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Dentists’ Salary in Ghana: See What They Earn

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One of the reasons why a person would choose a line of work is because of the pay. So if you are in Ghana and you are asking about dentists’ salary in Ghana, it is not strange.

There are several reasons why people seek this sort of information. One of these is the fact that you may be attending an interview and you need to negotiate your salary.

Dentists’ Salary in Ghana: See What They Earn

dentists salary in ghana

In this post, we will learn a lot about how much dentists in Ghana earn, who they are, and how to become one. This should be an interesting read so let’s get straight to business.

How much do dentists earn in Ghana?

This is a very important question. Dentistry is one of the most prestigious occupations in the world. With this fact, it is expected that they should be earning a substantial amount of money every month.

The salary of dentists in Ghana varies by region so it might be difficult to state a generally fixed salary. However, we were able to get an average amount.

The average amount of a dentist takes home per month in Ghana is GHS3000. This amount translates to GHS36000 every year. Note that this amount could be more based on several factors. Some of these factors include experience and qualification among others.

Defining who a dentist is

Having known how much a dentist in Ghana earns, it is wise to learn who a dentist is as well. So who is a dentist? A dentist is also known as a dental surgeon. These doctors focus on dental or oral health.

To attain this position you must have acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery or an equivalent. These days, a dentist’s work scope is far wider than what it used to be. Today, a dentist has to diagnose, treat, and manage overall dental health.

Generally, a dental program takes about six years to complete. However, to attain specialties which include periodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, etc., you can spend between 3 to 5 years.

After gaining this education, a whole new world of possibilities opens up to you. Some of these are private practice, research, working in a hospital, lecturing, to mention a few.

Responsibilities of dentists

As we told you earlier, as a dentist you have a plethora of responsibilities these days. In this section, we will describe some of these responsibilities, or services as some people describe them.

  • Providing health care. They play a very important role in every team of medics. Usually, dentists will receive referrals from or make referrals to other health care professionals.
  • Dentists provide knowledge to the general public as well as patients about several sensitive issues. Some of these include carrying out dental exams and their importance as well as good dental hygiene. They intimate patients on what could be dangerous to their oral health such as alcohol, sugary diets, and tobacco products. Following this, they provide necessary information on how to improve dental health through proper nutrition. Added to this, certain dentists take time to address whole communities at outreaches. They also write journals posted in magazines and newspapers as well as blogs.
  • Research and Teaching. Some dentists love to impart knowledge so, in their spare time, they work as lecturers in higher institutions. This gives them the opportunity to help young and budding dental practitioners. Asides this, many dentists work as researchers servicing both corporate and academic organizations.
  • Community service. There is so much to be done on the community front. Dentists are obligated to offer such services in their spare time.
  • Criminal investigation. This isn’t so common, however, dentists play an important role in forensic investigation.
  • Continual professional development. It is imperative that dentists continual get updated with the latest trends in dentistry. It involves researching and reading materials that are accessible online. There are also workshops and conferences that are held throughout the year for this purpose.

How to become a dentist in Ghana

You are probably motivated to become a dentist in Ghana. In case you are, let’s take a look at how you can become a dentist. The first thing is to be sure that you really want to be a dentist, not because of the money alone.

It is important that you have great communication skills and an eye for detail. Asides these, find out if you have the dexterity to handle dental procedures. It will be a great idea to speak to practicing dentists to know about their experiences and be sure you can handle such.

Regarding studying dentistry in Ghana, each institution has its own specific requirements. It is wise that you find out from their different websites to be sure that you satisfy these requirements.

To practice as a dentist in Ghana, you have to get a license from the Ghana Medical and Dental Council. This body oversees the activities of all medical practitioners in Ghana.

Conclusion

We have provided you information about how much dentists in Ghana earn in this post. If you want to be a dentist in Ghana, we have added how you can be one. Good luck.

See more on Lifestyles in Ghana.

Regions in Ghana & Their Capitals + Other Details

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Initially, there were only 10 regions in Ghana with each a capital that performs administrative roles in districts within the region. 6 more regions were created out of the original 10 regions in 2018 bringing the number to 16,

The Oti region was created out of the Volta region. The Bono East and Ahafa regions were carved out of the Brong-Ahafo region. The former Brong-Ahafo region was renamed to the Bono Region.

The North East and Savannah regions were created out of the Northern Region. The Western North region was created out of the Western Region.

