The regiment was formed in 1879 as the Gold Coast Constabulary, from personnel of the Hausa Constabulary of Southern Nigeria, to perform internal security and police duties in the British colony of the Gold Coast.

The regiment raised a total of five battalions for service during the First World War, all of which served during the East Africa campaign.

During the Second World War, the regiment raised nine battalions, and saw action in Kenya's Northern Frontier District, Italian Somaliland, Abyssinia and Burma as part of the 82nd West African Division, the 24th Gold Coast Brigade,[2] and the 2nd (West Africa) Infantry Brigade.

As the army's main force, it is responsible for Ghanaian internal security and defence.

[1] The Ghana Regiment follows the British Army closely in kit, traditions and training, and are generally well-regarded by their Western European and North American peers whilst on UN deployments and joint-operations.