Minimum Wage in Ghana: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Ghana?

As of January 1, 2026, Ghana’s national daily minimum wage was increased to GH₵21.77, up from GH₵19.97 in 2025. This represents an increase of approximately 9% year over year.

At this rate, a full-time employee earning the minimum wage would make about GH₵653.10 per month, assuming 30 working days. In USD terms, this is roughly USD $1.80–$2.00 per day, depending on prevailing exchange rates.

While this adjustment improves nominal earnings, the minimum wage in Ghana remains low compared to international standards and local living cost estimates, particularly in urban areas.

Minimum Wage in Ghana Based on Region

Ghana does not have regional variations for its minimum wage. The wage applies uniformly across the country. The current daily minimum wage of GH₵21.77 is applicable across all regions.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

Average Minimum Wage: The average wage in Ghana represents the mean earnings across sectors and is generally significantly higher than the statutory minimum, particularly in urban areas where the cost of living is higher. Workers in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, energy, and professional services typically earn well above the national minimum wage due to higher skill requirements and stronger labor demand.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: A reasonable wage is not legally defined but reflects what is considered fair compensation to meet basic living expenses, including food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education. In Ghana, this amount varies by location and occupation, but estimates commonly place a reasonable daily wage at GH₵60–100 or more, especially in cities. Industries like IT, engineering, and specialized services often pay at or above this level due to skill scarcity.

Typical Minimum Wage: The typical minimum wage refers to the statutory floor set by law. As of 2026, Ghana’s national daily minimum wage is GH₵21.77 per day. Employers in sectors with lower margins or less demand for skilled labor (such as agriculture, hospitality, retail, and informal services) are more likely to pay wages close to this minimum.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Ghana?

The minimum wage in Ghana applies to most workers, but there are some nuances based on the worker type, industry, and employment status.

Full-Time Employee Wages

For full-time employees in Ghana, the national minimum wage is GH₵21.77 per day as of 2026. This rate applies across most industries unless sector-specific collective agreements or company policies mandate higher compensation.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees in Ghana are entitled to receive at least the national minimum wage on a prorated basis, according to the number of hours or days they work. As of 2026, this minimum wage is GH₵21.77 per day. Employees who work fewer than standard full-time hours or fewer than 30 days per month must still be compensated proportionally, ensuring their pay is no less than the equivalent minimum wage for time worked.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees in Ghana may or may not be entitled to the minimum wage, depending on the nature of their internship. Many internships, especially in the public sector or educational programs, may be unpaid. However, paid internships in private sector companies are required to comply with the national minimum wage laws.

Expats

Expatriates working in Ghana are generally not exempt from minimum wage laws. Expatriates must earn at least the national minimum wage unless their contracts specify otherwise, and many expatriates earn significantly higher wages, particularly in managerial, technical, and consulting roles.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Ghana

While Ghana’s statutory minimum wage sets a legal pay floor, top-paying and highly skilled roles earn significantly more, reflecting experience, education, and sector demand. In 2026, professionals in leadership, technology, healthcare, and law typically receive compensation far above the national minimum wage, particularly in private-sector and urban roles.

Senior Manager: Industries such as finance, oil and gas, FMCG, and technology commonly earn between GH₵9,000 and GH₵15,000 per month, with higher compensation packages often including bonuses and allowances. These earnings are substantially above the statutory minimum wage and reflect senior responsibility and decision-making authority.

IT Specialist: Continue to command strong wages in Ghana due to skills shortages. Entry- to mid-level IT specialists typically earn from GH₵3,500 per month, while senior roles such as IT Managers or IT Directors can earn up to GH₵13,000–15,000 per month, depending on specialization and company size.

Doctors and Lawyers: Experienced doctors and lawyers earn some of the highest professional wages in the country. Monthly earnings generally range from GH₵6,500 to GH₵25,000 or more, particularly for specialists, private practitioners, or professionals working with international organizations.

Teachers (Public Sector): Public sector teachers typically earn between GH₵1,800 and GH₵3,000 per month in 2026. Salaries vary based on qualification level, years of experience, and rank, and while they exceed the statutory minimum wage, they remain modest relative to the cost of living in major cities.