This fee shall be returned to the
officer concerned when he is appointed while serving on the ship or fleet establishment.
27.17—RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPPLY OFFICER WHEN OFFICER

VICTUALLED UNDER GENERAL MESS SYSTEM—NAVY
When officers are victualled under the general mess system, the Supply Officer’s
responsibilities shall not extend beyond those prescribed in A.F.R
27.18 TO 27.22 INCLUSIVE—NOT ALLOCATED
Section 2—Messing—Men
27.23—MESSING
(1) As far as practicable warrant officers, chief petty officers, senior non-
commissioned officers and petty officers shall be provided with messing, refreshment
and recreation facilities separate from those provided for other men.
127
Art. 27.23 A.F.R
27.23—MESSING—contd.
(2) In ships where more than one mess space is provided for chief petty officers and
petty officers, the Captain shall allocate chief petty officers and petty officers to messes
as he considers appropriate.
27.24—MESS MEN—NAVY
(1) Men shall be detailed as mess men to all messes allocated to men of the rank of
chief petty officer and petty officer.
(2) Mess men shall be either able seamen or ordinary seamen.
27.25—CONDUCT OF WARRANT OFFICERS, SENIOR NON-COM-

MISSIONED OFFICERS, CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS AND PETTY
OFFICERS MESSES
(1) Each warrant officer’s and senior non-commissioned officer’s mess and each
chief petty officer’s and petty officers’ mess shall be regulated by a committee of three
members and a secretary-treasurer, who shall be elected by the mess members, and a
president who shall be appointed by the commanding officer.
(2) Mess rules shall be established for the operation of messes and shall be submitted
to the commanding officer for approval.
(3) A record of the minutes of all mess and mess committee meetings shall be kept.
The minutes shall be submitted to the commanding officer for approval. In respect of the
Navy the minutes shall be submitted to the Captain for approval through the executive
officers.
(4) All transactions shall be on cash basis.
Section 3—Mess Administration—General
27.31—MESS FUNDS
(1) The mess funds shall include the funds for—
(a) wine, beer and spirits;
(b) tobacco; and
(c) other subsidiary funds which may be run by the mess.
(2) Profits shall not be allowed to accumulate in the mess fund, but shall be used for
the general good of the mess. Shares of profits shall not be made to individuals under any
circumstances.
(3) The Armed Forces will not, under any circumstances, be responsible for, or
contribute to the satisfaction of, any claim which may be made against messes for losses
which may occur.
128
A.F.R Art. 27.41
27.32—INSURANCE
(1) All non-public property on the inventory of a mess shall be insured against loss or
damage at the expense of the mess concerned.
(2) Supplies and merchandise shall be insured at their full cost value, all other assets
on the inventory of a mess at a value not less than the last appraised value.
(3) A fidelity bond in an amount commensurate with the degree of risk incurred shall
be secured at the expense of the mess concerned to cover each civilian whose duties
involve—
(a) financial responsibility for the non-public property of a mess; or

(b) pledging of the credit of a mess.
27.33—AUDIT OF NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY ACCOUNTS

The accounts of non-public property shall be audited in the manner and at the intervals
27.34—GANGWAY WINE BOOK—NAVY

(1) All duty-free wine, spirits, beer and tobacco, of any description or for any mess or
person shall be entered in the Gangway Wine Book when received on board and also if
disembarked.
(2) The Gangway Wine Book shall be produced for inspection by customs officers at
their request.
Section 4—Service Institutes
27.41—SERVICE INSTITUTES
(1) The service institute is a body organizing through a committee all activities at a
unit level of a welfare and amenity nature for personnel below the rank of sergeant. It
controls and administers the service institute fund which is the fund financing and
accounting for all transactions relating to the recreation and other activities entered into
for the collective benefit of men below the rank of sergeant in a unit.
(2) The commanding officer shall encourage and develop the activities of the
institute. In addition he shall be responsible for—
(a) the general control and administration of the service institute; and
(b) the proper application of the institute funds.
(3) The Commanding officer shall appoint an officer, when practical not below the
rank of major or squadron leader, to act as president of the service institute. When
necessary a commanding officer shall appoint other officers to control and administer the
subsidiary activities of the institute, under the direction of the president.
129
Art. 27.42 A.F.R
Section 5—Canteens—Navy
27.42—DRY CANTEEN
(1) Except as prescribed in (2) of this article the Captain of each ship or naval
establishment other than harbour craft and tenders which do not go to sea regularly, shall
establish a dry canteen in the ship or naval establishment.
(2) When he does not consider it advisable to authorize the establishment of a dry
canteen, the Captain shall report his reasons to the senior officer in command.
27.43—WET CANTEEN
(1) Wet canteens shall not be established in ships.

(2) With the prior approval of the senior officer in command, a wet canteen may be
opened in a naval establishment, in which case it shall be operated as a subsidiary of the
dry canteen.
27.44—RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPERATION OF CANTEENS
(1) The Captain shall be responsible for the organization, operation and
administration of the canteen.
(2) The Supply Officer shall be responsible to the Captain for the actual operation of
the canteen in accordance with the instructions prescribed.
(3) The Navy does not accept financial responsibility for canteens. The Captain shall
ensure that this is understood by firms with whom the canteen conducts business.
27.45—OPERATION OF CANTEENS
(1) The canteen shall operate as a trading concern only.

(2) Items of material required in the operation of the canteen shall be—
(a) purchased out of the Canteen Fund;
(b) accounted for as assets of the Canteen Fund.
(See Article 27.55—“Disbursements of Ship’s Fund”.)
27.46—THE CANTEEN CAPITAL
(1) The canteen capital shall consist of the cash, stock and other asserts of the
canteen, less—
(a) any amount owing to the State as a result of an advance made under
A.F.R., and
(b) amounts owing to other creditors.
(2) The canteen working capital shall not be allowed to increase beyond the amount
necessary for the efficient operation of the canteen. In this regard—
(a) the balance of cash on hand and on deposit shall not exceed an amount
equal to three months’ sales; and
130
A.F.R Art. 27.49
27.46—THE CANTEEN CAPITAL—contd.
(b) no investments shall be made or held as part of the canteen capital.
(3) (a) After a canteen has been operating for one year, the Supply Officer shall
determine from the year’s operations the amount of working capital
necessary to operate the canteen under normal conditions.
(b) Subject to (c) of this paragraph, the amount of working capital determined
shall not be allowed to increase, and all subsequent net profits shall be
transferred to the Ship’s Fund.
(c) In Exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Captain, an
increase in working capital shall be made—
(i) by a cash transfer from the Ship’s Fund, or
(ii) by retaining profits in the canteen instead of transferring them to
the Ship’s Fund.
27.47—PURCHASES OF CANTEEN STOCK
The Supply Officer—

(a) of a sea-going ship shall, except when authorised by the Captain to
purchase on credit in special cases, make all purchases of canteen stock on
a cash basis;
(b) of a shore establishment, may make purchases of canteen stock on credit
basis, settling accounts each month when practical.
27.48—SALES ON CREDIT
Credit sales shall only be made from the canteen—

(a) in exceptional circumstances; and
(b) with the written permission of the Captain.
27.49—CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
(1) Sea-going ships are allowed certain concessions in regard to acquiring canteen
stores free of duty.
The Captain shall—
(a) ensure that the customs regulations are brought to the attention of every
officer and man in the ship; and
(b) take every precaution to prevent breaches of the customs regulations.
(2) Subject to (3) of this article and to the approval of the Captain, the officer-in-
charge of the canteen may purchase any articles for resale in the canteen to the ship’s
company for their personal use or consumption.
(3) (a) Articles purchased outside Ghana for sale in the canteen and which remain
in stock on the ship’s return to Ghana are subject to Ghanaian customs and
excise duties.
131
Art. 27.49 A.F.R
27.49—CUSTOMS REGULATIONS—contd.
(b) When any articles on which duty would be payable in accordance with (a)
of this paragraph are purchased outside Ghana for sale in the canteen, and
are not articles of food which will be consumed on board,
(i) a record of the quantities of such articles purchased shall be
maintained,
(ii) on record shall be available for inspection by any customs officer
who may come on board following arrival at a Ghanaian port,
(iii) on arrival of the ship at a Ghanaian port, a list of the articles
remaining on board shall be made available for the customs, and
(iv) bonded supplies shall not be landed for sale.
(4) Sea-going ships may purchase cigarettes and tobacco in Ghana for sale in the
ship’s canteen free of excise taxes.
27.50—CANTEEN STAFF
(1) The operation of canteens and canteen accounts, shall as far as possible, be
undertaken by men of the stores trade.
(2) (a) when sufficient men of the stores trade are not available, the Captain may
authorise the employment of other personnel as canteen servers as
follows:
(i) in sea-going ships, naval personnel who volunteer for this duty,
and
(ii) in naval establishments, civilians.
(b) Any remuneration authorised for the servers described in (a) of this
paragraph shall be paid from canteen funds
(3) Naval or civilian servers shall not be employed in the canteen without the
concurrence of the Supply Officer.
27.51—DISPOSITION OF CANTEEN FUNDS ON PAYING OFF
(1) When a ship or naval establishment is paid off, the stock of the canteen shall be
disposed of by either—
(a) gift or sale to other ships or naval establishments; or
(b) sale to private persons or concerns.
(2) The proceeds of the sale of canteen stock shall be deposited as part of the canteen
Fund.
(3) When any articles of merchandise sold under (1) of this article are “duty free” or
“excise free” the disposition of the articles concerned to persons not entitled to these
concessions shall be made only after—
(a) arrangements have been completed with the customs authorities; and
(b) payments of the necessary duty.
132
A.F.R Art. 27.55
27.51—DISPOSITION OF CANTEEN FUNDS ON PAYING OFF—contd.
(4) When the canteen stock has been disposed of—

(a) the cash on hand and on deposit shall be used to pay off all outstanding
debts of the canteen; and
(b) the balance remaining shall be turned over to the Ship’s Fund.
Section 6—Ship’s Fund
27.52—GENERAL
(1) Except as prescribed in (3) of this article the Captain shall arrange for the
establishment of a Ship’s Fund.
(2) The Ship’s Fund shall be all non-public funds obtained from the transfer of
canteen profits, donations or other sources of income in respect of the ship’s company.
(3) If the Captain considers it inadvisable to establish a Ship’s Fund he shall forward
an explanation of the reason to the senior officer in command.
27.53—ADMINISTRATION OF SHIP’S FUND
(1) The Ship’s Fund shall be administered by the Welfare Committee.
(2) The Supply Officer, or, subject to the approval of the Captain, his representative
shall be the treasurer of the Ship’s Fund, and shall—
(a) keep a record of the receipt and disbursement; and
(b) prepare and display in a conspicuous place a quarterly financial statement.
(3) The Ship’s Fund shall be audited in accordance with Article 27.33 (Audit of Non-
Public Property Accounts)
27.55—DISBURSEMENTS OF SHIP’S FUND
(1) With the Captain’s approval, the Welfare Committee may make disbursements
for—
(a) entertainment of the ship’s company;
(b) purchase of sports or other recreational equipment not provided by the
Navy or of prizes for sporting events;
(c) assistance to libraries or other organizations within the ship;
(d) loans to members of the ship’s company, which must be repaid within
one year;
(e) the supply of comforts to men in hospital or to survivors; and
(f) other special or benevolent purposes.
133
Art. 27.55 A.F.R.
27.55—DISBURSEMENTS OF SHIP’S FUND—contd.
(2) When the Captain refuses to approve under (1) of this article, he shall forward an
explanation of the reason to the senior officer in command.
27.56—DISPOSITION OF THE SHIP’S FUND
(1) A large surplus shall not be accumulated in the Ship’s Fund

(2) Subject to (3) of this article, the Welfare Committee shall, at the end of each
annual period, expend any amount in excess of a sum equal to four months average net
profits received from the canteen for the benefit of any charity or of any fund raised for
the benefit of men.
(3) When funds are being accumulated for a specific purpose, a note to that effect
shall be made on the financial statement.
(4) When a ship or naval establishment pays off, or a ship is lost, the direction of he
Navy Commander shall be sought as to the disposal of any balance remaining in the
Ship’s Fund.
Section 7—Non-Public Property
27.57—DISPOSAL OF NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
Except under conditions prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff, non-public property
shall not be sold, given away or alienated.
27.58—CARE OF NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
The commanding officer shall ensure that all non-public property in a unit or ship is—
(a) properly maintained; and

(b) accounted for in the manner prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
27.60—LOSS OR DAMAGE TO NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
(1) An officer entrusted with non-public money shall ensure that an account of the
cash and bank transactions is kept in accordance with prescribed regulations, and such
officer shall be personally responsible for the safe custody and accuracy of this record. If
an officer loses any non-public money or property placed in his charge he shall report the
fact forthwith to his commanding officer.
(2) In the event of any deficiency in, or loss of, money or property the commanding
officer shall exercise his discretion as to whether he shall at once order a summary
investigation, convene a board of inquiry or report the matter to superior authority.

134
CHAPTER 28
ALLOTMENT AND OCCUPATION OF QUARTERS
Section 1—General
28.01—OBLIGATION TO OCCUPY QUARTERS
(1) Married quarters designated as tied quarters shall be occupied by such officers as
the Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe.
(2) An officer or man shall occupy quarters unless:—
(a) proper quarters are not available; or
(b) except for an officer mentioned in (1) of this article, the commanding
officer has granted him permission to live out.
(3) The commanding officer may grant permission to live out of quarters to an officer
or man:
(a) attached to or on temporary duty at the station or unit;
(i) for a period not exceeding seven days, and
(ii) in exceptional circumstances for any period exceeding seven days
but not exceeding thirty days;
(b) whose place of duty is at such distance from available quarters that, in the
opinion of the commanding officer, to require him to live in quarters
would interfere with the performance of his duties;
(c) who is married, to enable him to live with his family; and
(d) in such other circumstances as the commanding officer considers
justifiable.
(4) Any permission to live out of quarters granted by the commanding officer shall
not in itself entitle an officer or man to an allowance in lieu of quarters.
28.02—QUARTERS—TERMINAL LEAVE
An officer or man shall not occupy quarters when he is on terminal leave.
Section 2—Married Quarters
28.06—ENTITLEMENT TO OCCUPY MARRIED QUARTERS

(1) Except as provided in (2) of this article, an officer or man and his family shall be
entitled to occupy married quarters when:
(a) accommodation is available;

(b) no member of the family refuses immunization treatment including
vaccination and inoculation, if, in the opinion of the Chief of Defence
Staff, non-immunization endangers the health of personnel at the station
or unit; and
(c) the officer or man and members of his family observe all regulations and
orders governing the occupancy of married quarters.
135
Art. 28.06 A.F.R
28.06—ENTITLEMENT TO OCCUPY MARRIED QUARTERS—contd.

