In Ghana, public school teachers’ pay is set by the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). Under this unified system, all government employees – including teachers – received an across-the-board 10% base pay raise effective January 2025.
Teachers’ salaries vary by qualification and rank. For example, a teacher with only a basic teaching certificate (older “Teacher” rank) had an annual salary of GH₵14,878 (about GH₵1,240/month) under earlier scales. By contrast, new graduates with a Diploma in Education (SSSS Level 14.1) now earn roughly GH₵2,732 gross (≈GH₵2,240 net) per month, and those with a Bachelor’s degree in education (Level 16.1) about GH₵3,459 gross (≈GH₵2,811 net). These figures already reflect the recent pay hike.
Public Basic and Junior High School Teachers
At the basic level (Kindergarten/Primary) and junior high, most new teachers hold a Diploma in Basic Education (or Bachelor of Education) and start at roughly the same pay scales as above. Diploma-trained “Senior Superintendent II” teachers earn on the order of GH₵2,200–2,300 per month after deductions.
Degree-qualified teachers (often placed as Principal Superintendents) earn about GH₵2,800–2,900 net each month. Teachers who still hold only the old certificate (certA/WASSCE qualifications) earn much less – on the order of GH₵1,200–1,300 per month. ( Excluding extra allowances.)
In summary, basic‐ and JHS‐level teachers in 2025 typically earn from roughly GH₵1,300 (certificate holders) up to about GH₵2,800 (degree holders) monthly under the SSSS structure.
Public Senior High and Vocational School Teachers
Senior High School (SHS) teachers often have Higher National Diplomas (HND) with a postgraduate teaching certificate or full degrees. Their salaries are higher than basic-level teachers.
Diploma-level SHS teacher earn on the order of GH₵2,000–3,500 per month, while a degree‑level SHS teacher earns around GH₵3,000–4,100. HND holders typically fall in between. (For example, if a diploma teacher takes home ~GH₵2,500, an HND holder might take home ~GH₵2,800–3,000.)
In addition, senior roles – such as heads of departments, SHS masters, or principals – are placed on higher levels of the Single Spine and can earn correspondingly more. Overall, SHS and vocational teachers generally earn in the low to mid‑GH₵2,000–4,000s monthly, depending on qualification and seniority.
Public Tertiary Institution Teachers
Tertiary educators (lecturers, instructors, and university staff) are placed on still higher scales. Entry-level lecturers (at teacher training colleges, polytechnics, or universities) typically earn roughly GH₵4,000–6,000 per month, reflecting their placement at about Level 17 or above on the SSSS.
Senior lecturers and associate professors take home more, often between GH₵6,000 and GH₵15,000 monthly, and full professors or directors may earn above GH₵10,000–15,000. In short, tertiary instructors in 2025 start around GH₵4,000–5,000 monthly and can rise into the tens of thousands as they advance.
Teacher-Trainee Allowances
Students enrolled at public Colleges of Education (teacher training colleges) receive a government stipend of GH₵400 per month. However, this is not paid entirely in cash: about GH₵240 is allocated to the college for each trainee’s meals, and GH₵7 is deducted for union dues, so trainees actually receive roughly GH₵153–160 on their personal accounts. (The remaining GH₵240+7 covers feeding and association fees.) The 2025 budget continues to fund these allowances, allocating GH₵203 million for teacher trainee stipends. The Education Ministry has affirmed that this payment will be maintained as long as trainees are in the colleges.
Private School Teachers (for Comparison)
Salaries in private schools are generally lower and more variable. Private-school teachers do not receive SSSS pay; each school sets its own rates.
Many private elementary or high-school teachers earn well under GH₵2,000 monthly. For instance, one report estimates that a newly hired private-school teacher with a diploma earns roughly GH₵1,000–2,000 per month, and with a degree about GH₵1,500–2,500. In practice, many private institutions pay at the lower end of these ranges.
In summary, while public (SSSS) teachers typically make GH₵1,300–4,000+, depending on qualification, private school salaries tend to be several hundred to a thousand cedis lower for similarly qualified teachers.