Regions in Ghana & Their Capitals + Other Details

regions in ghana

Below are the Regions in Ghana & Their Capitals + Other Details

1. Ashanti (Capital: Kumasi)

The Ashanti region is the third largest of the 16 administrative regions. However, it is the most populated region with about 5 million people living within the region. The capital of the Ashanti region is Kumasi.

There are several commercial centres, recreation areas, parks, historic sites, and tourist attractions in the region. It is also host to a number of festivals celebrated by the Akan people. The main festivals are the Akwasidae and the Adae Kese.

Kumasi Airport is the main airport in the Ashanti region. It handles most of the domestic flights in the region.

2. Bono Region (Capital: Sunyani)

The Bono Region was previously known as the Brong-Ahafo Region. The Brong-Ahafo region was renamed as a result of the creation of the Bono East and Ahafor regions from it.

The region is located in the southern part of Ghana. Just like the Ashanti region, the Bono Region is known for its large cocoa production. The region is also host to several tourist attractions, parks, and commercial centres.

3. Bono East Region (Capital: Techiman)

The Bono East Region is one of the regions created out of the Brong-Ahafo region. It is part of the vegetative belt of Ghana. This region has one of the lowest population densities.

Most of the people living in the region speak the Bono language, however, the official language of the region is English.

4. Ahafo (Capital: Goaso)

The Ahafo region is among the newly created regions from the Brong-Ahafor region. The region is part of the forest belt of Ghana. It has one of the most fertile soils among the regions.

5. Central (Capital: Cape Coast)

The Central region is one of the original 10 administrative regions of Ghana. This region is also known as a hub of education with many elite higher education institutions being situated within its borders.

This region is well-known for its mining and fishing activities. It heavily relies on industrial minerals and tourism which are the main factors pushing its economy.

6. Eastern (Capital: Koforidua)

Located in south Ghana, the Eastern region is among the original 10 regions in Ghana. It is mostly known for high-capacity electricity generation. The main languages spoken in the region are Akan, Krobo, Ewe, and English.

7. Greater Accra (Capital: Accra)

The Greater Accra region is the second most populated region in Ghana, however, it has the smallest area of all the regions. The area remains the most urbanized region in the country.

The Greater Accra region is a commercial centre. It is also home to many historic sites and tourist attractions. One of its beaches – Labidi Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Ghana.

There are many other tourist attractions like National monuments, parks, libraries, and festivals that attract tourists to this region.

8. Northern (Capital: Tamale)

The Northern region thrives on agriculture. It was one of the largest regions among the original 10 regions in Ghana until the Savannah and North East regions were carved out of it.

9. Savannah (Capital: Damongo)

The Savannah region is the largest region in the country, however, it has one of the lowest population densities among the regions. It was carved out of the Northern region

The official language spoken in the region is English, but most of the inhabitants speak other languages like Gonja, Mamprusi, Dagbani, or Tamprusi.

10. North East (Capital: Nalerigu)

The North East region is one of the regions created out of the Northern region. The economy of the region is driven mainly by agriculture

It is the site of several tourist attractions like the NaJeringa historic slave wall in Nalerigu, the Buyuori Cave in Yikpabongo, the NaYin Palace in Nalerigu, and the Gambaga Escarpment.

11. Upper East (Capital: Bolgatanga)

The Upper East region is among the 10 original regions in Ghana. It is the second smallest of the regions.

The region has several parks, recreational areas and historic sites that serve as tourist attractions.

12. Upper West (Capital: Wa)

The Upper West region is located in the north-western area of Ghana. Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture.

Unfortunately, it has a long dry season that doesn’t favor many agricultural practices. This pushes many of its inhabitants to other favorable regions.

13. Volta (Capital: Ho)

The main inhabitants of this region are the Ewe, Guan, and Akan People. The region is divided into 25 administrative districts.

The region features few tourist attractions and recreational areas. It is mostly rural and most of the inhabitants living in rural settlements.

14. Oti (Capital: Dambai)

The Oti region was created out of the Volta region. It is a small region with 8 districts. The main tourist attractions include the Kaybobo National Park and Lake Volta.

15. Western (Capital: Takoradi)

The Western Region was initially a single region until it was divided in 2018. Presently, it is dominated by the Akan people. It features fertile soils and lush green hills.

16. Western North (Capital: Wiawso)

The Western North region was created out of the Western region. The climate of the region is similar to that of the Western region. It features lush green hills and fertile soils.

The region features a high concentration of small and large-scale gold mines companies which drive its economy. Its main tourist attractions are its forest reserves.

Conclusion

The Ashanti and Greater Accra regions remain the most popular regions to tourists. They are also the hub of commercial activities in Ghana which is due to the presence of urban settlements in the regions.