(2) An officer prescribed under (1) of Article 28.10 shall be entitled to occupy
married quarters regardless of his marital status.
28.07—ACCESS TO MARRIED QUARTERS

An officer or man occupying married quarters shall allow access to his quarters to
officers, men, and civilians when they are required to enter in the performance of their
service duties.
28.08—ALLOTMENT OF MARRIED QUARTERS

(1) Subject to Articles 28.06 (Entitlement to Occupy Married Quarters) and 28.30
(Married Quarters for Civilians), married quarters shall be allotted in accordance with
orders issued by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(2) No officer or man to whom married quarters have been allocated shall be
dispossessed of them without the approval of the officer commanding the command.
28.09—EVACUATION OF MARRIED QUARTERS IN EMERGENCY

In an emergency, the Chief of Defence Staff may, if married quarters are required for
operational purposes or for the accommodation of military personnel, order the occupants
of those quarters to vacate them immediately.
28.11—OCCUPATION OF SINGLE QUARTERS BY OFFICERS AND MEN

ELIGIBLE FOR MARRIED QUARTERS
Officers and men eligible for occupancy of married quarters may be required to occupy
single quarters if :—
(a) no married quarters are available; and
(b) the commanding officer considers it necessary that the officer or man live
on the station or unit for the proper performance of his duties.
Section 3—Single Quarters
28.20—ALLOTMENT OF SINGLE QUARTERS TO OFFICERS

Officers shall be granted the choice of vacant single quarters in order of rank and
seniority
28.21—ALLOTMENT OF SINGLE QUARTERS TO WARRANT OFFICERS,

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
AND PETTY OFFICERS.
(1) Warrant officers, chief petty officers, senior non-commissioned officers and petty
officers who are not eligible to occupy married quarters shall be:
(a) allotted quarters separate from those occupied by men below the rank of
sergeant or petty officer; or
136
A.F.R Art. 28.30
28.21—ALLOTMENT OF SINGLE QUARTERS TO WARRANT OFFICERS,

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED
OFFICERS AND PETTY OFFICERS—contd.
(b) given permission or live out of quarters if,
(i) quarters separate from those occupied by men below the rank of
sergeant or petty officer are not available, and
(ii) the commanding officer does not consider that the exigencies of
the service require them to occupy single quarters.
(2) Warrant officers, chief petty officers, senior non-commissioned and petty officers
shall be granted the choice of vacant single quarters in order of rank and seniority.
28.22—RIGHT TO RETAIN SINGLE QUARTERS
(1) An officer or man may retain single quarters while he is on leave, except terminal
leave, or while absent from the station or unit on duty when:
(a) the anticipated period of absence does not exceed sixty-one days; and
(b) the commanding officer does not consider that the exigencies of the
service require the re-allotment of the quarters.
(2) An officer or man to whom single quarters have been allotted shall not, without
the approval of the commanding officer, be dispossessed by any other officer or man.
28.23—RETENTION OF UNOCCUPIED SINGLE QUARTERS
An officer shall not retain single quarters he does not occupy unless he is a commanding
officer who, if entitled to married quarters and drawing allowance in lieu, does not as a
result of such retention exclude another officer.
28.24—SINGLE QUARTERS FOR AN OFFICER OR MAN WHOSE FAMILY IS

OCCUPYING MARRIED QUARTERS
Single quarters may be allotted to an officer or man whose family is occupying married
quarters when, owing to the exigencies of the service, he is separated from his family.
Section 4—Civilians
28.30—MARRIED QUARTERS FOR CIVILIANS
(1) When suitable civilian accommodation is not available, the commanding officer
may allot married quarters to a civilian employee of the Government of Ghana who fills a
position on the service establishment.
137
Art. 28.30 A.F.R
28.30—MARRIED QUARTERS FOR CIVILIANS—contd.
(2) Subject to the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff, the commanding officer
may allot married quarters to a civilian, other than one mentioned in (1) of this article,
when:
(a) his duties are such that they contribute to the efficiency or welfare of he
station or unit; and
(b) suitable civilian accommodation is not available.
(3) A civilian, except one whose terms of employment with the Armed Forces
entitled him to free quarters, shall be charged for any married quarters allotted to him at
the rate prescribed for civilian employees of the Government unless an amount is fixed or
determined by—
(a) regulations of another government department; or
(b) the Chief of Defence Staff.
(4) The Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe the terms and conditions of occupancy
of married quarters by civilians.
28.31—SINGLE QUARTERS FOR CIVILIANS
(1) The commanding officer may allot single quarters to a civilian employee of the
Government of Ghana who fills a position on the service establishment.
(2) Subject to the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff, the commanding officer
may allot single quarters to a civilian, other than one mentioned in (1) of this article,
when—
(a) his duties are such that they contribute to the efficiency or welfare of the
station or unit; and
(b) suitable civilian accommodation is not available.
(3) A civilian, except one whose terms of employment with the Armed Forces
entitled him to free quarters, shall be charged for any single quarters allotted to him at the
rate prescribed for civilian employees of the Government, unless an amount is fixed or
determined by—
(a) regulations of another government department; or
(b) the Chief of Defence Staff.
(4) The Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe the terms and conditions of occupancy
of single quarters by civilians.

138
CHAPTER 29
WORKS AND BUILDINGS
Section 1—General
29.01—SAFEGUARDING OF WORKS AND BUILDINGS

(1) A Service Commander or an officer designated by him shall ensure that all works
and buildings at new station or unit are properly safeguarded prior to being taken over by
the commanding officer
(2) The commanding officer shall ensure that all works and buildings at his garrison,
station, unit or fleet establishment are properly safeguarded at all times.
29.02—NEW CONSTRUCTION
(1) New construction of works and buildings shall be initiated by or under the
authority of the Chief of Defence Staff.
(2) Proposals for new construction shall be forwarded with the necessary plans,
specifications and estimates to the respective formation headquarters.
29.03—MAINTENANCE, ALTERATIONS, AND ADDITIONS TO WORKS AND

BUILDINGS
(1) Within such financial limits as may be prescribed, maintenance, alterations and
additions to works and buildings may be authorised by the Ministry.
(2) Proposals for alterations and additions under (1) of this article shall be forwarded
with the necessary plans, specifications, and estimates to the respective formation
headquarters.
29.04—ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF LAND AND WORKS AND

BUILDINGS
When the commanding officer of a garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment
recommends a proposal for the—
(a) acquisition, or disposal of land or works and buildings; or
(b) demolition of works and buildings no longer fit for use or worth the cost
of repair,
he shall submit it to his Service Commander through normal channels.
29.05—COMPLETION REPORT ON TAKING OVER WORKS AND

BUILDINGS FROM A CONTRACTOR
(1) On completion of contracts covering new construction of alterations or additions
to, or maintenance of works and buildings, a completion report in the form prescribed by
the Ministry shall be prepared indicating the condition of the works and buildings
concerned together with any necessary recommendations and shall include:
(a) a certificate stating whether the contract has been completed in accordance
with the approved plans and specifications, accompanied if applicable by a
list of discrepancies and deficiencies; and
(b) a recommendation for the disposal of all moneys held in connection with
the contract.
139
Art. 29.05 A.F.R
29.05—COMPLETION REPORT ON TAKING OVER WORKS AND

BUILDINGS FROM A CONTRACTOR—contd.
(2) The completion report prepared under (1) of this article shall be signed by—
(a) the Armed Forces representative supervising the work;
(b) the local works engineer officer;
(c) the commanding officer of the garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment
(as the case may be);
(d) when questions of health or sanitation arise, the medical officer;
and shall be submitted for approval to the authorities specified in (3) of this article.
(3) The completion report on taking over minor new construction, alterations,
additions, and maintenance from the contractor, may be approved by the appropriate
Service Commander. The taking over from the contractor of major new construction,
alterations, additions, and maintenance shall require the approval of the Ministry. For the
purpose of this paragraph, minor new construction, alterations, additions, and
maintenance shall be as prescribed by the Ministry.
29.06—ALLOTMENT OF BUILDINGS
(1) Each Armed Forces building shall be allotted to a particular permanent use by the
Ministry.
(2) An Armed Forces building may be allotted to a temporary use by or under the
authority of the appropriate Service Commander:--
(a) the temporary use to which the building is allocated,

(i) is not one which would be provided at public expense,
(ii) does not contravene the provisions of any deed, lease, or
agreement affecting the buildings; and
(b) the allotment does not involve an expenditure for other accommodation in
lieu of the building concerned.
29.07—POWERS OF WRITE-OFF—WORKS AND BUILDINGS
(1) The powers of write-off for a loss of works and buildings shall be as prescribed
for write-off of material in Article 36.20 (Powers of Write-off—Materials) except that in
a single occurrence the total value of the write-off of both material and works and
buildings shall not exceed the amount authorized for the write-off of material in Article
36.20.
(2) A write-off authorized under (1) of this article shall not prejudice subsequent
disciplinary or recovery action against an officer or man.
140
A.F.R Art. 29.16
29.08—EVACUATION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN EMERGENCY
Subject to any agreement entered into between the Ministry and local education
authorities, when, in an emergency, dependents’ school buildings are required for
operational purposes or for the accommodation of military personnel, the Chief of
Defence Staff may order the buildings to be evacuated immediately.
Section 2—Inspections
29.15—COMMAND INSPECTION OF WORKS AND BUILDINGS
(1) The Chief of Defence Staff shall ensure that—

(a) all works and buildings of the Armed Forces are inspected at least once in
three years by the chief engineer or his representative who shall submit a
written report; and
(b) the sanitary condition of all works and buildings of the Armed Forces are
inspected at least annually by the Director of Medical Services or his
representative who shall—
(i) examine and sign the sanitary diary of the garrison, station, unit or
fleet establishment concerned, and
(ii) on completion of the inspection submit a report to the Chief of
Defence Staff and the appropriate Service Commander.
(2) When the reports submitted under (1) of this article are received the Chief of
Defence Staff or the appropriate Service Commander shall take required remedial action
within his authority.
(3) Inspecting officers inspecting the works and buildings at a garrison, station unit or
fleet establishment shall, when practical, be accompanied by:
(a) the commanding officer or a senior officer as his representative;
(b) a works engineer officer;
(c) a medical officer; and
(d) the officer commanding a unit when his unit is being inspected.
29.16—STATION OR UNIT INSPECTIONS OF WORKS AND BUILDINGS
(1) Except as provided in Article 29.18, the commanding officer shall inspect the
works and buildings within his garrison, station, unit, or fleet establishment at least
quarterly, accompanied when practical by:
(a) a works engineer officer;

(b) a medical officer; and
(c) the officer commanding a unit when his unit is being inspected.
141
Art. 29.16 A.F.R
29.16—STATION OR UNIT INSPECTIONS OF WORKS AND BUILDINGS–

contd.
(2) A works engineer officer or his representative shall inspect periodically and at
least twice a year all works and buildings for which he is responsible within a garrison,
station, unit or fleet establishment and report to the commanding officer on each
inspection.
(3) The medical officer or his representative at a garrison, station, unit or fleet
establishment shall inspect:
(a) all kitchen and messing facilities weekly; and
(b) all works and buildings—
(i) on the commanding officer’s quarterly inspection; and
(ii) at any other time he considers it necessary in order to safeguard the
health of the garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment;
and not in the sanitary diary any conditions adversely affecting the hygiene and
sanitation of the garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment. After each inspection the
diary shall be submitted to the commanding officer for necessary action.
29.17—INSPECTIONS ON TRANSFER OF WORKS AND BUILDINGS

(1) When existing works or buildings are being transferred to or from the Armed
Forces, between units within the Armed Forces, or on a change of command, an
inspection shall be made jointly by—
(a) a representative of the garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment or party
taking over the works and buildings;
(b) a representative of the garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment or party
handing over the works and buildings;
(c) a works engineer officer; and
(d) when questions of health or sanitation arise, a medical office.
(2) On completion of the inspection prescribed in (1) of this article, an inspection

report shall be prepared, in the form prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
29.18—INSPECTION OF MARRIED QUARTERS

(1) The commanding officer shall inspect married quarters at least twice a year to
coincide with the semi-annual inspections of the Works Engineer Officer under (2) of
Article 29.16.
(2) When a change of occupancy of married quarters occurs, an inspection shall be

made jointly by:
(a) the commanding officer or his representative; and
(b) the works engineer officer or his representative;
(c) if practical, the parties vacating and taking over the married quarters.
(3) The responsibility for damage to public property shall, where practical, be
determined during inspections under this article. (See Chapter 38—Liability for Public
and Non-Public Property.)
142
A.F.R. Art. 29.99
Section 3—Miscellaneous
29.26—STORAGE OF PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES
(1) When practical, areas for parking privately owned vehicles shall be reserved at a
garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment.
(2) No area reserved for parking privately owned vehicles shall be constructed unless
the Chief of Defence Staff approves—
(a) the site; and
(b) the expenditure involved.
(3) When sufficient space is available, the commanding officer may permit an officer
or man to store a privately owned vehicle—
(a) in an Armed Forces garage provided for the storage of privately owned
vehicles; or
(b) in an Armed Forces building designated by the Chief of Defence Staff as

suitable for the storage of privately owned vehicles.
(4) When an officer or man has received permission under (3) of this article to store a
vehicle in an Armed Forces building he shall—
(a) store the vehicle at his own risk;

(b) vacate the storage space when required;
(c) observe the fire regulations for Armed Forces buildings; and
(d) pay for the storage space at the rate prescribed by the Chief of Defence
Staff
(5) Subject to the approval of the appropriate Service Commander a commanding

officer may grant permission to an officer or man, to construct or keep on Armed Forces
property at private expense, a building or buildings suitable for the storage of privately
owned vehicles, provided that—
(a) the type and location of the building or buildings are approved by the
works engineer officer;
(b) the fire regulations for Armed Forces buildings are observed; and
(c) the building or buildings shall be removed at the expense of the owner on
the instruction of the appropriate Service Commander.

143
CHAPTER 30
FIRE PREVENTION SERVICES
30.01—FIRE PREVENTION COMMITTEE
(1) The commanding officer of a station or unit shall appoint a fire prevention
committee consisting of at least three members one of whom should, when practical, be a
works officer or his representative.
(2) The function of the fire prevention committee shall be as prescribed by the Chief
of Defence Staff, or Service Commander in respect of his service.
30.02—FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER
(1) The commanding officer of a station or unit shall appoint an officer as fire
prevention officer.
(2) The fire prevention officer shall act as chairman of the fire prevention committee
appointed under Article 30.01.
(3) The functions of the fire prevention officer shall be as prescribed by the Chief of
Defence Staff, or a Service Commander in respect of his service.
30.03—AIRFIELD FIRE AND CRASH RESCUE SERVICES
When the establishment of an air force station or unit provides for airfields fire and crash
rescue services, the duties of the personnel employed thereon shall be as prescribed by
the Air Force Commander.
30.04—PRACTICE FIRE DRILLS
The commanding officer shall hold practice fire drills in accordance with orders issued
by his Service Commander.
30.05—REPORTING A FIRE
(1) When a fire occurs at his station, unit or in his ship a commanding officer shall—
(a) report it to his superior headquarters by

(i) a signal message immediately a fire occurs, and
(ii) a detailed report in writing as soon as practicable after the fire; and
(b) ensure that the message sent under (1) (a) (i) of this article is repeated to
Army, Navy or Air Force Headquarters (as appropriate) for information.
(2) The report required by (1) of this article shall be in such form as prescribed by the
Service Commander and shall be in addition to any investigation instituted under Article
21.61 (Investigation of a Fire).
144
A.F.R Art. 30.99
30.07—FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN SERVICE BUILDINGS
An officer commanding shall ensure that the officer in whose charge he places any
building which is under Armed Forces control—
(a) takes fire prevention precautions as prescribed by the Chief of Defence
Staff or a Service Commander; and
(b) promulgates orders covering action to be taken when fire occurs.
30.07—FIRE ORDERS
The commanding officer shall ensure that orders relating to the prevention and control of
fires at his unit or in his ship are incorporated in standing orders. (See Article 4.22—
“Standing Orders”).
145
CHAPTER 31
EMPLOYMENT OF THE ARMED FORCES IN A NATIONAL DISASTER
31.01—DUTY BY THE REGULAR ARMED FORCES
Where the President has under the Constitution by Proclamation declared that a state of
public emergency exists in Ghana or in any part of Ghana, the regular forces or any unit
or other element thereof or any officer or man thereof shall be liable to perform such
services in respect of the emergency as the Chief of Defence Staff may authorize, and the
performance of such services shall be deemed to be duty on active service.
31.02—DUTY BY THE RESERVES
Where the President has declared a state of public emergency as mentioned in Article
31.01 the Chief of Defence Staff may in accordance with the Constitution authorize the
reserve forces or any unit or other element thereof or any officer or man thereof to be
called out on service for the purpose of rendering assistance in respect of the State of
emergency and all officers and men while so called out shall be deemed to be performing
duty on active service.
146
CHAPTER 32
BANDS
32.01—GENERAL ORGANISATION OF BANDS
(1) This chapter shall apply to those Armed Forces bands—

