Salary Of Teachers In Ghana After 9% Pay Increase

 

Teachers in Ghana have received a 9% salary increase for 2026, bringing some relief to many educators who have long called for better pay. This adjustment, approved by the government and implemented by the Ghana Education Service (GES), affects both newly recruited teachers and those already in service. Below is a simple breakdown of how much teachers are now earning after the increase, based on their ranks and qualifications.

Salaries For Degree Teachers

Newly recruited teachers who enter the GES with a degree start at the rank of Principal Superintendent (Level 16.1H). Before the pay rise, they earned a basic monthly salary of about ₵4,524.83. After the 9% increment, their new basic salary is approximately ₵4,932.07.

In addition, teachers receive a 15% Market Premium allowance, which raises their total gross salary to around ₵5,674.88 before deductions. After deducting Social Security contributions and income tax, a degree teacher is expected to take home about ₵4,487.09 monthly.

When calculated annually, this adds up to roughly ₵53,845.08 as the base salary and a little over ₵60,000 when allowances are included.

Salaries For Diploma Teachers

Teachers who enter the GES with a diploma begin at the rank of Senior Superintendent II (Level 14.1H). Their former basic salary of ₵3,573.63 has now increased to around ₵3,895.26 after the 9% adjustment.

With the Market Premium allowance added, their gross pay rises to approximately ₵4,600.55. After deductions, diploma teachers are expected to take home close to ₵3,636.60 each month. This brings their annual base salary to about ₵46,743.12, excluding additional allowances or benefits.

Understanding The GES Ranking Structure

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has a structured ranking system that determines a teacher’s salary and promotion level.

Level 8: Pupil or Trainee Teachers

Level 12: Superintendent II / Technical Instructor I & II

Level 14: Senior Superintendent II

Level 16: Principal Superintendent

Level 18 and above: Assistant Director and higher ranks leading up to Director-General

Teachers progress through these ranks based on their years of service, performance, and higher education qualifications.

What The Increase Means For Teachers

This 9% pay increase is a welcome change, especially given the rising cost of living. It means teachers can better manage their expenses while continuing to serve the nation through quality education. The Ghana Education Service hopes this will also motivate more young graduates to consider teaching as a profession.

Overall, the new salary structure shows that education remains a key part of Ghana’s national development agenda, with teachers playing a vital role in shaping the country’s future.