A new study by renowned Ghanaian researcher, Prof. Smart Sarpong, has revealed that a significant number of private sector workers in Ghana continue to earn low salaries despite rising economic pressures and increasing living costs across the country.
According to the research findings, 58 percent of private sector employees earn salaries of GH¢2,000 or less, a situation the study describes as a major contributor to the financial difficulties confronting many households.
The report further noted a sharp disparity between income levels in the private and public sectors, revealing that only 19.7 percent of workers in the public sector fall within the same salary bracket.
The findings form part of a broader study examining citizens’ perceptions of the cost of living between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. The research highlighted growing concerns over worsening economic conditions, with many citizens struggling to cope with rising utility bills, transportation fares, and communication costs.
Prof. Sarpong observed that low income levels among private sector workers are significantly affecting their purchasing power and standard of living. He explained that many workers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs such as accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and education due to inadequate salaries.
The study also uncovered disparities in remuneration for similar professional roles across sectors. According to the report, workers in middle and lower-level professions such as teaching and nursing in the private sector earn two to three times less than their counterparts in the public sector despite performing similar duties.
The research identified electricity costs, public transportation expenses, and the cost of internet and call credit as the top factors negatively affecting the cost of living for citizens.
Economic analysts say the findings underscore the urgent need for reforms aimed at improving wages and working conditions within the private sector while ensuring fair compensation for workers across various industries.
Labour experts have also expressed concern over the widening income gap between the public and private sectors, warning that the trend could affect productivity, employee morale, and overall economic growth if left unaddressed.
The report has since generated discussions among labour unions, policy makers, and economic stakeholders, with calls for stronger interventions to protect workers and improve livelihoods amid the country’s rising cost of living.
Observers believe the findings should prompt renewed national dialogue on wage structures, economic equity, and sustainable employment policies to ensure that workers receive incomes capable of supporting decent living standards.