(a) authorised by establishment and composed of,
(i) full-time bandsmen of the regular Armed Forces, or
(ii) bandsmen of the Reserves; and
(b) authorised by the Chief of Defence Staff and composed of any rank and
trade.
(2) The bands mentioned in (1) of this article are maintained for the Armed Forces as
a whole and their personnel shall be employed exclusively on band duties.
32.02—BAND MANAGEMENT
A commanding officer or a band committee appointed by him, or the officer

commanding the Armed Forces Central Band shall, as applicable—
(a) negotiate all band engagements;

(b) manage the financial affairs of the band; and
(c) ensure that all band property is safeguarded and maintained.
32.03—BAND RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
(1) Subscriptions and donations made for the benefit of a band shall be deposited in
the service fund account but shall be available for band expenditures only.
(2) The service fund committee, with the approval of the commanding officer, may
make an appropriation for the purchase of band instruments, accessories, and music.
(3) All expenditures of non-public funds for band purposes shall be approved by the
commanding officer.
32.04—BAND PROPERTY
(1) Band property shall include all band instruments, accessories and music—
(a) presented to or purchased by a band, station, unit, or ship; or
(b) issued to a band.
(2) Band property obtained in accordance with (1) (a) of this article shall be
accounted for as non-public property as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(3) Band property obtained in accordance with (1) (b) of this article shall be carried
on unit charge and accounted for as public property as prescribed by the Chief of Defence
Staff.
147
Art.32.05 A.F.R
32.05—DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
An officer shall be appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff as Director of Music for the
Armed Forces. The duties of the Director of Music shall be as prescribed by the Chief of
Defence Staff and shall include—
(a) the technical administration of all Armed Forces bands; and

(b) the technical training of all personnel of established bands; and
(c) the trade testing of all band personnel and the making of recommendations
for promotion in accordance with current regulations; and
(d) that all programmes performed by Armed Forces bands are suitable for the
occasions concerned and that each band is competent to undertake them.
32.06—DUTIES OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF BANDS
The duties of officers in charge of bands and the officer commanding the Central Band of
the Armed Forces shall be as prescribed by the Director of Music and shall include—
(a) responsibility for the discipline and technical instruction of his band; and
(b) attendance at all parades with his band and to accompany it when it plays
in public places or attends an entertainment; and
(c) the entering of all engagements in band engagement books, with
particulars of their nature, date, number of bandsmen employed, fees paid
(if applicable) and uniform to be worn; and
(d) the keeping of a roster showing the particular bandsmen detailed for every
duty or engagement and that a fair distribution is maintained among the
bandsmen as a whole, having regard to the nature of demands made; and
(e) the maintenance of a band fund account to include—
(i) all sums derived from public funds,

(ii) all subscriptions or donations given for the benefit of the band,
(iii) all sums received on account of engagements undertaken by the
band as a unit,
(iv) all payments.
32.07—BAND ENGAGEMENTS
(1) All correspondence in connection with band engagements shall be conducted by

the officer in charge of the band or the officer commanding the Central Band, as
applicable.
(2) Band engagements shall only be entered into subject to the exigencies of the
Armed Forces and to the requirement that the acceptance of the engagement does not
infringe current regulations and instructions. A clause to this effect shall be embodied in
any form of contract or agreement made.
148
A.F.R Art. 32.99
32.07—BAND ENGAGEMENTS—contd.
(3) Engagements shall not be sought through the public press or initiated through the
medium of musical or other agents.
(4) An engagement shall not be accepted at a rate below the commercial scale
appropriate to, and accepted in the locality by, civilian bands of equal strength and for the
same number and duration of performances.
(5) An engagement shall not be accepted if the Armed Forces band is required to
replace a civilian band which is involved in a trade dispute.
(6) Engagements shall not be accepted for bands to play at political meetings,
demonstrations or entertainments, nor to play for an organization having partisan or
controversial aims.
32.08—DISTRIBUTION OF BAND ENGAGEMENT FEES
Any fees received in respect of band engagements shall be distributed as follows:
(a) 35 per cent of the total fee to the band fund;
(b) 10 per cent of the total fee to the Director of Music or Bandmaster, when
present at an engagement;
(c) 55 per cent of the total fee to the bandsmen, shared,
(i) 4 shares to the band sergeant major or sergeant,
(ii) 3 shares to 1st class bandsmen,
(iii) 2 shares to 2nd class bandsmen,
(iv) 1 share to 3rd class bandsmen.
32.09—PLAYING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
(1) When played for ceremonial or concert purposes, the National Anthem shall be
played in its entirety and in the key of “Ab” (A flat).
(2) When played for singing the National Anthem shall be played in the key of “G”.
149
CHAPTER 33
CHAPLAIN SERVICES
33.01—RELIGIOUS SERVICES
(1) Subject to the exigencies of the service every commanding officer shall—
(a) provide for the performance of religious services on all Sundays and Holy
Days of obligation;
(b) provide adequate accommodation and facilities for conducting these
services;
(c) render the chaplain or officiating clergyman every assistance in the
performance of his duty; and
(d) provide the opportunity for an officer or man or his family to attend
religious services and receive any further religious ministrations that may
be desired.
(2) No officer or man shall be required to attend a religious service other than a
service of the group in which his denomination is included.
33.02—PROVISION OF CHAPLAINS AND OFFICIATING CLERGYMEN
(1) For the purpose of this article “officiating clergyman” means, a clergyman who
fulfils the requirements prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(2) When a garrison, station, unit or fleet establishment is without a chaplain, the
commanding officer shall, subject to the exigencies of the service, ensure that—
(a) a chaplain is made available; or
(b) adequate provision is made for the personnel concerned to attend divine
services elsewhere.
(3) An officiating clergyman provided under this article shall—

(a) as far as practical be governed by the same provisions as are prescribed for
a chaplain; and
(b) receive for his services the pay and allowances prescribed in A.F.R.
33.03—RELIGIOUS MINISTRATIONS
(1) A chaplain shall promote the moral and spiritual welfare of all service personnel
and shall—
(a) conduct religious, baptismal, marriage, and burial services;
(b) arrange for religious ministrations for officers and men or their families
who are—
(i) sick, or
(ii) in service or civil custody, or
(iii) desirous of it; and
150
A.F.R Art. 33.99
33.03—RELIGIOUS MINISTRATIONS—contd.
(c) be prepared to give assistance and instruction on religious subjects to all

service personnel
(2) No Chaplain shall be required to perform any duties other than those pertaining to
his calling.
(3) A chaplain may accept an invitation to assist at any religious service that does not
interfere with his Armed Forces duty.
33.04—COMMUNICATION WITH SENIOR CHAPLAINS
A chaplain shall have the privilege of direct communication on strictly ecclesiastical

matters with his superiors in the chaplain service and to the head of his denomination.
33.05—RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS
An officer or man shall, when he enrols, declare his religious denomination. He may, by
a statement in writing, change his denomination at any time, and the commanding officer
shall authorise the necessary alterations in the records of the officer or man concerned.
The commanding officer shall provide—
(a) a nominal roll by denominations of all officers and men on the strength of
an Armed Forces unit for use by the chaplain or officiating clergyman
concerned; and
(b) on request, a certificate stating the number of officers and men on the
Armed Forces unit of the denomination served by the officiating
clergyman.
33.06—RELATIONSHIP WITH CHAPLAINS
Chaplains shall be treated with the respect due to their profession and commanding
officers shall render them every assistance in carrying out their duties.
151
CHAPTER 34
MEDICAL SERVICES
Section 1—General
34.01—INTERPRETATION
For the purpose of this chapter—

(a) “civilian” means a person who is not a member of the Armed Forces, a
civil servant, a dependant, or a school teacher;
(b) “civil servant” means an employee of the Ministry of Defence;
(c) “dependant” means the wife, child, housekeeper or such other person as
the Ministry may direct in respect of whom
(i) a member of the forcers or a civil servant or school teacher may
obtain medical care.
(d) “in-patient care” means that portion of medical care, exclusive of
professional care, that is provided to a patient who is admitted to a
hospital;
(e) “isolated unit” means a unit so designated by the Ministry;
(f) “medical care” means medical and surgical treatment including necessary
drugs and dressings, diagnostic and investigational procedures,
hospitalization, preventive medicine procedures, transportation as a
patient, and the supply and maintenance of prosthetic appliances and
service spectacles and includes “professional care”, “in-patient care” and
“out-patient care”;
(g) “out-patient care” means that portion of medical care that is provided to a
patient who is not admitted to hospital;
(h) “overseas area” means the area outside Ghana;
(i) “professional care” is that portion of medical care provided to an
individual by a registered medical practitioner, including a service medical
officer;
(j) “school teacher” means a member to the supervisory, administrative or
teaching staff of a Ministry of Defence School;
(k) “semi-isolated unit” means a unit so designated by the Ministry.
34.02—RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEDICAL OFFICER

The senior medical officer all levels of command shall be the responsible adviser to the
senior officer exercising the function of command or executive authority on all matters
pertaining to the health and physical efficiency of all personnel under his jurisdiction.
34.05—CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE
No charges shall be payable for medical care to those entitled under Article 34.07
152
A.F.R Art. 34.07
Section 2—Medical Care of Members of the Forces
34.07—ENTITLEMENT TO MEDICAL CARE
(1) Subject to (4) of this article, an officer or man of the Regular Forces—
(a) who suffers any injury, disease or illness shall be entitled to medical care
at public expense;
(b) who while serving in the Armed Forces, develops an impairment of vision
shall be supplied at public expenses with –
(i) military pattern spectacles and necessary changes of lenses,
provided the visual standard for entry and retention in the Armed
Forces is attained, and
(ii) where necessary, two pairs of spectacles, one for general use and
one for reading purposes. Civilian pattern spectacles or frames will
not be provided at the expense of the Armed Forces. Neither will
spectacles provide at the expense of the Armed Forces be replaced
or repaired at such expense except the circumstances of loss or
damage are certified by the commanding officer of the officer or
man concerned as attributable to military service.
(2) Subject to (4) of this article, an officer or man of the Reserves who suffers any
injury, disease, or illness attributable to the performance of his duty, shall be entitled—
(a) for the remaining period of his duty, to medical care at public expense;
and
(b) after termination of the period of his duty, to such medical care at public
expense as the attending medical officer may consider necessary.
(3) Subject to (4) of this article, an officer or man of the Reserves who suffers any
injury, disease, or illness not attributable to the performance of his duty, and not
attributable to the performance of his duty, and not as a result of his misconduct or
imprudence, shall be entitled—
(a) if the injury, disease, or illness occurs while he is on active service, on

continuous duty, or on special duty, to medical care in accordance with (2)
of this article;
(b) if the injury, disease, or illness occurs while he is on Continuous Reserve

Training, to medical care in accordance with (5) of this article;
(c) if the injury, disease, or illness occurs while he is on Local Training, to

immediate emergency treatment only; and
(d) if the injury, disease, or illness occurs while he is on any duty not
mentioned in (a), (b) or (c) of this paragraph, and unless the Ministry
153
Art. 34.07 A.F.R
34.07—ENTITLEMENT TO MEDICAL CARE—contd.
otherwise directs, to medical care in accordance with (2) of this article.

(4) An officer or man—
(a) shall not be entitled to medical care at public expense—

(i) when he is on leave without pay and the injury, disease, or illness
was received or contracted subsequent to the effective date on
which his leave commenced, or
(ii) beyond the twenty-first day of a period of absence without

authority, or
(iii) beyond the date of his release; and
(b) may be denied medical care at public expense when he has failed to
comply with the regulations governing medical care while on leave.
(5) An officer or man who is entitled to medical care under sub-paragraph (b) of (3)
of this article shall receive—
(a) medical care at public expense until the date upon which the period of
duty terminates or until the date upon which he is returned to his home,
whichever is the earlier; and
(b) after the termination of the period of his duty—

(i) when his condition permits him to be sent to his home, such further
medical care as may be authorised by the Ministry, or
(ii) when his condition does not permit him to be sent to his home,
such further medical care at public expense as the attending
medical officer may consider necessary.
(6) Medical care authorised in this article may be given—

(a) in a military hospital or a civil hospital;
(b) by an army, a naval or air force medical officer, or a civilian medical
practitioner.
(7) An officer or man of the Reserves who is not on active service, Continuous Duty
or Special Duty, and who, in the opinion of an officer commanding a command,
unreasonably refuses to accept the medical care prescribed shall not, as from the date of
refusal, be granted any further medical care for that injury, or illness.
(8) A person subject to the Code of Service Discipline under section 12 (1) (c), (d),
(e), (f) and (g) of The Armed Forces Act, 1962 who is held in service custody shall, if he
suffers any injury, disease, or illness during his confinement, be given medical care at
public expense until he is discharged from service custody, or from hospital, whichever is
the later.
154
A.F.R Art. 34.11
34.07—ENTITLEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE—contd.
(9) An officer or man drawing a pension as a result of full time Armed Forces Service
may be entitled to free medical care in a military hospital in accommodation specially
provided for this purpose.
34.08 AND 34.09 – NOT ALLOCATED
34.10—MEDICAL CARE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
(1) An officer or man who is entitled to and requires medical care while in a country
outside Ghana, shall report in the order shown, to—
(a) any available unit of the Service in which he is enrolled; or

(b) any available unit of another Service of the Ghana Armed Forces; or
(c) any available unit of any other Commonwealth Forces; or
(d) the nearest diplomatic or consular authority representing.
(i) Ghana, or
(ii) a Commonwealth country;
(e) the nearest unit of any friendly foreign army, navy, or air force;
(f) a civilian medical practitioner or hospital.
(2) When an officer or man reports under (1) (e) or (f) of this article he shall ensure
that the nearest diplomatic or consular authority representing Ghana or a Commonwealth
Country is informed of the circumstances immediately.
34.11—MEDICAL CARE WHILE ON LEAVE IN GHANA
(1) An officer or man while on leave in Ghana who is entitled to medical care shall
report to the nearest station or unit of the Service in which he is enrolled which is readily
accessible when he—
(a) requires medical care; or
(b) has been in contact with an infectious disease.
(2) When a station or unit of the Service in which he is enrolled is not readily
accessible, and officer or man shall—
(a) report, in the order shown, to -
(i) a station or unit of another Service of the Armed Forces, or

(ii) Government Hospital or Government medical establishment, or
(iii) a civilian medical practitioner or hospital; and
(b) personally ensure that the commanding officer of the nearest station or
unit of the Service in which he is enrolled is informed.
155
Art. 34.11 A.F.R
34.11—MEDICAL CARE WHILE ON LEAVE IN GHANA—contd.
(3) The commanding officer of a station or unit to which an officer or man has
reported under (1) of this article or who has received information under (2) (b) of this
article shall—
(a) immediately inform the commanding officer of the patient’s home station
or unit; and
(b) after medical care is completed or suspended, obtain and forward a
descriptive case history to. the patient’s commanding officer.
(4) Accounts rendered by civilian medical practitioners or hospitals for medical care
obtained in accordance with (2) of this article shall be forwarded in quadruplicate to the
patient’s station or unit for payment by the Ministry.
34.13—CONTROL OF MEDICAL CARE
(1) An officer or man shall produce his identification card and, if applicable, his leave
form when applying for medical care under Article 34.10 or Article 34.11
(2) An officer or man who has received medical care while absent from his station or
unit shall report to the medical officer immediately on return.
34.14—ALLOCATED
34.15—MEDICAL BOARDS
(1) A medical board shall be assembled to examine the medical condition of an

officer or man—
(a) of the Regular Forces:
(i) before he is released or is transferred to the Reserves,
(ii) before his medical category is permanently altered,
(iii) before he proceeds on leave without pay and after his return from
that leave,
(iv) when the total of sick leave recommended exceeds 30 days,
(v) on his repatriation to Ghana for medical reasons, and
(vi) at any other time prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff;
(b) of the Reserves when prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
(2) A medical board shall consist of three Medical Officers, except in the case of up
or down-grading boards which may consist of only two Medical Officers. The president
of the board will be a Specialist.
(3) When considered desirable, a civilian medical practitioner employed under

Article 34.18 (Employment of Additional Medical Parishioners and Registered Nurses)
may be appointed to a medical board in addition to a medical officer mentioned in (2) of
this article.
156
Art. 34.20 A.F.R
34.16—MEDICAL EXAMINATION
An officer or man shall be required to undergo medical examinations and chest X-rays on
the occasions prescribed by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
34.17—MEDICAL EXAMINATION BEFORE COMMITTAL

(1) A person shall, prior to his committal to undergo a sentence of imprisonment or
detention, be medically examined by a medical officer who shall certify on the committal
order that he is:
(a) fit; or
(b) fit subject to limitation; or
(c) unfit,
to undergo his punishment.
(2) A certificate made in accordance with (1) of this article shall be in the following
form:—
“Certificate of Medical Fitness”
I certify that ………………………………………………………………………………...

