Overview of Ghana's Salary Landscape
Ghana's salary structure reflects a diverse economy driven by gold mining, oil production, cocoa farming, and a growing services sector. The national minimum wage stands at GHS 14.88 per day (approximately GHS 387.76 per month) as of 2023, established under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). However, professional salaries vary significantly across sectors and experience levels.
Salaries in Ghana are typically quoted in Ghana Cedis (GHS) monthly, with many multinational companies also offering USD-denominated packages to attract top talent. The cost of living varies considerably between Accra, Kumasi, and rural areas, directly impacting salary expectations.
Banking and Financial Services
Entry Level (0-2 years)
- Banking Officer: GHS 2,500 - 4,000
- Credit Analyst: GHS 3,000 - 4,500
- Customer Service Representative: GHS 1,800 - 2,800
- Accountant: GHS 2,800 - 4,200
Mid-Level (3-7 years)
- Branch Manager: GHS 8,000 - 15,000
- Senior Credit Officer: GHS 6,000 - 10,000
- Financial Analyst: GHS 5,500 - 8,500
- Audit Manager: GHS 7,000 - 12,000
Senior Level (8+ years)
- Regional Manager: GHS 18,000 - 30,000
- Head of Operations: GHS 25,000 - 45,000
- Chief Financial Officer: GHS 35,000 - 60,000
Mining and Natural Resources
Ghana's mining sector, particularly gold mining, offers some of the highest salaries in the country. Major companies like Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, and Goldfields provide competitive packages often including housing allowances and international benefits.
Entry Level
- Mining Engineer (Graduate): GHS 4,500 - 7,000
- Geologist: GHS 4,000 - 6,500
- Safety Officer: GHS 3,500 - 5,500
- Laboratory Technician: GHS 2,200 - 3,800
Mid-Level
- Senior Mining Engineer: GHS 12,000 - 20,000
- Mine Manager: GHS 18,000 - 30,000
- Environmental Manager: GHS 10,000 - 16,000
- Metallurgist: GHS 9,000 - 15,000
Senior Level
- General Manager: GHS 40,000 - 80,000
- Chief Operating Officer: GHS 60,000 - 120,000
Oil and Gas Sector
Ghana's oil industry, centered around the Jubilee and TEN fields, offers premium salaries, particularly for technical roles. Many positions include rotational schedules and offshore allowances.
Technical Positions
- Petroleum Engineer (Entry): GHS 6,000 - 10,000
- Senior Petroleum Engineer: GHS 15,000 - 25,000
- Drilling Engineer: GHS 12,000 - 22,000
- Production Supervisor: GHS 18,000 - 30,000
- Operations Manager: GHS 35,000 - 55,000
Information Technology
Ghana's growing tech sector, supported by initiatives like the Ghana Technology University College and various tech hubs in Accra, shows strong salary growth.
Development and Programming
- Junior Developer: GHS 2,500 - 4,500
- Software Developer (Mid-level): GHS 5,000 - 9,000
- Senior Developer: GHS 8,000 - 15,000
- Technical Lead: GHS 12,000 - 20,000
Other IT Roles
- System Administrator: GHS 3,500 - 7,000
- IT Project Manager: GHS 8,000 - 14,000
- Cybersecurity Specialist: GHS 7,000 - 13,000
- Data Analyst: GHS 4,500 - 8,500
Healthcare Sector
Healthcare salaries in Ghana vary significantly between public and private sectors, with private hospitals and international NGOs typically offering higher compensation.
Medical Professionals
- Medical Officer (Public): GHS 3,500 - 6,000
- Medical Officer (Private): GHS 6,000 - 12,000
- Specialist Doctor: GHS 12,000 - 25,000
- Consultant: GHS 20,000 - 40,000
Nursing and Allied Health
- Staff Nurse: GHS 1,800 - 3,500
- Senior Nurse: GHS 3,000 - 5,500
- Pharmacist: GHS 4,000 - 8,000
- Medical Laboratory Scientist: GHS 2,800 - 5,200
Education Sector
Primary and Secondary Education
- Teacher (Public School): GHS 1,200 - 2,500
- Teacher (Private School): GHS 1,800 - 4,000
- Headmaster/Principal: GHS 3,500 - 8,000
Higher Education
- Lecturer: GHS 4,000 - 8,000
- Senior Lecturer: GHS 6,000 - 12,000
- Professor: GHS 10,000 - 18,000
Manufacturing and FMCG
Ghana's manufacturing sector includes textiles, food processing, and consumer goods, with companies like Unilever, Nestlé, and Fan Milk offering competitive packages.
Operations and Production
- Production Supervisor: GHS 3,500 - 6,500
- Quality Control Manager: GHS 6,000 - 11,000
- Plant Manager: GHS 15,000 - 28,000
Sales and Marketing
- Sales Representative: GHS 2,200 - 4,000
- Brand Manager: GHS 8,000 - 15,000
- Sales Manager: GHS 10,000 - 18,000
Legal and Professional Services
- Junior Lawyer: GHS 3,000 - 6,000
- Senior Associate: GHS 8,000 - 15,000
- Partner: GHS 20,000 - 50,000
- Management Consultant: GHS 6,000 - 20,000
Factors Affecting Salaries
Geographic Location
Salaries in Accra are typically 20-40% higher than in Kumasi or Tamale, reflecting higher living costs and business concentration in the capital.
Company Type
- Multinational corporations: 30-50% premium over local companies
- International NGOs: Often offer tax-free salaries and benefits
- Government positions: Lower base salaries but greater job security
Benefits and Allowances
Many employers provide additional benefits including housing allowances (20-40% of basic salary), transport allowances, medical insurance, and 13th-month bonuses. Some mining and oil companies offer international standard packages with home leave allowances and children's education support.
Note: Salary figures are approximate and based on available market data. Actual salaries may vary based on individual qualifications, company policies, and market conditions. Some specific figures marked "to be verified" require additional market research for precise validation.