See more on Lifestyles in Ghana.

Districts in Accra: The Full List + Details

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There are 10 districts in Accra which make up the 254 districts in Ghana. Accra is the capital of Ghana. It is one of the most populated cities with more than 2 million inhabitants as of 2012.

The districts in Accra are second-level administrative subdivisions. They are made up of 9 municipal districts and the Accra Metropolitan District.

The administration of Districts is overseen by the District Assemblies.  A District Assembly is headed by the District Chief Executive and several electoral members from each district.

Districts in Accra: The Full List + Details

Districts in Accra

District Chief Executive

The District Chief Executive is the administrative head of the District Assembly. This role is appointed by the President of the Republic. The District Chief Executive serves as the representative of the Central Government in the district.

All the administrative functions and the supervision of the departments of the District Assembly fall on the District Chief Executive.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee oversees the District Assembly. They ensure that the executive and coordinating functions of the Assembly are carried out.

Districts in Accra

Accra Metropolitan District

The Accra Metropolitan District is governed by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. It is one of the 10 districts that make up the Accra Metropolitan Area and the only metropolitan district in Accra. it is also the political powerhouse of the city.

This district is made up of several sub-districts. They are as follows.

  • Ablekuma Central Sub-Metropolitan District

This district has a population of over 250,000. Some of the communities in the district include Sukura, Soko, Nkrumah Flats, Ayibe Town, Mataheko, and Zamrama Line.

  • Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan District

Some of the communities in this district include Mamprobi, New Mamprobi, and Chokor.

  • Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District

This district has a population of over 100,000, however, it has very few communities.

  • Ayawaso Central Sub-Metropolitan District

The population in this district stands at over 150,000 people. Some of the communities in the district include Alajo and New Town

  • Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District

According to a 2010 population census, over 120,000 people live in this district. Like some of the sub-districts, it is made up of only a few communities.

  • Osu Klottey Sub-Metropolitan District

Some of the communities in this district include Ringway Estates, West Ridge, Tudu, and Osu.

La Dade Kotopon Municipal District

The La Dade Kotopon Municipal District is one of the 3 districts in the Accra Metropolitan area. As of 2010, there were over 180,000 people occupying the district.

This district was created out of the Accra Metropolitan district in 2010.  It consists of 7 large communities which make up most of its population. These communities include:

  • La
  • Burma Camp
  • South La
  • Airport
  • East Cantonments
  • Cantonments
  • North Labone

Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District

The Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District is one of the most populated districts in the Accra Metropolitan area. There are over 200,000 people living in the district as of 2010. Its administrative capital is a Nungua.

The Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District is one of the districts carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2007. This district consist of many communities, however, only 20 of these communities make up for the large population in the district. These communities include:

  • Nungua
  • North Teshie
  • South Teshie
  • Teshie Nungua Estate
  • Teshie Camp
  • Teshie
  • Baatsonaa
  • North Nungua
  • Martey Tsuru
  • Adjorman
  • Greda Estates
  • Regimanuel Estate (East Airport)
  • Tsuibleo (North Teshie)
  • Okpoi Gonno
  • Kotobaabi

Krowor Municipal District

Krowor Municipal District is one of the 9 municipal districts in Accra. It is also part of the 26 districts in the Greater Accra Region

Okaikwei Municipal District

Okaikwei Municipal District is one of the municipal districts in Accra and the Greater Accra Region.

Ablekuma North Municipal District

Ablekuma North Municipal District is a municipal district in Accra. It also represents one of the constituencies in the parliament of Ghana.

Ablekuma West Municipal District

Ablekuma West Municipal District is one of the newly created districts. It makes up the 275 constituencies represented in the Parliament of Ghana.

Ablekuma West Consistency was created for the general elections. It was among 45 other constituencies created at that time. This district is made up of several other sub-districts like

  • Dansoman
  • Sahara
  • Gbegbeyise,
  • Agege
  • Glefe
  • Opetekwe
  • Shiabu

Ayawaso East Municipal District

Ayawaso East Municipal District is one of the 9 municipal districts in Accra. It also makes up the 275 constituencies represented at the Parliament of Ghana.

The Ayawaso East Municipal District is located within the Accra Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region. Thus, it makes up one of the 26 districts in the region.

Ayawaso North Municipal District

Ayawaso North Municipal District is located within the Accra Metropolitan Area it makes up one of the 9 districts in the area.

Ayawaso West Municipal District

Ayawaso West Municipal District makes up the 9 municipal districts in Accra and the 26 districts in the Greater Accra region.

