Minimum Wage in Ghana: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Ghana?

As of March 1, 2025, Ghana's national daily minimum wage has been increased to GH₵ 19.97, representing a 10% rise from the 2024 rate of GH₵18.15.

This adjustment translates to approximately GH₵599.10 per month for a full-time employee working 30 days a month. In USD terms, this equates to about $1.28 per day, based on the current exchange rate. This highlights the relatively low wage compared to international standards.

Minimum Wage in Ghana Based on Region

Ghana does not have regional variations for its minimum wage. The wage applies uniformly across the country. Therefore, no regional minimum wage table is needed. The current daily minimum wage of GH₵ 19.97 is applicable across all regions.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

Average Minimum Wage: This is the mean wage paid to workers across industries. In Ghana, the average wage is often higher than the statutory minimum in urban areas such as Accra, where the cost of living is higher. Workers in sectors like finance and telecommunications tend to earn above the average minimum wage.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: This wage is often influenced by the industry standards and is considered a fair amount that allows workers to meet basic living expenses. For example, wages in construction or manufacturing might fall closer to the national minimum wage, while others, like IT, may offer a higher reasonable wage due to specialized skills.

Typical Minimum Wage: The typical minimum wage reflects the statutory minimum required by law, which in Ghana is GH₵ 19.97 per day. Employers in sectors with lower competition for skilled labor, such as agriculture or hospitality, are more likely to adhere closely to this rate.

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, the current minimum wage is GH₵ 19.97 per day. This wage is applicable across most industries unless there are sector-specific agreements that mandate higher compensation.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees in Ghana are entitled to the minimum wage based on the number of hours they work. If they work fewer than 30 days or hours per month, their compensation is calculated proportionally. However, the GH₵ 19.97 per day rate still applies on a prorated basis.

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

Senior Manager: Senior managers in industries such as finance, oil and gas, or technology often earn GH₵ 5,000 to GH₵ 7,000 per month, far above the statutory minimum wage.

IT Specialist: IT professionals in Ghana can expect monthly salaries starting at GH₵ 3,000 depending on their expertise, which is significantly above the minimum wage.

Doctors and Lawyers: Experienced doctors and lawyers can earn between GH₵ 4,000 and GH₵ 10,000 per month, which reflects their qualifications and the highly skilled nature of their work.

Teachers (Public Sector): Public sector teachers typically earn between GH₵ 1,500 and GH₵ 2,500 monthly, which is above the statutory minimum but varies depending on experience and level of education.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Ghana

Industry-Specific Variations: Minimum wage laws in Ghana are set at the national level, but certain industries, like mining, oil and gas, and telecommunications, tend to offer wages significantly higher than the national minimum due to the competitive nature of these sectors and the demand for specialized skills. On the other hand, industries such as agriculture or hospitality may offer wages closer to the statutory minimum due to lower skill requirements and less competition for labor.

Economic Conditions: Economic conditions in Ghana, including inflation rates and employment levels, directly influence the minimum wage. When inflation rises, workers may struggle with the cost of living, putting pressure on the government to adjust the minimum wage. For example, a period of high inflation in Ghana led to the adjustment of the daily minimum wage to ensure workers' purchasing power is maintained.

Government Policies and Legislation: The government of Ghana regularly reviews minimum wage laws, and adjustments are made based on economic performance and political priorities. The Minimum Wage Commission in Ghana is responsible for determining any changes to the national wage, with decisions typically made after extensive consultations between government representatives, labor unions, and employer organizations.

Tax Implications of Minimum Wage

In Ghana, minimum wage earners are subject to income tax, though they may be eligible for tax credits or deductions depending on their income bracket. The personal income tax rates are progressive, with income tax rates starting at 0% for those earning below a certain threshold and reaching up to 30% for higher earnings. Employees earning the minimum wage may also be subject to social security contributions, which are mandatory and deducted by employers.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in Ghana

Over the past decade, Ghana has experienced gradual increases in its minimum wage, aiming to align with the rising cost of living. In 2024, the daily minimum wage was set at GH₵18.15. For 2025, the government implemented a 10% increase, raising the daily minimum wage to GH₵19.97, effective from 1 March 2025 . This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to ensure fair compensation for workers amidst economic challenges.

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