There’s No Teacher In Ghana, Not Even A PhD Holder Who Earns A Gross Salary Of GH¢10,000 – Sumah

Deputy General Secretary of the United Party, Richard Sumah, has strongly criticized the level of remuneration received by teachers in Ghana, arguing that educators deserve significantly better pay for the

crucial role they play in shaping the country’s human resources. His comments come amid the ongoing strike by teacher unions over concerns about working conditions and compensation.

Speaking during an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning on Wednesday October 7, 2026, Richard Sumah expressed concern that teachers, despite their educational qualifications and responsibilities, continue to receive salaries that he considers inadequate compared with the earnings of other public officials.

According to him, no teacher in Ghana, including those who hold doctoral degrees, earns a gross monthly salary of GH¢10,000. He questioned why professionals responsible for educating and training the nation’s future leaders should receive such comparatively low remuneration.

“There is no teacher in Ghana, not even a PhD holder, who earns a gross salary of GH¢10,000,” Sumah stated. He further drew attention to the disparity between teachers’ salaries and the remuneration of Members of Parliament.

Sumah argued that many lawmakers occupying positions in Ghana’s Parliament are products of the education system and benefited from the efforts of teachers who helped shape their academic and professional journeys.

He therefore described it as unfair that a teacher could earn considerably less while a Member of Parliament earns about GH¢60,000. “Is it not an insult when a Member of Parliament, who is a product of a teacher’s hard work, is earning GH¢60,000?” he asked.

Sumah’s comments come at a time when teacher unions have intensified their calls for government to address outstanding concerns surrounding salaries and conditions of service.

The strike has generated significant public discussion, with various stakeholders urging the government and teacher unions to return to negotiations and find a lasting solution.

The United Party official believes the concerns raised by teachers should not be dismissed, stressing that improved compensation is necessary to recognize the important contribution educators make to Ghana’s development.

His remarks have consequently added to the growing debate over public-sector wages, income disparities and the need to make the teaching profession more attractive to qualified professionals.

If you liked this story, please follow or tip the author to help them write more!