(number) (rank) (surname) (Christian names)
is fit/fit subject to …………………………………………………………………………..

(specify limitations)
unfit by reason of …………………………………………………………………

(specify reasons)
to undergo imprisonment/detention
…………………………………. …….…………………………….
(Date) (Medical Officer)
34.18—EMPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND

REGISTERED NURSES
(1) When the exigencies of the service so require and medical services are not
available from the Regular Forces or another department of he Government of Ghana, the
Chief of the Defence Staff or an officer commanding a command may so certify and
authorize the employment of:
(a) a medical officer of the Reserves or a civilian medical practitioner; and
(b) registered nurses.
(2) Persons employed under (1) of this Article shall be reimbursed for their services
and expenses in accordance with A.F.R
157
Art. 34.21 A.F.R
Section 3—Medical care of Dependants of Members of the Forces
34.21—AVAILABILITY OF FACILITIES
When considering the provision of medical care under this section, the medical officer
concerned shall exercise his discretion to ensure that such care will not interfere with the
proper medical care of service personnel under his charge.
34.23—PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE GENERALLY—DEPENDANTS

(1) A dependant of a member of the Regular Forces or of the Reserves on Continuous
Duty may be provided with medical care by the medical services of the Armed Forces—
(a) in an emergency; or
(b) where, in the opinion of the Director of Medical Services, no adequate
civilian medical facilities exist; or
(c) at the request of an appropriate civilian medical authority where it is
necessary to supplement civilian medical services; or
(d) under such other circumstances as may be prescribed by the Ministry.
(2) Subject to any conditions prescribed by the Ministry, a dependant of a member of

the Regular Forces or of the Reserves on continuous duty may be provided with the
following medical care by the medical services of the Armed Forces free of charge:-
(a) inoculations and vaccinations that are not readily available from civilian
sources;
(b) drugs and dressings;
(c) treatment, including necessary ambulance service and treatment in
hospital, of an infectious disease,
(i) where the dependant is residing in public quarters, or service-

controlled trailer parks or a similar accommodation located on or
associated with a defence establishment; and
(ii) where the infectious disease, in the opinion of the senior medical
officer concerned, constitutes a menace to the health of other
persons within the defence establishment; and
(d) school health examinations in Ministry of Defence schools.
34.26—PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE—OVERSEAS AREAS

A dependant who accompanies a member of the Regular Forces or of the Reserves on
Continuous Duty serving in an overseas area may be provided with the medical care
mentioned in Article 34.23
158
A.F.R Art. 34.99
Section 4—Medical Care of Civilians, Civil Servants, School Servants, School

Teachers and their Dependants
34.30—PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE TO CIVILIANS
(1) When considering the provision of medical care under this section, the medical
officer concerned shall exercise his discretion to ensure that such care will not interfere
with the proper medical care of service personnel under his charge.
(2) Subject to (1) of this article, medical care may be extended to civilians by the
medical services of the Armed Forces—
(a) in an emergency at the discretion of the senior medical officer present,

examination and treatment to alleviate pain and suffering and to preserve
life to the extent required to evacuate the patient to a civilian medical
facility; or
(b) where no civilian medical facilities exist; or
(c) at the request of an appropriate civilian medical authority where it is

necessary to supplement civilian medical services; or
(d) under such other circumstances as may be prescribed by the Ministry.
(3) When the senior medical officer considers it advisable, in the interest of he
patient, to remove him to another medical facility the commanding officer may authorize
the use of service transportation to convey the patient to and from the nearest appropriate
medical facility.
(4) All medical care provided to a civilian under this article shall be charged for in
accordance with the current financial regulations.
34.31—PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE TO CIVIL SERVANTS AND

SCHOOL TEACHERS
(1) Civil servants, school teachers and their dependants may be provided with the
medical care authorised for dependants of service personnel under Articles 34.23 and
34.26 under the circumstances described in those articles.
(2) Where the medical care provided under (1) of this article is that described in sub-
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), of (2), of Article 34.23, the medical care may be provided
free of charge.
(3) Subject to (2) of this article, medical care provided under (1) of this article shall
be charged for in accordance with current financial regulations.

CHAPTER 35
DENTAL SERVICES
Section 1—General
35.01—INTERPRETATION
For the purpose of this Chapter:

(a) “comprehensive dental treatment” means that service required to establish
and maintain a reasonable degree of masticatory efficiency and freedom
from pain;
(b) “dependant” shall have the meaning prescribed in Article 209.80
(Definitions);
(c) “isolated unit” means a unit so designated by the Ministry;
(d) “restricted dental treatment’ means that service required in an emergency
for,
(i) the relief of pain and acute infection, or

(ii) simple repair of broken dentures, but not including replacement or
addition of component part; and
(e) “service” in this article means treatment which, in the opinion of the
dental officer, is necessary and available in the circumstances.
35.02—RESPONSIBILITIES OF DENTAL OFFICERS
The senior dental officer at all levels of command shall be the responsible adviser to the
senior officer exercising the function of command or executive authority on all matters
pertaining to the dental health of all personnel under his jurisdiction.
Section 2—Dental Care of Members of the Forces
35.03—DENTAL EXAMINATION
An officer or man shall be required to undergo dental examinations on the occasions

35.04—ENTITLEMENT TO DENTAL TREATMENT
(1) An officer or man of the Regulator Forces shall be entitled to comprehensive

dental treatment except:-
(a) when he is on leave without pay; or
(b) beyond the twenty-first day of a period of absence without authority; or
(c) beyond the date of his release.
(2) When an officer or man of the Reserves is on active service or employed on

Continuous Duty, or on Special Duty for a period in excess of six months, he shall,
during that period, be eligible for comprehensive dental treatment.
160
A.F.R Art. 35.06
35.04—ENTITLEMENT TO DENTAL TREATMENT – contd.
(3) An officer or man of the Reserves –

(a) shall be entitled to restricted dental treatment,
(i) when employed on Special Duty for a period not in excess of six
months, and
(ii) during any period of Continuous Reserve Training; or
(b) who suffers any injury to the teeth attributable to the performance of duty
shall be entitled to such treatment as may be necessary to restore a state of
dental fitness comparable to that which existed prior to the injury, if such
injury is not attributable to his own misconduct or imprudence.
(4) An officer or man of the Reserves who, in the opinion of an officer commanding
a command, unreasonable refuses to accept the dental treatment prescribed for his injury
or diseases shall not from the date of refusal be entitled to any further treatment for that
injury or disease.
(5) A person subject to the Code of Service discipline under section 12 (1) (c), (d),
(e), (f) and (g) of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 who is held in service custody shall be
given restricted dental treatment.
35.05—DENTAL TREATMENT WHILE ON LEAVE IN GHANA
(1) An officer or man who is entitled to dental treatment shall, when he is on leave in
Ghana, report to the nearest Military Dental Clinic when he requires dental treatment.
(2) When a Medical Dental Clinic is not available an officer or man may report to a
civilian practitioner for restricted treatment.
(3) Accounts rendered by civilian practitioners for dental treatment obtained under
(2) of this article shall be forwarded in triplicate to the Chief Dental Officer for payment
by the Ministry.
35.06—DENTAL TREATMENT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
(1) An officer or man who is entitled to and requires dental treatment while in a
foreign country shall report, in the order shown, to—
(a) any available Ghanaian Military Dental Clinic; or

(b) any available unit of another Commonwealth country; or
(c) the nearest diplomatic or consular authority representing
(i) Ghana, or
(ii) A Commonwealth country;
(d) the nearest unit of the foreign army, navy or air force; or
(e) a civilian practitioner.
161
Art. 35.06 A.F.R
35.06—DENTAL TREATMENT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES—contd.
(2) When an officer or man reports under (1) (d) or (e) of this article he shall ensure
that the nearest diplomatic or consular authority representing Ghana or a Commonwealth
country is informed of the circumstances immediately.
(3) An officer or man who reports to a civilian practitioner under (1) of this article
shall obtain prior approval from the Ministry when other than restricted dental treatment
is required.
Section 3—Dental Care of Dependants
35.10—AVAILABILITY OF FACILITIES
When considering the provision of dental care under this section, the dental officer
concerned shall exercise his discretion to ensure that such care will not interfere with the
proper dental care of service personnel under his charge.
35.11—DENTAL TREATMENT OF DEPENDANTS—ISOLATED UNITS
(1) Subject to (2) of this article and to any limitations prescribed by the Ministry, a
dependant who accompanies a member of the Regular Forces or the Reserves on
Continuous Duty serving at an isolated unit, may be provided with comprehensive dental
treatment to the extent available in the military dental facilities in the locality where he is
residing.
(2) Treatment provided to a dependant in accordance with (1) of this article shall be
charged for in accordance with the scale of fees authorised by the Ministry.
(3) When the dental treatment required is not reasonably available in the locality of
the isolated unit where the dependant is residing, the officer commanding the command
concerned may authorise transportation and accommodation for the patient in accordance
with A.F.R. to and from the nearest appropriate dental facility.
162
CHAPTER 36
MATERIALS
Section 1—General
36.01—ARMED FORCES MATERIAL
Except as provided in A.F.R., the material supplied to or used by the Armed Forces shall
be—
(a) of the type, pattern, and design; and
(b) issued on the scales and in the manner,
prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff, or a Service Commander in respect of his

Service.
36.02—DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL
No officer or man shall—

(a) barter, sell, or otherwise dispose of material; or
(b) be allowed to purchase material,
except as prescribed in A.F.R. or in any orders issued by the Chief of Defence Staff.
36.03—ACCOUNTING FOR MATERIAL
All Armed Forces material shall be accounted for in the manner prescribed by the Chief
of Defence Staff, or a Service Commander in respect of his Service.
36.04—TITLE TO CLOTHING
An officer or man may acquire title to items of clothing on such terms and conditions as
the Chief of Defence Staff may prescribe.
36.05—USE OF MATERIAL FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES
Except with the permission of the Chief of Defence Staff no material may be issued to or
used by an officer or man for private or other purposes unrelated to the performance of
military duty, recreation activities, or his status as a member of the Armed Forces.
Section 2—Loss of or Damage to Material
36.10—REPORTING A LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO MATERIAL

Any person who discovers the loss of or damage to Armed Forces material shall
immediately report the circumstances to his commanding officer.
163
Art. 36.11 A.F.R
36.11—ACTION BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER TO WHOM LOSS OF OR

DAMAGE TO MATERIAL IS REPORTED
(1) The commanding officer to whom loss of or damage to material is reported

shall—
(a) take action as prescribed in Article 21.71 (Loss of or Damage to Public
Property) or 21.73 (Investigation into Loss or Damage due to a Criminal
Offence);
(b) when weapons, ammunition or other explosives are lost, report the
circumstances immediately to the officer commanding a command,
formation, station, unit or other elements and the police or other
appropriate civil authorities; and
(c) when loss or theft is discovered of a narcotic or restricted drug, report the
circumstances as soon as practicable to the officer commanding a
command, formation, station, unit or other elements and the Director of
Medical Services.
(2) The authorities to whom a report of the loss of material has been made under (1)
of this article shall be notified of any subsequent recovery of the material.
36.12—DETERIORATION OF MATERIAL
(1) When abnormal deterioration of material is discovered or suspected the

commanding officer shall immediately arrange for inspection of the deteriorated material
by a qualified officer.
(2) When the abnormal deterioration is confirmed by inspection, the commanding

officer shall—
(a) take action as prescribed in Article 21.71 (Loss of or Damage to Public
Property); and
(b) report immediately to the officer commanding a command, formation,

station, unit or other elements if ammunition or explosives are affected.
36.13—DEFICIENCIES DISCOVERED DURING INVENTORY CHECKS OR AT

STOCK-TAKING
Deficiencies of material discovered during inventory checks or at stock-taking shall be

adjusted in the appropriate material record in the manner prescribed by the Ministry.
36.14—REFUND ON RECOVERY OF LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIAL

When part or all of the value of material lost or damaged has been recovered from an
officer or man and the material is subsequently—
(a) located; or
164
A.F.R Art. 36.20
36.14—REFUND ON RECOVERY OF LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIAL—

contd.
(b) completely repaired at the further expense of the officer or man concerned,
the Chief of Defence Staff may authorise a refund of the amount previously recovered.
Section 3—Write-offs
36.20—POWERS OF WRITE-OFF—MATERIAL
(1) For the purpose of this article, “write-off” means the deletion from unit inventory
of material on public charge which has been lost.
(2) The power to authorize write-off shall be as prescribed in the table to this article.
(3) The authority who may authorize write-off shall be determine by using the full
catalogue rate of the lost material regardless of any financial recovery or departmental
expenses.
(4) When the loss of a number of items of material arises out of a single occurrence
the aggregate value shall determine the appropriate authority to authorize the write-off.
(5) Action taken to obtain authorization of a write-off shall not preclude the
immediate adjustment of the appropriate material records.
(6) No write-off shall be approved without prior investigation of the matter by a

commanding officer’s investigation or a board of investigation or a board of inquiry.
165
Art.36.20
POWERS OF WRITE-OFF
A B C D E F
Powers of Officer Powers of Officer
Commanding Unit or commanding of a Self- Powers of Bde Comd, Powers of the Army,
Powers of the
Nature of Loss EST (Not below the Accounting Store or Depot Svcs Comd, NOICs and Navy, Navy and Air
CDS
Rank of Major or (Not below the Rank of a Air Force Stn Comds Force Comds
Equivalent) Major or Equivalent)
1. Loses attributable to theft, fraud or
negligence: N¢ N¢ N¢ N¢ N¢
(a) cash, stamps, cheques, postal orders or