It is also one of the 275 constituencies presented in the Parliament of Ghana

Wrapping Up

The 10 districts in Accra make up the 26 districts in the Greater Accra Region. Districts have very important purposes which are why there are District Assemblies that ensure districts function just as it should.

The Local Government Act of 2016 tasks District Assemblies with several duties. These duties also double as the functions of these Assemblies.

Below are some of the functions of a District Assembly

  • To execute strategies and programs for the effective use of resources needed for the development of the district.
  • To sponsor the education of students from the districts to fill gaps and vacancies in the important sectors in the district.
  • To develop basic infrastructure and provide municipal services in the district.
  • To improve and manage human settlements in the district, also including the environment in the district.
  • To promote and preserve the cultural heritage within the district.

District Assemblies continue to play an important role in promoting law and order and looking out for the welfare of people living within the district.

See more on Lifestyles in Ghana.

Causes of Unemployment in Ghana & Solutions

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Unemployment is one of the major issues in Ghana. Unemployment in Ghana seems to be increasing although it hit an all-time high in 2015.

In 2010 more than 10 percent of the employable population was unemployed. That figure went as high as 6.81 percent in 2015, however, there has been a significant decrease in the unemployment rate in Ghana in recent years.

More than 1 million employable Ghanaians are unemployed and the figure seems to be rising as Africa faces more economic crises. The causes of unemployment in Ghana can be traced back to the several factors which remain unsolved.

unemployment-in-ghana
statistica.com

Causes of Unemployment in Ghana & Solutions

In this article, we will be looking at the causes of unemployment in Ghana and solutions to these problems.

Causes of Unemployment in Ghana

Lack of Skills

Lack of the right skill set is one of the main causes of unemployment in Ghana. The free education system practiced in the country has helped reduce the illiteracy level but it has also reduced the quality of education.

Thus, they are more graduates who are knowledgeable in the theoretical aspect of things but unable to implement them in reality.

The lack of skills needed in corporate organizations makes it harder for an employable person to get jobs which leads to unemployment. Sometimes, people who have the right skills and qualification could be too overqualified for the job and thus not employable.

Another way the free education system leads to unemployment is due to its rigidity. The education curriculum in Ghana is not flexible and unable to keep with the fast advancing world.

Skills that are being taught in the curriculum are no longer in use or have been taken over by computers and machines.

The job seekers are considered under-qualified and will have to remain unemployed until they can develop the right skill set.

White-Collar Job Mentality

Going through school for so many years have left most Ghanaians with only one goal – to get a white-collar job. White-collar jobs are formal employment in multinational companies or well-reputed local companies.

They offer a ticket to a successful life due to the high wages and bonuses that come with working in such companies.

As a result of this most Ghanaians go to school with the belief that they will end up getting one white-collar job or the other. As it turns out, the supply of white-collar jobs is lower than the demand.

There are few establishments who can provide such employment opportunities which means the majority of the employable population wouldn’t be able to get such jobs.

This makes most Ghanaians to sit and wait for opportunities rather than go for blue or pink-collar jobs. As a result, many graduates and qualified persons remain unemployed for a long period of time thus raising the unemployment rate of the country.

Lack of Entrepreneurship Education

There are very few industries, multinational companies, and corporate organizations in Ghana that can take on the entire employable population in the country.

This is due to many factors like the economic situation in the country which is yet to attract many multinational companies to the country and the lack of entrepreneurship education.

The lack of entrepreneurship education Ghana has created more job seekers than job creators. Thus, there are many people looking to get the few available spots and only a few creating businesses that will create more jobs.

The educational system also emphasizes on skills necessary to work in a company rather than build new companies.

The lack of vocational support, training facilities, and emphasis on the importance of entrepreneurial skills make it harder for job seekers to build businesses when they are unable to secure the white-collar jobs.

Lack of Capital

Among the millions of employable persons who make up the unemployed population, there are a few numbers of them who have ideas and skills needed to start businesses. Unfortunately, these few individuals are unable to gain access to capital needed to build their business.

Access to loans in Ghana is restricted partially due to the lack of collateral. Also, the high-interest rates charged by banks make it difficult for these people to repay their loans on time.

Most banks are reluctant to give loans to these set of people as they believe that they are less likely to repay the loans since they do not have a long or manageable employment record.

Solution To Unemployment in Ghana

Review of the Education System

The Education system and the curriculum require an intensive review. People should be trained to have the right skills that will match up with those required in the job market. Also, entrepreneurial education should be taken seriously in school.

Empowering people with the right skills that will help them create more jobs rather than seeking for the few vacancies will help build the economy and reduces the unemployment rate.

