2023 TEACHERS SALARY IN GHANA AND OTHER COUNTRIES
2023 TEACHERS SALARY IN GHANA AND OTHER COUNTRIES
A comparison of teacher salaries in 12 countries in the year 2023.
It is truly captivating to witness the widespread discontent among teachers across the country regarding their salaries and the challenges they encounter in order to make ends meet each month.
Lately, the teaching profession in our country has attracted young men who are driven by their passion rather than monetary gain. However, upon being employed, they quickly realize that their salary plays a significant role in their overall job satisfaction.
Here in Ghana, despite the lamentable state of teachers’ salaries, we aim to provide a first-hand account by comparing average salaries from various countries. To facilitate an easier comparison, we will convert all figures to US Dollars.
The focus of this comparison will primarily be on salaries in government schools.
Salary Structure in Ghana
The Ghana government school teachers are paid base on their certificate, Rank and Years of Service. Most Government workers get minute allowances, teachers only see money in their account at the end of the month or during promotion which takes long time to come. Even with that it is something very small that is added.
Ranks in Ghana Education Service (GES)
Director General
Deputy Director
Assistant Director I
Assistant Director II
Principal Superintendent – Fresh Graduates from the university with educational backgrounds(Degree in Educational Courses)
Senior Superintendent I
Senior Superintendent II
Superintendent II
Superintendent I
Teacher –
Fresh from College of Education or Having Diploma in Basic Education. To move to the upper ranks you need a minimum of 4 years teaching experience.
Government workers in the country are paid base on a single spine structure
The Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) is one of the major components of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) introduced by the Government of Ghana and got implemented in 2010, to regulate the payment of public service workers especially those under article 190 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Well, it came with a lot of challenges yet that system is being used now. Base on ones certificate, regardless of where one works, the person receives the same base salary. Other allowances are added depending on where you work.
For teachers, nothing has been added until recently when a professional development allowance has been given at the end of the year; which has also come with a lot of issues.
The teacher Professional allowance at the end of the year is about Ghc 1,200 equivalent to US $ = 103.51 even with this amount there are deductions made.
Teachers Salary in some Countries.
Net Salary for newly Employed. Experienced Teachers earn little more.
| Country | Salary (net salary) per month | Salary in US Dollars $ per month |
| Ghana (Basic School Teacher) | GH₵2,243.66 | $ 193.54 |
| Ghana ( SHS/ Technical School Teachers) | GH₵2,840.87 | $ 245.05 |
| Ghana( University Lecturers)
| GH₵ 5,000 | $ 431.29 |
| Burkina Faso | XOF 168,000 | $ 285.12 |
| Nigeria | Niara 466,676.50 | $ 601 |
| Togo | XOF 193, 000 | $ 321 |
| Cote d’ivoire | XOF 171,000 | $ 285 |
| USA ( High School) depends on state | GH₵ 47, 518.5 | $ 4, 010 |
| Canada | GH₵ 36, 423.9 | $ 3, 073.75 |
| UK | Pounds 1, 333 | $1,713.90 |
| China | RMB 20, 000 | $ 2810.359 |
| South Africa | R235,594 | $ 13,134.53 |
| Netherland | €3,049 | $3,392.01 |
| Philippines | ₱58,660 per month | $1055.88 |
| Zambia | 6,280 ZMK. | $ 322.67 |
Teaching Abroad
In recent times, many teachers have found themselves seeking employment opportunities in foreign countries in order to earn a more substantial income. For instance, a dedicated teacher in Ghana earns a mere Ghc 1,500, equivalent to $129.39, while her counterpart in Vietnam now makes a staggering Ghc 9,000, equal to $776.32.
The idea of exploring new horizons for lucrative careers is not without its risks, however. It is important to proceed with caution.
It is worth noting that there are teachers who have managed to achieve success in their own countries, without having to relocate.
In order to address the issue of brain drain and the overwhelming financial burden on teachers, it is imperative that our government takes initiative and starts remunerating teachers appropriately. It is time for a positive change that will benefit both the teaching profession and the country as a whole.
Causes of High amount of loan burden faced by many teachers.
9 Side Hustles For Teachers in Africa
source:seekersnewsgh.com