— — — 10.00 20.00
other negotiable documents .. .. .. ..
166
(b) Stores or property .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. — — — 50.00 200.00

2. Accidental or other Losses (i.e. where
there is no question of theft, fraud of
negligence).
(a) Cash, stamps, cheques, postal orders
or other negotiable documents.
(b) Stores or property .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20.00 50.00 100.00 200.00 400.00
NOTE:
1. Amounts quoted in respect of Stores represent original values (not to include departmental Expenses).
2. (i) OC FPO may write-off debtor balances not exceeding N¢20.00 on the accounts of N/E ORs when he is satisfied that such balances
A.F.R.
have NOT resulted from fraud.
(ii) PG and C is authorised to write-off debtor balances exceeding N¢20.00 on the accounts of N/E ORs when he is satisfied that such
balances have NOT resulted from fraud.
Art. 36.35 A.F.R
36.21—REPORTS OF WRITE-OFFS
A commanding officer shall forward a quarterly report of the write-offs he has authorized
under Article 36.20 to his Service Headquarters, through normal channels.
36.22—PREJUDICE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A write-off of material authorized under Article 36.20 shall not prejudice any subsequent
disciplinary or recovery action against an officer or man.
Section 4—Explosives
36.29—ISSUE AND POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

(1) No ammunition or explosives which are public property shall be—
(a) issued to; or

(b) in the possession of,
an officer or man without the authority of his commanding officer.
(2) The officer or man in charge of a guard, picket, escort, or other persons who
require ammunition or explosives in the performance of a specific duty shall—
(a) be responsible for the issue, use, and care of any ammunition or
explosives drawn; and
(b) on completion of the duty for which the ammunition or explosive is

required
(i) verify any unexpended balance, and

(ii) ensure that the unexpended balance is returned to the explosive
store.
Section 5—Rations
36.35—ENTITLEMENT TO RATIONS
(1) Except as prescribed in (2) of this article, the commanding officer of an Armed
Forces unit shall be entitled to draw a daily ration to the approved scale for—
(a) each officer or man on the strength of the station or unit who is not
receiving Ration Allowance;
(b) each member of the Armed Forces on temporary duty or attached duty at
the garrison, station, unit, ship or fleet establishment and taken on ration
strength for the period of that duty;
167
Art. 36.35 A.F.R
36.35—ENTITLEMENT TO RATIONS—contd.
(c) each patient in a military hospital;
(d) each person held in close custody in the unit detention room for whom a
daily ration is not otherwise drawn;
(e) each person engaged in operations or required for duty during a

continuous state of readiness, or taking part in a training, field or
operational exercise authorized by the officer commanding the command,
during which it is not feasible or desirable to return to messes in stations
or camps or to other normal places of messing;
(f) any other person specified by the Ministry.
(2) No daily ration shall be drawn under (1) of this article for any person who is
absent from the station, unit, or other element for a period of more than forty-eight hours
for any reason except detached duty when continuing to draw unit rations.
168
CHAPTER 37
NOT ALLOCATED
169
CHAPTER 38
LIABILITY FOR PUBLIC AND NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
38.01—LIABILITY FOR PUBLIC OR NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY
(1) An officer or man who—
(a) negligently makes any improper purchase at public expense;
(b) negligently causes, permits, or contributes to damage to or the loss,

deficiency, theft, destruction, deterioration, or improper expenditure of
public property or any property under the control of the Armed Forces;
(c) has a deficiency in any personal equipment that is in his care or custody,
unless he can show that such deficiency was not caused by his negligence;
(d) is the occupant of a married quarters in connection with which damage to

or loss of public property or any other property under the control of the
Armed Forces occurs during his occupancy, not being loss or damage
occasioned by reasonable wear and tear, accidental fire, tempest, acts of
God, enemies of the Republic of Ghana, riots or insurrections; or
(e) is a member of a group occupying or using a cubicle, room, hut, tent or

building as single sleeping quarters or dining or recreational
accommodation, in which damage occurs or damage to or loss of barrack
stores or any similar property under the control of the Armed Forces
occurs, unless he can show that such damage or loss was not caused or
contributed to by his negligence;
shall be liable to reimburse the Republic of Ghana for the financial loss incurred.
(2) Every officer or man who negligently causes, permits or contributes to damage or
the loss, deficiency, theft, destruction, deterioration or improper expenditure of any non-
public property shall be liable to reimburse the fund concerned for the financial loss
incurred.
38.02—ADMINISTRATIVE RECOVERIES
(1) Any circumstances which may give rise to liability of an officer or man to
reimburse the Republic of Ghana or a non-public fund under Article 38.01 (Liability for
Public or non-Public Property), shall be investigated. (See Chapter 21—Summary
Investigations and Boards of Inquiry).
(2) No order shall be made consequent upon an investigation or board of inquiry in

accordance with (1) of this article until the person considered to be responsible for the
loss or damage has been given the opportunity, after perusal of a copy of the record of
proceedings, of making a statement why he should not be held blameable.
170
A.F.R Art. 38.99
38.02—ADMINISTRATIVE RECOVERIES—contd.
(3) When the Chief of Defence Staff or a Service Commander is of the opinion that
liability under Article 38.01 exists and that reimbursement is warranted under the
circumstances, he may order an administrative recovery from the pay and allowances of
the officer or man concerned in an amount sufficient to make reimbursement in full or in
part.
(4) An administrative recovery awarded under this article by a Service Commander

may be increased, reduced or cancelled by the Chief of Defence Staff.
(5) An administrative recovery proposed or ordered under this article shall not
prejudice disciplinary action against the officer or man concerned.
171
CHAPTER 39
COMMISSIONING OF SHIPS—NOT PROMULGATED
172
CHAPTERS 39 TO 49
NOT ALLOCATED
173
CHAPTER 50
PHYSICAL AND RECREATIONAL TRAINING
50.01—PHYSICAL AND RECREATIONAL TRAINING—ELEMENTS
Physical and Recreational Training is composed of the following elements:--

(a) physical training;
(b) recreational training;
(c) swimming;
(d) athletic games; and
(e) athletic sports.
50.06—PHYSICAL AND RECREATIONAL TRAINING COMPULSORY
(1) It is essential that personnel in the Armed Forces attain a high standard of fitness,
well above the national level. Because of this, active participation in sports and
organized recreation is a matter of duty for all personnel, except those whom the medical
officer has specifically designated as unfit for participation.
(2) The commanding officer shall ensure that a physical and recreational
programmes, designed to attain and maintain the desired level of fitness prescribed by the
Chief of Defence Staff is in effect.
50.10—SWIMMING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Swimming Instructions to the standard required by each service shall be given
to—
(a) All aircrew officers, flight cadets and aircrew men.
(b) Subordinate officers in the Navy
(c) Men below the rank of Petty Officer in the Navy
(d) All Naval officers and men when undergoing initial training.
(e) All other officers and men who desire further instructions.
(2) Instruction in life-saving shall be given when opportunity offers, to officers and
men who are good swimmers.
(3) The officer performing physical and recreational training duties shall maintain a
Record of Swimming Instruction.
(4) When a Service swimming pool is not available for swimming instruction the
Commanding Officer shall, with the prior approval of appropriate headquarters, arrange
for the use of a public swimming pool.
50.11—SWIMMING TEST
The standard to be obtained and the manner in which the test are conducted shall be
prescribed by the headquarters of the Service concerned.

CHAPTERS 51 TO 52
NOT ALLOCATED
175
CHAPTER 53
PHOTOGRAPHY
Section 1—Official Photography
53.01—MARKING
(1) To safeguard the copyright of the State, all official photographs shall be stamped
on the reverse side with a stamp supplied for this purpose.
(2) All official photographs shall, before release for any purpose, be numbered on the
reverse side using numbers and prefix letters as prescribed.
(3) Official cinematographic films shall have incorporated a leader bearing a suitable
replica of the stamp referred to in (1) of this article, and the issuance authority of the
Ministry.
53.02—PROCESSING
Except where the Chief of Defence Staff directs otherwise, all photographs or
cinematographic films taken for official purposes, shall be processed by an Armed Forces
photographic section.
53.03—CUSTODY
(1) All official negatives, transparencies, cinematographic film and photographic

prints shall be kept under lock and key.
(2) A print of each negative, together with the serial number of the negative and a
complete caption, shall be retained by the Armed Forces photographic section concerned.
(3) All orders for photographic work, taking, printing or reprinting shall be
individually entered on the form prescribed.
(4) Photographers shall take pictures, and process negatives and prints for official use
only.
(5) No prints shall be made from official negatives to be sold within the unit or ship.
53.04—CAPTIONS
A complete and accurate caption for each negative shall be provided by an authority
designated and shall contain—
(a) the date and time photograph was made;

(b) the subject of the photograph
(c) the direction of the view;
(d) the locality;
(e) the magnification when applicable;
(f) the name of the photographer;
(g) the names, ranks, and decorations of any officers and men shown from left
to right, front row to back row; and
(h) any other relevant information.
176
A.F.R Art. 53.20
53.05—PUBLICATIONS
No official photographs and cinematographic films shall be—

(a) published privately; or
(b) released for publication;
without the prior approval of the Chief of Defence Staff.
53.07—PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL AND FACILITIES
Service photographic material and facilities shall not be used for any purpose other than
that of taking and processing official negatives and prints.
53.08—SECURITY OF PHOTOGRAPHS
(1) Persons ordering motion picture film, transparencies or other photographs to be

taken are responsible for assigning the security classification, where necessary, to each
exposure.
(2) Envelopes, packages, etc., containing classified negatives or prints shall be

stamped in red ink with the security classification.
(3) All classified prints shall be stamped on the reverse side with their security
classification.
(4) Classified negative numbers, when used, shall be followed by the security
classification.
(5) Classified motion picture film shall incorporate a leader showing the security
classification.
(6) Classified negatives, prints, film and transparencies shall be handled, transported
and stored in the same manner as classified documents of equivalent security grading.
Section 2—Private Photography
53.20—PRIVATELY OWNED CAMERAS
(1) Subject to (3) of this article, an officer or man may retain a privately owned
camera in a unit or ship.
(2) An officer or man shall not use a privately owned camera in a unit or ship
unless—
(a) the approval of the commanding officer has been obtained; and
(b) all local orders concerning photography are observed.
177
Art. 53.20 A.F.R
53.20—PRIVATELY OWNED CAMERAS—contd.
(3) The commanding officer may require all privately owned cameras to be
surrendered and held in custody when—
(a) existing conditions or special orders require it; or
(b) he considers it prudent to do so.
(4) Cameras held in custody shall be stored in existing facilities and suitable receipts
issued to the owners. An officer or man may withdraw his camera for use outside the
unit or ship but shall surrender it or return.
(5) In ships for which service cameras are allowed by establishment, but no
photographic personnel are borne, the Captain shall designate a ship’s photographer.
Film exposed by the ship’s photographer designated under this paragraph shall be
processed by an Armed Forces Photographic Section.
53.22—PUBLICATION
(1) An officer or man may publish any photograph that—

(a) has been approved for publication; and
(b) is not of a classified nature.
(2) When an officer or man intends to publish with a caption a photograph authorized
under (1) of this article, the caption shall first be submitted to the commanding officer for
approval.
(3) Subject to (4) of this article, an officer or man may accept remuneration for the
publication of any photograph.
(4) An officer or man borne to perform public relations duties may not accept
remuneration for the publication of a photograph that depicts military subjects.
178
CHAPTER 54
EDUCATION
Section 1—Responsibilities and Duties
54.01—DUTIES OF THE EDUCATION OFFICER
The Education Officer shall—

(a) be responsible for the academic instruction of officers and men;
(b) be responsible for all matters pertaining to education, including those
pertaining to correspondence and evening courses; and
(c) act as librarian of the reference and educational library.
54.02—EDUCATION OFFICER’S RECORDS
The Education Officer shall—

(a) maintain a record of the educational work carried out in the unit or ship;
(b) maintain records of progress of men studying under his direction; and
(c) produce the records monthly for examination by the commanding officer
and for inspections.
Section 2—Education Training
54.11—EDUCATIONAL EXAMINATIONS
Educational standards shall be established as directed in regulations published by the

authority of the Chief of Defence Staff.
54.12—EDUCATIONAL TRAINING SUBSEQUENT TO FIRST EDUCATIONAL

TRAINING
When further educational training is required to qualify for advancement in trade, the
educational instruction necessary shall be integrated with the professional qualifying
course.

CHAPTERS 55 TO 56
NOT ALLOCATED
180
CHAPTER 57
CORRESPONDENCE, BOOKS, PUBLICATION AND MAILS
Section 1—Correspondence
57.01—GENERAL
Correspondence shall be conducted in accordance with the instructions prescribed by the
Chief of Defence Staff.
Section 2—Telecommunications
57.26—GENERAL
(1) Telecommunication facilities shall be used for mattes of urgency when time does
not permit the use of air mail or other postal facilities.
(2) Messages from ship or aircraft present at a Ghanaian naval base or air force
station shall be forwarded through the naval establishment at the base responsible for
handling message traffic.
(3) Messages sent by telegraph at the request, or for the private convenience, of
officers or men whilst away from a Ghanaian base, shall not, unless the subject relates
strictly to the Armed Forces be forwarded at government expense, but the cost shall be
recovered from the person concerned.
57.31—RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL BOOKS

(1) The commanding officer shall be responsible for all secret and confidential books
and publications.
(2) The commanding officer shall appoint a commissioned officer to perform such
duties as are necessary in connection with all secret and confidential books and
publications.
57.32—CUSTODY AND RETURN OF SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL BOOKS

(1) Every secret or confidential book held by an officer or man shall be returned to
the Commanding Officer or issuing authority, as appropriate, when he—
(a) leaves the unit or ship in which he is serving; or
(b) is released from the Armed Forces.
(2) Every person in possession of keys of steel chest for secret and confidential
books, shall comply with the orders regarding their custody as prescribed by the Chief of
Defence Staff.
181
Art. 57.34 A.F.R
57.34—PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION
The Director of Ordinance shall be responsible for the procurement, printing supply and
distribution of all books and amendments to them, that are authorized for use in the
Armed Forces. (See Article 1.25—“System of Service Regulations and Orders”.)
Section 3—Mails
57.51—GENERAL
The handling and distribution of mails shall be conducted in accordance with the postal
procedures prescribed by the Ministry.
182
CHAPTER 58
EXAMINATIONS
58.01—PREPARATION, SUPPLY AND MARKING OF EXAMINATION

PAPERS
(1) The authorities responsible for the preparation, supply and marking of
examination papers shall be as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Staff or a Service
Commander in respect of examinations peculiar to this Service.
(2) The name of the authority to whom, on completion, the examination papers are to
be forwarded for marking shall be communicated by the supplying authority when
forwarding examination papers.
58.02—CUSTODY OF EXAMINATION PAPERS
The commanding officer shall be responsible for the safe custody of—
(a) unworked examination papers, which shall be locked up on receipt and
handed only to the supervising officer on the day of the examination; and
(b) worked examination papers, which shall be locked up on receipt from the
supervising officer until disposed of in accordance with Article 58.05
(Worked Examination Papers).
58.03—SUPERVISION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
(1) When a written examination is held the Chief of Defence Staff, a Service
Commander or Commanding Officer, as appropriate, shall appoint a supervisor or
invigilator who shall be of a rank—
(a) at least equal to that of the senior officer or man sitting the examination
and in any case not below the rank of sergeant or petty officer;
(b) in the case of an officer’s examination, not below the rank of captain or
lieutenant (navy).
(2) The supervisor or invigilator shall—

