Ghana is a peaceful country blessed with hospitable people. This is one of the many reasons why ex-pats love working in Ghana. Are you considering working in Ghana? Then you must be searching for what the average salary in Ghana is.
Well, you’re in for luck; you’ll soon discover the average salary in Ghana. In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of the average salaries in Ghana based on different professions.
So, read on.
What You Should Know About Working in Ghana
Ghana is a West African country harboring 32,588,885 people. It has a robust economy and ranks among the fastest-growing economies in Sub-saharan Africa. The abundance of natural resources means that it has a thriving mining industry. Other major sectors in the country are the service, tourism, and agricultural sectors.
The country is popular for its homely people and peaceful environs. According to the Global Peace Index, Ghana is the most peaceful country in West Africa and the 2nd most peaceful country in Sub-saharan Africa.
So, if tranquillity spurs creativity and productivity in you, you’ll find the work environment in Ghana favorable.
Yet, if you’re going to make the most out of working in Ghana, you should know these key facts about working in Ghana.
1. Hierarchy Is of Utmost Importance
Ghana’s social structure is hierarchical, and this permeates the workplace. Thus, you’ll have to address higher-ups and elders with respect. This could take the simple form of adding “sir” or “ma” to their surname. However, it is important to find out how they’d love to be addressed and stick to that.
Also, Ghanaians love it when they’re addressed by their academic or professional titles. They see it as a mark of respect and honor. So while addressing your colleagues, ensure you add their respective titles to their surnames.
2. Work and Personal Life Are Almost Inseparable
Don’t be surprised when your colleagues ask about your family on your first day at work. Culturally, Ghanaians always exchange greetings and inquire about family before getting to business. They consider this to be rudimentary and proper.
Hence, they’ll frown upon any attempt to start business conversations when you’ve not asked after their families.
This might be discomforting at first. However, it’d help you get to know your colleagues better. Plus, you’ll build a rapport that’ll strengthen your work relationships.
3. Ghanaians Value Dignity
Ghanaians believe that family shares any loss of dignity or honor. Hence, they dread any act that’d cost them their dignity. This is why their conversations are indirect. While working in Ghana, refrain from actions or words that’d cause a colleague to “lose face.”
4. Well, Time’s a Factor
Punctuality is a virtue everyone appreciates. Yet, in Ghana, business meetings might not start or end as scheduled. So, if you’re used to rigid schedules, you’d have to learn to be flexible with time while working in Ghana.
Now you’ve learned some vital facts about working in Ghana. However, this is not an exhaustive list. You’d learn more about the work environment while working in Ghana.
Average Salaries in Ghana
The average yearly salary in Ghana is 60,800 GHC. However, the paycheck you’d earn while working in Ghana will depend on factors. For instance, employees in the public sector earn an average salary of 8% more than their private sector counterparts.
Other factors determining your salary in Ghana are your academic qualifications, years of experience, and career.
Here is a detailed list of the yearly average salaries in Ghana based on different professions.
| Professions | Average Salary in Ghana |
| Accounting Manager | 90,500 GHC |
| Pilot | 102,000 GHS |
| Bank Branch Manager | 106,000 GHC |
| Teacher | 46,200 GHC |
| Engineer | 52,200 GHC |
| Chef | 37,500 GHC |
| Nurse | 44,700 GHC |
| Human Resource Manager | 90,500 GHC |
| Information Technology Manager | 97,100 GHC |
| Programmer | 54,500 GHC |
| Journalist | 67,300 GHC |
| Pharmacist | 72,800 GHC |
| Doctor | 142,800 GHC |
| Agronomist | 74,700 GHC |
| Attorney | 116,000 GHC |
| Real Estate Analyst | 65,700 GHC |
| Graphic Designer | 36,000 GHC |
| Architect | 70,300 GHC |
| Dentist | 141,000 GHC |
You’d Enjoy Working in Ghana!
The environment is peaceful and Ghanaians will make you a part of their community so you’d feel at home. All that’s left is for you to decide if the average salary suits your lifestyle. If it does, then get ready to catch a flight to Ghana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Ghana
How Are Salaries Taxed in Ghana?
Employees in Ghana pay tax through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme. This is a tax charged monthly on all the earned income of an employee. It is calculated based on the graduated individual tax rates and deducted from your salary by your employee.
However, before your employee calculates the PAYE tax, the following items are deducted from your income.
- Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) – 5.5% of basic salary.
- Mortgage Interest is paid on only one residential premise of the employee’s lifetime.
- Provident fund up to 16.5% of your basic salary, either paid by the employer or employee or both.
- Contributions and donations to a worthwhile cause.
Your employee is mandated to remit the tax on your behalf to Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The remittance should be made on or before the fifteenth day of the next month in which the deduction was made.
What Is the Cost of Living in Ghana?
The cost of living in Ghana is relatively low when compared to other countries. It is 1.61 less expensive than the world average.
As an individual living in Ghana, 5,875.90 GHC will comfortably cover monthly costs, including rent. However, if you already have a place to stay, you’d spend an average of 3,994.17 GHC.
With a family of 4, you’d need 16,444.42 GHC to rent an apartment and cover other monthly costs. But, if you’ve settled the issue of housing, 14,329.85 GHC will be enough.
What Is Required to Work in Ghana?
As a foreigner, you’d need to obtain an entry visa, residence permit, and work permit to live and work in Ghana. As a rule of thumb, you must have gained employment in Ghana before applying for the required permits.
This is because your employment letter will be among the documents your employer needs to provide while applying for your work permit. Also, you’ll be required to present it while applying for a residence permit.
However, if you’re a citizen of a nation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), there’d be no need to obtain an entry visa or any other permits.
What Is the Best City to Live in Ghana?
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is the best city to live in Ghana. It ranks 9th as the wealthiest city in Africa and is known for its numerous attractions.
Asides from Accra, here are other nice cities in Ghana you might consider living in.
- Tema
- Kumasi
- Ashaiman
- Koforidua
- Cape Coast
Which Language Do Ghanaians Speak?
Ghana is a diverse country with more than a hundred ethnic groups. This goes to show that there are several languages spoken in Ghana. However, English is the official language used in official and formal settings.
Is Ghana Safe?
As of 2022, Ghana registered a moderate crime index of 46.81. This is deemed to be safe. Although the crime rate is not high, it’d be helpful to be security conscious while living in Ghana.
