Are you planning to apply for the Ghana Prison Service this year? This simple guide explains all the requirements you need to meet before buying the forms or starting your application. The information covers both Senior Officer and Junior Officer categories.

1. General Requirements for Senior Officer Applicants

To apply as a Senior Officer, you must:

• Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth with no criminal record.
• Be between 18 and 35 years by 1st November 2025.
• Be computer literate.
• Be physically and medically fit.
• Have completed National Service.
• Not be bonded by any company or organisation.
• Not have been dismissed from any job or public service.
• Have a minimum height of 1.68m (5ft 6in) for males and 1.57m (5ft 2in) for females.
• Have an active email and mobile phone number.
• Be ready for paramilitary and physical training.

Medical professionals must have one year post-housemanship experience.

2. Senior Officer Categories & Their Requirements

A. General Duty (Graduates)

• You must hold at least a first degree, Second-Class Lower or better.
• One year working experience is an advantage.

B. Agriculture

Degree holders in:

• Animal Science
• Crop Science
• Agribusiness
• Soil Science
• General Agric
• Post-Harvest Technology
• Agric Economics
  …and other related fields.

Must have at least one year working experience.

C. Education

Degree in:

• Basic Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Guidance & Counselling

• One year work experience.

D. Legal Officers

• Must have LLB/BL, be called to the Bar, and have one year post-qualification experience.

E. Medical Officers

Includes:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Medical Lab Technologists
• Physician Assistants
• Radiographers
• Dieticians/Nutritionists
• Mental Health Nurses
  …and more.

All must be registered with their professional council and have one year experience.

SEE ALSO: Ghana Police Service Recruitment Requirements – 2025

F. Creative Arts & Culture

Degree holders in:

• Theatre Arts
• Music
• Drama
  …and related fields, plus one year experience.

G. Procurement & Supply Chain

• A first degree in Procurement/Supply Chain Management with work experience.

H. Public Affairs / Communications

Degree or diploma in:

• Communication Studies
• Public Relations
• Journalism
  Experience is an added advantage.

I. Statisticians

• First degree in Statistics or Mathematics with one year experience.

J. Technical Officers

Degree in:

• Electrical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Technology
• Building Technology
• Land Surveying
  …and others with work experience.

K. Religious Affairs

• Chaplains: Degree in Theology and endorsement from a recognized Christian body.
• Imams: Degree in Islamic Studies with an excellent Arabic background.

3. General Requirements for Junior Officer Applicants

To apply as a Junior Officer, you must:

• Be a Ghanaian.
• Be of good character with no criminal record.
• Be between 18 and 32 years (35 years for tradesmen/artisans).
• Have BECE with at least five passes.
• Be physically and medically fit.
• Minimum height: 1.68m (males) and 1.57m (females).
• Be able to read and write English.
• Not be bonded or dismissed from any job.
• Have an active email and phone number.
• Be ready for Prisons training.

Medical applicants must be registered with their professional councils.

4. Junior Officer Categories & Requirements

A. General Duties

• SSSCE/WASSCE with at least five passes.

B. Medical

Diploma or certificate holders in:

• General Nursing
• Midwifery
• Mental Health
• Public Health
• Pharmacy Technician
• Dental Assistants
• Anesthesia
  …and others.

Minimum one year practical experience required.

C. Agriculture

• HND/Diploma/Certificate in General Agric, Vet/Animal Health, Horticulture, etc.
• Tractor operators must have a valid certificate and one year experience.

D. Tradesmen

Fields include:

• Electricians
• Masons
• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Welders
• Drivers
• Refrigeration Technicians
• Builders
  …and more.

Must have NVTI/Trade Test/COTVET Certificates with one year experience.

E. Operations

• Weapon mechanics
• Music (Dance Band/Regimental Band) with ABRSM Grade 4.

F. Catering

• NVTI Grade I, Trade Test II, COTVET Certificate II, or City & Guilds in Catering/Hospitality.

G. IT/Communication

Certificates or diplomas in:

• Networking
• Database Administration
• Web Design
• Radio/Telecom Technology
• Hardware Repairs
  …and more.

H. Public Relations (PR)

Fields include:

• Photography
• Videography
• Graphic Design
• Sound Tech
• Editing
  With at least one year experience.

I. Sports

Ages 18–25 years only.
Sports include:

• Football
• Boxing
• Athletics
• Taekwondo
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Table Tennis
• Arm Wrestling
  …and others.

Final Words

The Ghana Prison Service offers opportunities for both degree holders and SHS/BECE graduates. Before you apply, make sure you meet the age, height, and educational requirements for your category.

If you prepare well and follow the instructions, you stand a good chance of being selected.