(a) arrange for suitable accommodation in which to conduct the examination;
(b) ensure that the necessary stationery is provided at the place of
examination;
(c) ensure that all drawings, charts, models, or other sources of information in
the room in which the examination is held, are covered or removed prior
to the commencement of the examination;
(d) on the day of the examination, obtain from the commanding officer the
sealed packet containing the examination papers which he shall open in
the presence of the candidates at the time appointed for the examination
and distribute to them together with authorized tables as required;
(e) remain present during the entire examination;
183
Art. 58.03 A.F.R
58.03—SUPERVISION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS – contd.
(f) not give any assistance to the candidates concerning the answer to any
question contained in the examination paper;
(g) not allow any candidate to leave the examination room within the first half
hour;
(h) unless a candidate is accompanied by a responsible person designated by
the supervising officer, not permit a candidate to leave the examination
room after that time without finally giving up his worked papers
(i) not admit a candidate who arrives after one or more of the candidates have
left the examination room; and
(j) ensure that strict silence is maintained in the examination room.
58.04—INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Before the start of the examination, the supervising officer shall –

(a) instruct the candidates to –
(i) write on only one side of the paper,
(ii) leave a margin of one and one-half inches from the left-hand edge
of the sheet of paper,
(iii) write their ranks, names, official numbers, service, and the name of
the unit or ship in which they are serving at the top edge on each
sheet of paper used, or in the space provided at the top of the first
page of the examination booklet, as applicable,
(iv) write down the number and part of the question before
commencing the answer,
(v) show all the calculations necessary to obtain a mathematical
answer,
(vi) do all written work, both rough and fair, in the spaces provided in
examination booklet, when applicable, and
(vii) secure all the sheets together before handing in their worked
papers; and
(b) read to the candidates the following warning in the presence of an
independent witness:
“WARNING”
Any candidate detected in the examination room—

(i) in possession of a book or manuscript brought with him for his assistance
unless it is allowed specifically for that examination, or
(ii) copying from the papers of another candidate, or
(iii) permitting his own papers to be copied, or
(iii) attempting to give or receive assistance of any description will be
disqualified, his examination discontinued, and the circumstances reported
to the commanding officer.
184
Art. 58.05 A.F.R
58.05—WORKED EXAMINATION PAPERS
(1) At the of the prescribed examination period in each subject, the supervising
officer shall—
(a) collect all worked papers, examination booklets and other materials; and
(b) ensure that all worked papers are completed in accordance with Article
58.04 (a) (iii).
(2) The worked papers or examination booklets shall be place unfolded in an

envelope together with—
(a) a list, signed by the supervising officer, of the candidates examined,

giving their ranks, full names, official numbers, service and the name of
their unit or ship;
(b) a statement signed by the supervising officer that—
(i) he was present during the entire examination, and
(ii) no candidate received assistance during the examination from
books or other sources beyond those sanctioned for use at the
examination; and
(c) a certificate signed by the supervising officer and the independent witness
that the warning prescribed in the Article 58.04 was read to the candidates
before the beginning of the examination.
(3) The envelope shall then be secured, sealed and marked with the—
(a) words “Confidential—Worked Examination Papers”;

(b) name of the examination and subject;
(c) date and hour of the examination; and
(d) name of the unit or ship in which the examination was held and placed in
safe custody as prescribed in Article 58.02 (Custody of Examination
Papers).
(4) On completion of all subjects, the sealed envelopes together with a statement
signed by the commanding officer and the supervising officer certifying that the
prescribed order of examination has been strictly observed, shall be enclosed in one
package, sealed, and forwarded by registered mail to the authority designated under
Article 58.01 (Preparation, Supply and Marking of Examination Papers).
(5) When by reason of the exigencies of the service the examination is held on a date
later than that prescribed, the commanding officer shall enter on the certificate prescribed
in (4)of this article—
(a) the reasons and the authority for the postponement; and
(b) a certificate to the effect that there was no possibility of the candidates
having become acquainted with the contents of the examination papers
before the examination.
185
Art. 58.06 A.F.R
58.06—UNUSED—EXAMINATION PAPERS
(1) Unused examination papers shall be sealed in an envelope and marked with the—
(a) words “Confidential—Unused Examination Papers”;
(b) name of the examination and subject; and
(c) name of the unit or ship which is forwarding the examination papers.
(2) Unused examination papers shall be forwarded by registered mail to the authority
designated under Article 58.01 (Preparation, Supply and Marking of Examination
Papers).
186
CHAPTER 59 TO 61
NOT ALLOCATED
187
CHAPTER 62
FLYING OF FLAGS
Section I—Flags on Buildings
62.01—PERSONAL STANDARD
(1) The Personal Standard of the Head of State shall be flown only when the Head of
State is personally present in a building or at a parade or on board ships or aircraft.
(2) The flag of the respective country shall be flown from a building when a reigning
Sovereign, President, Head of State or a member of a reigning Royal Family is present
therein.
62.03—THE NATIONAL FLAG
The Ghana National Flag shall not normally be flown on buildings of the Ghana Armed
Forces and shall only be flown as specially ordered.
62.04—THE ARMED FORCES FLAG
The Armed Forces Flag shall be flown from the following Armed Forces
Establishments:—
(a) The office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
(b) The Fort, Kumasi
62.05—THE SERVICES’ FLAGS
(1) The Ghana Army Distinguishing Flag shall be flown in a prominent position in all
Army Unit locations. Battalions of infantry are permitted to affix their serial designation
on this flag centrally in Roman numerals.
(2) The Ghana Navy Ensign shall be flown in a prominent position in all Naval Shore
Establishments.
(3) The Ghana Air Force Ensign shall be flown in a prominent position in all Air
Force Formations.
62.06—FLAGS AT HALF-MAST
On the death of the Head of any State recognized by the Government, or of any member
of the Ruling House of such State, flags shall be flown at half-mast for such period as the
Government may direct.
188
A.F.R Art. 62.99
Section II—Miniature Flags on Motor Vehicles
62.07—The flags prescribed to be flown by vehicles when carrying the under-noted

persons are as follows:—
The Head of State .. .. Personal Standard (15” x 9”)
The Prime Minister .. .. The Ghana National Flag with yellow

tassels at the edges (15” x 9”).
Chief of Defence Staff .. .. The Badge of the Ghana Armed Forces

embroidered on a green rectangular
background (9” x 6”).
Deputy Chief of Defence Staff. .. .. The Badge of the Ghana Armed Forces
embroided on a green pennant background
(9” x 6”).
Chief of Staff .. .. .. The Badge of the Ghana Armed Forces

embroidered on a blue rectangular back
ground (5” x 9”)
Commander Ghana Army .. The Ghana Army Distinguishing Flag of

horizontal Stripes of green, yellow and
blue (9” x 6”)
Commander Ghana Navy .. Ghana Naval Ensign: Comprising the

St.George’s Cross with the National Flag
of Ghana in the upper canton near the mast
(9” x 6”)
Commander Ghana Air Force Ghana Air Force Ensign. In the upper
canton near the mast the National Flag on
an Air Force blue ground, three roundels
in the fly green upon yellow upon red (9”
x 6”).
Brigade Commanders .. .. A Blue Pennant (9” x 6”) with formation
insignia.
Commandant MATS .. .. A Pennant of red and white squares with a
cross sword insignia(5” x 9”)
NOIC Naval Base .. .. A White Pennant (5” x 9”) with cross of
St. George.
Air Force Station Commander A Flag of Air Force Blue with three
roundels in the fly green upon yellow
upon red (5” x 9”)

CHAPTER 63
HONOURS AND SALUTES
Section 1—Honours and Salutes
63.01—GENERAL
The honours and salutes to be given by troops on parade and guards of honour are as
follows:—
(1) (a) To the Head of State—
Presidential Salute—Present arms, Colours lowered. The Band will
play the whole of the National Anthem.
(b) To the Prime Minister—
To be accorded the National Anthem.
(c) When both the President and the Prime Minister are to attend a Military
function together and they do not arrive together, then on the arrival of the
Prime Minister of the abridged form of the National Anthem will be
played; the full National Anthem shall be played on the arrival of the
President.
(2) To the Head of the Commonwealth, Foreign Sovereigns, Presidents, Heads of

States, Members of Reigning Foreign Imperial and Royal Families –
As for (1) of this article except that the whole of the National Anthem of
the personage concerned will be played in place of the National Anthem
of Ghana.
Note.—On those occasions where a Guard of Honour is provided to

receive both the Head of State and a Head of a Foreign State the National
Anthem of the visiting personage will be played, followed by the National
Anthem of Ghana.
(3) To the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Service Commanders of the Armed Forces
when acting in a corporate capacity, Visiting Field-Marshals, Admirals of the
Fleet, Marshal of Air Forces or the equivalents of other countries—
A General Salute as in (4) of this article.
Regimental Colours will be lowered.
(4) To Inspection Officers of the rank of Colonel or above or equivalent ranks, and
Visiting Generals or equivalent officers of other countries –
General Salute by troops, officers saluting, men Presenting Arms, Colours
flying. Bands playing the General Salute.
63.02—SALUTES
(1) Whenever the National Anthem is played as part of a salute or on a parade other
than a church parade, all ranks in military uniform not under the orders of an Officer
Commanding a parade will salute.
190
A.F.R Art. 63.03
63.02—SALUTES—contd.
(2) Officers in attendance on the Head of State, Prime Minister, the Head of the
Commonwealth and visiting Royal personages, will not salute when the National Anthem
is played for the Presidential or Royal Salute except on the occasion of Trooping the
Colour. When the National Anthem is played on the Presentation of Arms to the Colour,
all officers including those in attendance will salute.
(3) On a parade after the Presidential or Royal Salute has been given, the Chief of the
Defence Staff alone will be regarded as in attendance and will take up his position in the
rear of the President, Prime Minister or other personage.
(4) Officers acting in any civil office are entitled during their tenure to all the honours
and salutes appertaining to such office.
(5) The compliments directed in these regulations shall be paid to officers in the
service of any country formally recognized by the Government of Ghana, according to
their respective ranks.
63.03—COMPLEMENTS—OFFICERS AND MEN
(1) Officers or men passing troops or naval landing parties with uncased Colours will
salute the Colours.
(2) At the appointed time on Remembrance Day which will normally be the 11th of
November, all troops shall stand at attention for two minutes and all Guards will turn out
and Present Arms, to commemorate the wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45. Flags shall be
flown at the masthead.
(3) Officers and men when passing a military funeral shall salute the body.
(4) All officers shall salute their seniors before addressing them on duty or on parade;
when swords are not drawn, they will salute with the right hand, in the manner
prescribed. Officers, except when their swords are drawn, will return the salute of junior
officers and of men. A salute made to two or more officers will be returned by the senior
only. When not on duty or parade officers under the rank of Major or equivalent shall pay
appropriate compliments to all officers of Major or equivalent and above.
(5) All ranks when boarding any Ghana or other Navy ships will salute the Quarter-
deck.
(6) Subordinate Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and men

will salute all Commissioned Officers whom they know to be such, whether in uniform or
not. Non-commissioned Officers and men will address Warrant officers in the same
manner as they do to Officers, but will not salute them.
191
Art. 63.04 A.F.R
Section 2—Guards of Honour—Entitled Personages
63.04—HEADS OF STATE
A Guard of Honour, not exceeding 96 rank and file, with a Captain or officer of
equivalent rank in command, two subaltern officers or equivalent rank (one carrying the
Colours of the Head of State) and an escort of sergeants will normally be mounted as a
mark of respect to a Head of State on a special occasion. This will include all occasions
when the Head of State of Ghana or another Head of State leaves or arrives in the country
or pays an official visit to a garrison, ship or station, and also certain State ceremonials. A
military band shall be in attendance on all such occasions.
63.05—SERVICE COMMANDERS
A Guard of Honour not exceeding 48 rank and file with two officers (one carrying the
Regimental Colour if applicable), with a Band in attendance, may be mounted on the
following occasions:-
(a) When a Service Commander first assumes and finally relinquishes his
appointment.
(b) To receive distinguished personages as considered expedient.
63.06—SPECIAL OCCASIONS
(1) Guards of Honour will not be detailed when the personages mentioned in Articles
63.04 and 63.05 are merely changing their residence, or are only in transit through
Ghana.
(2) When a Guard of Honour is to be mounted on the occasion of the arrival in Ghana
of a reigning foreign Sovereign, Head of State or a member of a reigning Royal Family,
such guard will not be mounted without prior reference to the Ministry of Defence.
(3) Guards of Honour will normally only be mounted between sunrise and sunset.
192
Art. 63.08 A.F.R
Section 3—Wearing of Headdress
63.07—WHEN TO WEAR HEADGEAR
(1) To facilitate the payment of compliments by all Service personnel, headgear

should be worn by all service personnel on the following occasions—
(a) All parades;
(b) At trials;
(c) On interviews;
(d) Military exercises;
(e) Burials;
(f) Outdoors and while driving or operating a mechanical or electrical

equipment.
63.08—WHEN NOT TO WEAR HEADDRESS
(1) Headdress shall not be worn on the following occasions—
(a) Church Services.
(b) Durbars/Meetings.
(c) Social gatherings.
193
A.F.R Art. 63.09
Section 4—Aiguillettes
63.09—ENTITLED PERSONS
(1) The wearing of Aiguillettes is restricted to the following persons—
(a) Head of State (In case of a serviceman).

(b) CDS and his ADC;
(c) Comd. Army and ADC;
(d) Comd Navy and ADC;
(e) Comd Air Force ADC;
(f) ADC to the President (where applicable)
(g) ADC to Prime Minister (where applicable)
(h) ADC to Visiting Heads of State
(i) ADC to a visiting dignitary (as directed by CDS)
(j) DAs/DMNAAs (ADC Aiguillettes)
(k) Any other person as may be directed by the CDS.
63.10—WEARING OF AIGUILLETTES
(1) The following shall wear aiguillettes on their right shoulder—
(a) Head of State;

(b) CDS;
(c) Army Commander;
(d) Navy Commander;
(e) Air Force Commander;
(f) Formation Commander;
(g) DAs/DMNAA;
(h) ADC to Head of State/Visiting dignitaries.
(2) All others ADCs will wear the aiguillettes on their left shoulder.
63.12—UNIFORMS
(1) For uniformity, aiguillettes will only be worn with the following uniforms –
(a) Ceremonial Dress;

(b) Service Dress;
(c) Mess Kit;

CHAPTER 64
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
64.01—GENERAL
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a guide for officers and men in their conduct and
observance of the laws, customs and procedures which have been followed in the past
and which should be followed in the future unless the officers and men concerned have
general or specific instructions to the contrary.
64.02—GHANAIAN CITIZENS
The provisions governing Ghanaian citizenship are contained in the Constitution and the
Ghana Nationality Decree, 1967 (N.L.C.D. 191).
64.03—NEUTRALITY
When nations at peace with Ghana are in a state of war, or engaged in hostilities, the
senior officer present shall ensure that all officers and men under his command –
(a) observe a strict and impartial neutrality between the contending parties;
and
(b) respect unreservedly the just exercise of their belligerent rights.
64.04—RESPECT OF TERRITORIAL LIMITS

(1) The senior officer present shall ensure that the territorial limits of nations at peace
with Ghana are scrupulously respected by the officers and men, ships and aircraft under
his command.
(2) He shall ensure that while in the territorial waters or air over the territory of such
nation, ships or aircraft under his command do not exercise authority over persons, ships
or other vessels, aircrafts, or goods, not belonging to Ghana.
(3) He shall not allow persons under his command to engage in –
(a) gun firing; or
(b) flights in aircraft; or
(c) hydrographic survey; or
(d) practices,
within or over the waters or territory of such nation without the permission of the
requisite authorities for each place and occasion.
64.05—ENTRY INTO NEUTRAL PORTS

(1) Subject to any limit which neutral authorities may place upon the number of
belligerent ships to be admitted into any one of their ports at the same time, when Ghana
is at war the senior officer present may enter a neutral port with his ship or ships for the
purpose of—
(a) taking shelter from the enemy; or

(b) taking shelter from the enemy; or
(c) obtaining provisions or repairs that are urgently required.
195
Art. 64.05 A.F.R
64.05—ENTRY INTO NEUTRAL PORTS—contd.
(2) He shall submit to any regulations made by the local authorities respecting the –
(a) place of anchorage;
(b) limitation of length of stay in the port;
(c) interval to elapse after a hostile man-of-war or other vessel has left the
port before his ships may leave in pursuit; and
(d) matters of like character.
(3) He shall abstain from any acts of hostility towards the –

(a) subject;
(b) men-of-war;
(c) vessels; and
(d) other property
of the enemy that he finds in the neutral port.
(4) He shall also abstain from –

(a) increasing the number of his guns;
(b) procuring military stores; and
(c) augmenting his crew, even by the enrolment of Ghanaian citizens.
64.06—PROTECTION OF GHANAIAN CITIZENS
(1) The senior officer present shall limit protection of Ghanaian citizens in foreign
territory to—
(a) granting them an asylum on board ship or aircraft; and
(b) securing them an escape by boats or aircraft when their departure is a
measure of necessary precaution.
(2) He shall not interfere by landing an Armed Force unless the lives or property of
Ghanaian citizens are actually in danger from violence which cannot otherwise be
controlled.
(3) The protection afforded to Ghanaian citizens under this article may be made
available to other Commonwealth subjects.
64.07—PROTECTION OF GHANAIAN AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH

SHIPS IN FOREIGN PORTS
(1) The senior officer present shall give all practicable protection in foreign ports to
Ghanaian ships and to ships of the other nations of the Commonwealth.
(2) They shall be protected by force only against actual and wrongful violence and
where remonstrance with local authorities has failed.(See Articles 64.08 – “Coercion of
Ghanaian or other Commonwealth Merchant Ship”, 64.11 – “Remonstrance with Foreign
Civil Authorities, and 64.15 – “Landing Armed Men”).
196
A.F.R Art. 64.09
64.08—COERCION OF GHANAIAN OR OTHER COMMONWEALTH

MERCHANT SHIP
(1) If any Ghanaian merchant ship, the nationality of which is unquestioned, is

coerced while in a foreign port into the conveyance of troops or any other hostile act, and
there is no diplomatic or consular authority present at the port representing Ghana, or any
other Commonwealth country, the senior officer present shall, in order to ensure her
release or exemption—
(a) remonstrate with the local authorities
(b) take all further steps in accordance with AFR that the case demands.
(2) When there is no diplomatic or consular authority present at the port representing
a nation of the Commonwealth the senior officer may give protection to ships of any
nation of the Commonwealth under the conditions and in the manner prescribed in (1) of
this article.
64.09—REFUGEES
(1) The Captains of Ghana Navy ships or Ghana Air Force aircraft while in a port or
airport or the territorial waters of a foreign state—
(a) shall not receive on board any person, even though he is Ghanaian citizen,
who is seeking refuge for the purpose of evading the criminal laws, to
which he has become amenable, of that foreign state; or
(b) shall not, except in the circumstances described in (3) and (4) of this
article, receive on board any person, whether or not he is a political
refugee, who is seeking to leave that foreign state in a manner contrary to
its laws.
(2) The Captain of Ghana Navy ships or Ghana Air Force aircraft who becomes
aware that a person mentioned in (1) of this article is on board shall take whatever steps
are necessary to put that person ashore. A person mentioned in (1)(b) of this article may
be handed over to the local authorities if they know he is on board and they are waiting
ashore to take him into custody. In no circumstances will the local authorities be allowed
on board to take him and dependent members of their immediate families.
(3) Subject to (1)(a) of this article, during political disturbances or popular tumults,
refuge may be afforded to Ghanaians and other Commonwealth citizens.
(4) Subject to (1) (a)—
(a) Of this article, during political disturbances or popular tumults, refuge

may be granted to citizens or subjects of foreign states, including the state
being visited who are flying from imminent personal danger.
197
Art. 64.09 A.F.R
64.09—REFUGEES—contd.
(b) In such cases care shall be taken that the refugees do not communicate
with their partisans from Ghana Navy ships or Ghana Air Force aircraft.
(c) The earliest opportunity shall be taken to transfer the refugees to some
nearby place of safety.
(d) Passage shall not be given to foreign refugees except in cases where it has
not been possible to comply with the provisions of (c) of this paragraph.
(5) Before taking steps for the reception of refugees on board his ship or aircraft the
Captain shall, when circumstances permit, communicate with the nearest Ghanaians
diplomatic or consular officer or with a Ghana Trade Commissioner, (or in the absence of
both, the diplomatic or consular representative of any Commonwealth country.)
64.10—COMMUNICATION WITH FOREIGN AUTHORITIES
Communication with foreign airport authorities or with the foreign consuls at a foreign
port shall be made through the diplomatic or consular authority representing Ghana or
any other Commonwealth Country at the place.
64.11—REMONSTRANCE WITH FOREIGN CIVIL AUTHORITIES
(1) Unless a diplomatic or consular officer representing Ghana or any other

Commonwealth country is unavailable, an officer or man shall not make any
remonstrance direct to foreign civil authorities.
(2) In cases where no such diplomatic or consular representatives are available any
necessary remonstrance shall be made by senior officer present (See Article 64.10)
64.12—JOINT ACTION WITH FOREIGN FORCES
(1) The senior officer present may act in concert with foreign officers when common
interests of nationals are involved.
(2) In such cases officers may act jointly with foreign officers so far as amicable
representation is concerned, but such concert shall not be carried beyond the limits
prescribed for them in cases where Ghanaian interests alone are concerned, as prescribed
in Article 64.06 (Protection of Ghanaian Citizens).
64.13—PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS
(1) Application for the protection of citizens or subjects of a foreign nation at peace
with Ghana may be entertained when none of its ships-of-war or aircraft are present.
198
A.F.R Art. 64.16
64.13—PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS – contd.
(2) (a) The application shall be made through the diplomatic or consular authority
in the foreign country representing Ghana or any other Commonwealth
country.
(b) If no such diplomatic or consular authority is available, the senior officer
present may take the action that appears to his judgment to be necessary
within the limits prescribed in Article 64.06 (Protection of Ghanaian
Citizens).
64.14—RECOURSE TO FORCE
(1) When Ghana is at peace, unauthorized recourse to force can never be sanctioned,
except in peculiar and urgent circumstances that do not admit to the delay which
reference to superior authority entails.
(2) The justification of an officer who has recourse to force of necessity, depends
upon all the attendant circumstances. (See Article 64.06—“Protection of Ghanaian
Citizens” and Article 64.08—“Coercion of Ghanaian or other Commonwealth Merchant
Ship”.)
64.15—LANDING ARMED MEN
Subject to Article 64.06 (Protection of Ghanaian Citizens) and 64.08 (Coercion of

Ghanaian or other Commonwealth Merchant Ship), no armed force shall be landed on
foreign soil from any ship or aircraft for exercise or any other purpose, without
permission of the local authorities.
64.16—PIRATICAL ACTS AND FOREIGN INSURGENTS
(1) If any armed vessel commits piratical acts or outrages against the vessels and
goods of Ghanaian citizens or against the nationals, of any foreign nation at peace with
Ghana, the vessel shall be seized and detained by any Ghana Navy ships falling in with
her, and sent, with her Master and crew in safe custody together with the necessary
witnesses to prove the act or acts, to a port of Ghana, or a foreign nation at peace with
Ghana or the Commonwealth where there is a court of competent jurisdiction for the trial
of offences committed on the high seas, to enable them to be dealt with according to law.
(2) In the event of an attack by a ship in possession of foreign insurgents against—

(a) their own domestic government;
(b) ships-of-war of that government;
(c) merchant ships belonging to their own country; or
(d) the cities, ports or people within the territorial limits of their own nation,
Ghana Navy ships have no right to interfere, except as provided in Article 64.06
(Protection of Ghanaian Citizens), and then the operation shall be restricted to the acts
necessary to attain the precise object in view.
199
Art. 64.17 A.F.R
64.17—DEALINGS WITH FOREIGNERS
(1) In all dealings with foreigners, officers and men shall show an example of
moderation and courtesy.
(2) (a) The shall preserve a strict neutrality in all cases of civil discussion, and
shall not interfere directly or indirectly in any political question which is in agitation.
(b) In the absence of a diplomatic or consular officer representing one of the
nations of the Commonwealth, the senior officer present shall urge upon all Ghana
subjects present a like forbearance.
64.18—LEAVE IN FOREIGN PORTS
(1) The senior officer present shall not permit leave to be given to large bodies of
men in foreign ports or airports without prior permission of the local authorities.
(2) He shall not allow any measure to be taken for apprehending leave breakers
without such permission.
64.19—CONDUCT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
(1) When visits are paid to foreign ports or places, particular care shall be taken to
avoid giving any just cause of offence or dissatisfaction to the authorities or other
inhabitants.
(2) Due deference shall be shown to—
(a) the established rights;
(b) local regulations;
(c) ceremonies; and
(d) customs,
peculiar to the port or place.
(3) Officers and men shall endeavour by their correct conduct to ensure the goodwill
and respect of the authorities and other inhabitants.
64.20—FOREIGN SHIPS IN GHANAIAN AND COMMONWEALTH PORTS
When a ship-of-war or aircraft of a foreign nation at peace with Ghana visits a port (in
the Commonwealth), in which Ghana Navy ships or aircraft are present, care shall be
taken that the regulations prescribed in Article 64.21 (Relations with Foreign Officers)
are complied with according to the circumstances.
64.21—RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN OFFICERS AND MEN
(1) The senior officer present shall ensure that all officers and men under his
command show in their relation with foreign officers and men of a nation at peace with
Ghana whom they meet within any place, the attention and respect to which their rank
and condition entitle them.
200
A.F.R Art. 63.31
64.21—RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN OFFICERS AND MEN—contd.
(2) He shall also ensure that they are offered any assistance of which they stand in
need, and as officers and men of a nation at peace with Ghana may reasonably expect.
(3) Officers and men who meet foreign officers and men in any place, shall, in
addition to fulfilling all the obligations of international courtesy, be careful to avoid
causes of offence and to show a high example of deference to the regulations and
customs of the country. (See Article 64.19—“Conduct in Foreign Country”.)
64.23—ILL-TREATMENT OF GHANAIAN SEAMEN
(1) (a) If it comes to the notice of the senior officer present that a seaman who is
a Ghanaian national serving in a foreign merchant ship is being ill-treated,
he shall at once inform the consul representing Ghana or if none is
available, the consul representing another foreign nation at peace with
Ghana.
(b) If there is no such consular officer available, he shall inform the local
authorities of the circumstances.
(2) The protection afforded to Ghanaian nationals under this article may be made
available to other citizens of nations at peace with Ghana.
64.24—DISTRESSED GHANAIAN NATIONALS
(1) No person shall be received on board any Ghana Navy ship or Ghana Air Force
aircraft as a distressed Ghanaian national at a place where there is a Consular Officer
representing Ghana or a Ghanaian Trade Commissioner, (or a Consular Officer
representing one of the other nations of the Commonwealth), without a requisition from
the appropriate official. (See Articles 64.06—“Protection of Ghanaian Nationals”, and
64.09—“Refugees”.)
(2) If there is no such official present, the senior officer shall exercise his discretion
in regard to the claim of any applicant for a passage at public expense.
(3) The relief shall only be granted in cases of destitution, and in his request for
passage, the distressed person shall state fully in writing the circumstances under which
he has requested the passage.
64.31—FOREIGN SUBMARINES IN GHANAIAN WATERS
No foreign submarine of submersible vessel shall be permitted to submerge within, or

while submerged to enter, the territorial waters of Ghana.
201
Art. 64.32 A.F.R
64.32—EXERCISES BY FOREIGN SHIPS-OF-WAR IN GHANAIAN PORTS
(1) Foreign ships-of-war visiting a port or harbour in Ghana shall not carry out—
(a) torpedo practices; or
(b) gunnery practices; or
(c) mining exercises; or
(d) searchlight exercises; or
(e) exercises with armed boats; or
(f) flights in their aircraft; or
(g) hydrographic surveys; or
(h) radar exercises alongside in harbour;
without special permission of the senior naval officer present, who shall consult with the
Navy Commander.
(2) If there is no naval officer present, permission shall be sought from the senior
military officer present, or falling him, from the appropriate civil authority.
(3) Prior to granting such permission, the senior officer, the Officer Commanding the
Command, the Area Commander, or appropriate civil authority shall obtain the approval
of Naval Headquarters.
64.33—VISITS OF FOREIGN SERVICE AIRCRAFT TO GHANA
If any foreign ship-of-war proposing to visit a Ghanaian harbour or port, is accompanied

by service aircraft not carried on board, this fact together with the number and type of
aircraft shall be required to be stated in the notice of the proposed visit.
64.34—FLIGHTS OVER GHANAIAN TERRITORY BY FOREIGN SERVICE

AIRCRAFT
(1) Except where necessary on their arrival and departure with the ships-of-war they
accompany, foreign service aircraft shall not fly over the territory or territorial waters of
Ghana without the special permission of the Air Force Headquarters.
64.40—LIBERTYMEN FROM FOREIGN SHIPS-OF-WAR
(1) Captains of foreign ships-or-war at a Ghanaian port may grant leave to unarmed
men for the purpose of recreation without the prior approval of the senior officer present,
or of the local military or civil authorities.
(2) The senior officer shall arrange that such facilities as the circumstances permit are
granted to them.
202
A.F.R Art. 64.99
64.41—SHORE PATROLS FROM FOREIGN SHIPS-OF-WAR
Unarmed shore patrols from foreign ships of war may be landed in Ghanaian ports to
assist the local police in controlling their libertymen under the conditions of Article
64.42.
64.42—LANDING OF LARGE PARTIES OF FOREIGN NAVAL PERSONNEL

AT A GHANAIAN PORT
(1) With the prior approval of the Ministry, the Captains of foreign ships-of-war in
Ghanaian ports may land large numbers of men or bodies of men in military formation.
(2) When permission is granted the senior officer shall arrange that such facilities as
the circumstances permit are granted to them.
64.43—LANDING ARMED PARTIES FROM FOREIGN SHIPS-OF-WAR FOR

FUNERALS OR CEREMONIES
Armed parties may be landed from foreign ships-of-war in Ghanaian ports to take part in
funerals or public ceremonies under the conditions of Article 64.42.
64.44—WEARING OF SWORDS BY FOREIGN OFFICERS IN GHANAIAN

PORTS
Officers of foreign ships-of-war in Ghanaian ports may wear their swords ashore without
the prior permission of local naval, military or civil authorities.
203
CHAPTER 65
MILITARY FUNERALS
Section I—General Instruction
65.01—A military funeral may be accorded to an officer or man buried in the district or
garrison in which he was serving at the time of death.
65.02—MILITARY HONOURS
An officer will not be buried with military honours unless he was, at the time of his
death, holding an official military appointment. Honours will not be paid officially at the
funerals of other officers or discharge soldiers. They may however be authorized as a
special case, at the discretion of the Chief of the Defence Staff, provided that no public
expense is incurred.
65.03—SALUTES
Military funerals will be saluted as follows except where the religion of the deceased
forbids the use of firearms:
Major-General .. .. .. .. .. 13 Guns
All other officers and other ranks .. .. .. 3 Volleys small arms
The escorts will not exceed:—
Major General .. .. .. .. .. 1,500
Brigadier .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,200
Colonel .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,000
Lieutenant-Colonel in Command .. .. .. His own battalion or
equivalent
Lieutenant-Colonel (other than those in command) .. 300

Major .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200
Captain .. .. .. .. .. .. 100
Subaltern .. .. .. .. .. .. 60
Warrant Officer .. .. .. .. .. 30
Other Ranks .. .. .. .. .. .. 15
65.04—PALL-BEARERS
At the funeral of an officer, warrant officer or other rank the pall will be supported by
officers, warrant officers or servicemen of the same rank as that held by the deceased or,
if a sufficient number of that rank cannot be obtained, by such officer, warrant officers or
servicemen as the Chief of Defence Staff may wish to invite.
204
A.F.R Art. 65.07
65.05—ATTENDANCE
Subject to Article 65.02, in addition to the firing party and escort the military funeral of
an officer will be attended by the officer, that of a warrant officer by the warrant officers,
that of a sergeant by the sergeants, and that of a corporal by the corporals, of the unit to
which the deceased belonged.
Section II—The Firing Party
65.06—COMPOSITION OF FIRING PARTY
(1) A firing party consisting of one sergeant, one corporal and 12 privates, will attend
to fire volleys at the funeral of all officers below the rank of major-general and men
except that a firing party will not be provided for the funerals of deceased persons
belonging to a religion which forbids the firing of volleys at funerals. The firing party
must not be confused with the escort under Article 65.03 above, and the special party
under Article 65.05.
(2) A firing party will not attend, as such, on the occasion of the funeral of a major-
general, its place being taken by a leading detachment from the escort (see Article 65.03
of a strength of 1 sergeant, 1 corporal and 12 privates).
(3) In marching in slow time arms will be carried at the Reverse, in quick time at the
Trial.
(4) During the march, arms may be changed, but the party will not march at ease.
65.07—THE BEARER PARTY
(1) The bearer party will consist of an officer, warrant officer or NCO in charge and
eight bearers, the rank of whom will depend upon the rank or status of the deceased.
The commander will see that the flag, head-dress, side-arms and wreaths are properly
arranged on, and tied to, the coffin to prevent them from falling.
(2) In the case of funerals of senior officers, the coffin should be carried by senior
warrant officers or Non-Commissioned Officers.
Notes: (a) Bearers are the personnel who carry the coffin and must not be
confused with pall-bearers, as laid down in Article 65.04.
(b) Wreaths not on the coffin will be carried immediately in the rear of
it. Wreaths which cannot be carried on foot will follow the rear
escort in a vehicle.
205
Art. 65.08 A.F.R
65.08—ORDER OF FORMING UP
(1) The firing party or leading detachment will be drawn up two deep, with sloped
arms, one pace interval between files, facing the building where the body is placed. The
corporal will be on that flank of the front rank towards which the procession will move.
The sergeant will give all words of command and be posted in rear of the centre. As soon
as the body is brought out of the building by the bearers, the sergeant in charge of the
firing party or leading detachment will give the command “PRESENT ARMS”. When
the coffin has been placed on the gun carriage or in the hearse and the cortège is ready to
move off, he will be attended by the company, etc. (officers included) to which he
belonged.
When attending service funerals and associated memorial services held on the same day,
officers and warrant officers will wear a mourning band of black crepe or black cloth, 3½
inch wide, half-way between the left elbow and shoulder.
An officer or warrant officer in private mourning may, when in uniform, wear a

mourning band as described above. A Non-Commissioned Officer or man may similarly,
whether in private mourning or at a military funeral, wear a mourning band of black
material should he wish to do so.
(2) Provided that it is the wish of the next of kin, a service representative may attend,
at public expense, the privately arranged funeral in Ghana of an officer or man. Subject
to the exigencies of the Service, the service representative will be from the unit in which
the deceased was serving at the time of his death. Whenever possible the service
representative will accompany the coffin to the home of the deceased.
(3) The colours of units forming part of the escort will be carried irrespective of
whether the escort is wholly included in the procession or is partially employed in lining
the route. No compliments, however, will be paid them by any units, parties or
individuals, whether military or civil, parading on account of the military funeral until
such units, parties or individuals shall have ceased to be in charge of or in attendance
upon the coffin containing the remains of the deceased, to which alone the usual
compliments will be paid.
(4) At funerals where troops are detailed to line the route, they will be required to
“Present Arms” to the funeral procession first and “Reverse Arms” before again “Resting
on their Arms Reversed”. They will normally “Present Arms” as the head of the funeral
party approaches them, and “Rest on their Arms Reversed” as the firing party
approaches.
(5) At funerals of senior officers the arrangements will be made by the Ministry of
Defence. If after the detailing of certain part of the escorts to line the route, a large
portion is still available the escort will march by companies, in threes at the head of the
procession, and in front of the band and drums. In such cases arrangements will be laid
down by the Ministry of Defence for the disposal of the escort on arrival at the cemetery.
206
A.F.R Art. 65.09
65.08—ORDER OF FORMING UP—contd.
(6) Officers attending funerals as mourners will not draw swords, and with other
ranks (except the firing party) will march in order of seniority from front to rear.
(7) Officers wearing swords and on duty with troops will draw swords, but will return
swords before reaching the actual place of burial.
(8) After the burial the flag will be full-masted to denote the end of military
mourning. Mourning bands will be removed by personnel after return to barracks.
Note:—When the time and standard of training do not allow the full detail to be taught, a
simplified drill will be observed order “Reverse Arms….Right (or Left) Turn, (the
corporal taking up his place two paces in front and midway between the ranks)
Slow March”.
(9) The military mourners, band and drummers, with drums muffled, will have
formed up in two ranks facing inward, with two paces interval between men and eight
spaces distance between ranks; the firing party or leading detachment and the remainder
of the leading portion of the procession will pass between the ranks.
Section III—The Procession
65.09—MOVEMENT OF PROCESSION
The procession will then move off in the following order:--

(a) Escort
(b) Firing party (when detailed) or leading detachment
(c) Band and drums
(d) Body on gun carriage or vehicle Pall-bearers
Bearers See Note (b) below
(e) Insignia bearers (who should be nominated by the family of the deceased,
and will normally be Officers)
(f) The chief mourners (see Note (c))
(g) The President’s special representative when the President is represented
(h) Mourners in uniform in order of seniority, the senior leading
(i) Mourners not in uniform
(j) Rear detachment
(k) Motor-cars or other vehicles, unless directed by separate route.
Notes—(a) All ranks on the active list, and officers not on the active list who are in
possession of uniform, will wear uniform when taking part in the
procession on occasions when military honours are accorded at the funeral
of an officer or man.
207
Art. 65.09 A.F.R
65.09—MOVEMENT OF PROCESSION—contd.
(b) The bearers will march on either side of the next to the gun carriage or
vehicle, except when pall-bearers are present, in which case the pall-
bearers will march immediately on either side of the gun carriage or
vehicle, and the bearers on the outer flanks at two paces interval. The
position of the pall-bearers will be in order of seniority alternately on
either side of the coffin, the senior being in rear on the right-hand side, the
next senior in rear on the left-hand side, and so on.
(c) Should the mourners, for any reason, not be able to walk in the procession
they will proceed by car by a separate route.
Section IV—Procedure at Funerals
65.10—PROCEDURE ON ARRIVAL AT THE PLACE OF INTERMENT
(1) When the head of the procession arrives near the ground where it is to meet the
officiating minister, and before the sergeant in charge of the firing party or leading
detachment give the command “Halt” the ranks of the firing party or detachment at the
head of the procession, and the band and drums, will open out to six paces distance, and
will halt at the command of the sergeant in charge of the firing party or leading
detachment. The order “Inwards Turn….Rest on Your Arms Reversed” will then be
given.
(2) The coffin will then be moved by the bearers and carried feet and foremost to the
place of interment (or to the chapel if desired). It will be placed in position on wooden
bearers immediately over the grave. Members of the deceased’s religion will take the
body from the bearers at the entrance to the cemetery where this is dictated by religious
custom.
(3) The order of the procession will now be: officiating minister, body with pall-
bearers and bearers (the former walking behind the body should the path be too narrow to
admit of their remaining in their correct positions) mourners, band and drums, firing
party. Should the band be required to take part in the service, they and the drums, may
precede the body to the grave in quick time, in which case they will not open out and halt
as detailed in Article 65.10 (1).
(4) The mourners will then file around the grave, halt and turn inwards without word
of command. The firing party will follow the mourners and will be halted near the grave
under the orders of the sergeant in charge, who will give the following commands:
“Attention….Reverse Arms….Ranks, Right and Left Turn….Slow
March….Halt….Left Turn….Rest on Your Arms Reversed”.
(5) The leading detachment (if present) will be halted at some convenient prearranged
position at the graveside.
208
A.F.R Art. 65.11
65.11—PROCEDURE DURING THE SERVICE
(1) During the service at the graveside (except when actual burial takes place in a
sacred building) the headdress of those attending in uniform will not be removed except
that of the bearers when actually carrying the coffin.
Note—The headdress of bearers will be carried by a Non-Commissioned Officer or by

drummers to be specially detailed.
(2) As soon as the chief mourners are in position and the officiating chaplain is ready
to begin the burial service the bearers will raise the coffin from the wooden bearer and
lower it into the grave, having first removed the flag, headdress, sidearms, wreaths, etc.,
from the coffin.
Once the coffin has been lowered the bearers will move from the graveside and replace
their head-dress.
(3) At the conclusion of the service, if volleys are to be fired the sergeant will
order:—
“Firing Party, Present Arms….Slope Arms”.
“Firing Party, Volleys with Blank Cartridges,
Load….Present….Fire”.
(Two more volleys will be similarly fired).
“Unload”
“Order Arms”
“Fix Bayonets”
“Slope Arms”
“Present Arms”
If no volley is fired the sergeant will order:
“Detachment Present Arms”

“Slope Arms”
“Order Arms”
“Fix Bayonets”
“Slope Arms”
“Present Arms
(4) The trumpeters or buglers will then sound the Last Post—a short interval—
then the Rouse. During the sounding of these calls all troops under arms (except the
firing party or detachment) will stand at attention. Officers will remain at the salute
during the Last Post and Rouse. The Last Post and Rouse will not be sounded at the
funeral of a person whose religion forbids the playing of trumpets or bugles at a funeral.
(5) The firing party or detachment will slope arms, the command being given
immediately after the sounding of the Rouse has ceased.
209
Art. 65.12 A.F.R
65.12—PROCEDURE FOR DISPERSAL
(1) The band and drums will be formed up ready for moving off. The sergeant in
charge of the firing party or leading detachment will now give the commands:
“Form Threes, Right, Quick March”.
(2) The band and drums will lead, followed by the firing party and military mourners,
who will form threes without word of command as they march off. The band will not
play, nor the drums beat, until the part is entirely clear of the burial ground.
(3) Bayonets will be unfixed at the earliest opportunity after leaving the place of
burial.
65.13—PROCEDURE FOR THE FIRING OF VOLLEYS
(1) The procedure by the firing party for firing the three volleys will be as follows:--
(a) “Volleys (with Blank Cartridges)—Load”. Adopt the loading position;
load—the muzzles of the riffles to inclined upwards so as to clear the
heads of the men in front.
(b) “Present”—Rifles will be brought to the position for firing but at an angle
of 135 degrees. Heads to be kept perfectly still and no attempt made to
aim.
(c) “Fire”—Each man will at once press the trigger, remaining at the Present
until the command “Reload” or “Unload” is given.
(d) Two more volleys will be similarly fired.
65.14—PROCEDURE FOR CARRYING THE COFFIN

(1) The coffin will always be carried first and foremost and normally the bearers will
work on the word of command of the officer, warrant officer or Non-Commissioned
Officer in charge of the bearer party. Words of command will be given in a quiet low
tone, e.g., “Prepare to Lift—Lift…Slow March…Halt…Prepare to Lower—Lower”.
These movements cannot be controlled by signal and should always be ordered by word
of command.
(2) When in the lift position the bearer party should be evenly spaced four on each
side of the coffin, their arms crossed and around each others shoulders, the coffin resting
on the shoulder with the face close to the side of the coffin itself. The head-dress of the
bearers will be carried by a Non-Commissioned Officer or by drummers to be specially
detailed. The bearers will step off with the inside foot to avoid undue rocking of the
coffin.
(3) The Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the bearer party will march two
paces in the rear and in the centre of the bearer party.
65.15 TO 65.99 NOT ALLOCATED
210
CHAPTERS 66 TO 100 INCLUSIVE: NOT ALLOCATED.

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ARMED FORCES REGULATIONS

2 Government and Organizations.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2.01–2.99

3 Rank, Seniority, Command and Precedence

4 Officers’ Duties and Responsibilities

5 Duties, Responsibilities and Privileges of Men .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.01–5.99

6 Enrolment and Re-engagement

7 Officers’ Appointments .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7.01–7.99

11 Promotion, Reversion and Compulsory Remustering

13 Promotion of Officers on Branch List

14 Advancement and Promotion of Men 14.01–14.99

16 Leave and Pass

17 Dress and Appearance

19 Conduct and Discipline

21 Summary Investigations and Boards of Inquiry

22 Provost Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22.01–22.99

24 Casualties and Funerals

25 Service Estates and Personal Belongings

26 Personal Records and Documents

27 Messing, Institutes, Canteens and Cabins

28 Allotment and Occupation of Quarters

29 Works and Buildings

30 Fire Prevention Services.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30.01–30.99

31 Employment of the Armed Forces in a National Disaster .. .. 31.01–31.99

33 Chaplain Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 33.01–33.99

38 Liability for Public and Non Public Property.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38.01–38.99

39–49 (Not Allocated)

50 Physical and Recreational Training .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50.01–50.99

51–52 (Not Allocated)

55–56 (Not Allocated)

57 Correspondence, Books Publication and Mails

59–61 (Not Allocated)

62 Flying of Flags .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62.01–62.99

63 Honours and Salutes

64 International Relation.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 64.01–64.99

66–99 (Not Allocated)

IN exercise of the powers conferred on the Armed Forces Council by Article

INTRODUCTION AND INTERPRETATIONS

(a) These Regulations may be cited as Armed Forces Regulations

(v) “air force” means the Air Force of Ghana;

(vii) “Army” means the Army of Ghana;

(viii) “attachment” means—

(b) the temporary assignment of a person within his parent service to a

(xiii) “classification” means—

(xvi) “Commanding officer” means—

(xxi) “detachment” means personnel engaged on detached duty;

(xxii) “detachment barracks” means a place designated as such by the Chief of

(xxv) “emergency” means war, invasion, riot or insurrection, real or apprehended;

(xxvi) “establishment” means—

(xxx) “fleet establishment” means a naval establishment commissioned by order of the

(xxxi) “formation” means a number of stations or units including a headquarters,

(xxxiii) “institute” means a mess, canteen or institution maintained or operated by a unit,

(xxxvii) “Ministry” means the Ministry of Defence;

(xxxviii) “navy” means the Navy of Ghana;

(xxxix) “navy division” means a fleet establishment organized as a training and

(xl) “naval establishment” means offices, quarters, barracks, dockyard, victualling

(xliii) “non-commissioned officer” means—

(b) petty officer class I & II, leading seaman;