Support for Upcoming Entrepreneurs

The government should provide support to entrepreneurs who wish to create their own businesses by offering them loans. These loans should have low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans to enable the entrepreneurs to successfully run their businesses while repaying the loans.

Create more Industries

The government should also create more industries. There are various opportunities in Ghana that are yet to be explored. The government should use these opportunities to create more jobs.

Favorable Economic Policies

Favorable economic policies will attract foreign investors and multinational companies to the country. Multinational companies like Dangote Group are one of the major employers of labor in many African countries including Ghana.

If there are more of these companies in Ghana, there will be a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in the country.

Conclusion

Unemployment is one of the reasons for many social problems and vices in the country. The lack of jobs has made many people go into illegal means of making money. This increases the crime rate in the country and makes it difficult for foreign investors to show interest in the country.

Unemployment in Ghana has made it more difficult for people to survive. This is why the government needs to enact the right solutions to solve the problem.

See more on Lifestyles in Ghana.

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana

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Teenage pregnancy is a disturbing menace in Ghana that has continued to upset the social balance of the society. Statistics show that more than 75,000 teenagers between the ages o 15 to 19 got pregnant in 2014.

These figures only account for recorded teenage pregnancies in the Central Region of the country. Although there have been increased awareness and protection programs for teenagers, teenage pregnancy has remained rampant.

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana

In this article, we are going to highlight the causes of teenage pregnancy in Ghana.

Poor Background

Most teenage pregnancies that happen in Ghana, especially in the Central Region, are as a result of trades. The males are able to lure girls to bed with money as most of them are from poor backgrounds. These female students go on to sleep with them regardless of the consequences.

The poverty rate has contributed to the rise in teenage pregnancy in the country.

Although Ghana has been able to cut its poverty rate by half in the last two decades, there are a lot of people who remain below the poverty line. These individuals include teenage girls who are the prey of males seeking for a good time.

Reports have also shown that some teenage girls from poor backgrounds go into this act due to greed. Some of these girls are aware of the consequences of this act but still go ahead. However, they make up a less significant percent of teenage pregnancies in Ghana.

Lack of Awareness

The increasing menace of teenage pregnancies in Ghana can be attributed to the lack of awareness. Most of the girls are unaware of the importance of using protection during their encounters. This not only makes it easy for them to get pregnant but also makes them susceptible to diseases.

Sometimes these girls could be aware of the need to use protection during their encounters but they will be cajoled into the act without protection by their male counterparts.

Increasing awareness of the need to use protection might not be enough to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy.

The availability of contraceptives should also be taken into consideration. The prices and availability of contraceptives are important factors that affect the rate of teenage pregnancy in the country.

Media

The Media has played its role in making teenage pregnancy rampant in the country. Shows and programs aired on television have made teenage pregnancy more appealing.

It has also encouraged encounters between males and females making it look like a great experience while hiding the true facts and consequences of such encounters.

Many teenage girls have gotten pregnant in a bid to explore. They are easily influenced by what they read and watch on television. As this trend becomes popular in the media, the rate of teenage pregnancy continues to increase.

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on Mothers

Teen mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Most of them drop out due to the lack of ambition and interest in getting an education. Others drop out due to financial issues.

These teen mothers are unable to get employed due to the lack of qualifications for proper jobs. Some of them will have to settle for jobs with lower wages while others would go into prostitution or any other form of employment to make ends meets.

Most of them end up not having adequate resources to take care of themselves and their child. They are also susceptible to health problems due to the lack of proper health habits. The transition from being a teenager to becoming a mother is often tough on them.

Some of these girls will get support from their families, however, many will not receive such support and will be forced to survive on their own. These mothers end up smoking and drinking to keep their body and soul together while taking care of their child.

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on the Children

Most of the children of teen mothers grow up in poverty. Most of them grow up without a fatherly figure which affects their view of life. They are also more likely to develop poor relationships with their mothers and society due to improper upbringing.

These children are more likely to grow up with low self-esteem and lack quality education. Some are not able to get primary or secondary education due to the lack of financial resources.

Solutions to the Causes of Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana

There are several ways the rate of teenage pregnancy can be reduced in Ghana. These solutions below will address the main causes of teenage pregnancy.

Providing Employment

Most girls who become mothers at a young age find it hard to cope. This is true especially for those girls from poor backgrounds. The lack of employment has contributed to the increasing teenage pregnancies in the country.

One solution is to create more employment opportunities not only for employable people but also for teenagers. There are various jobs these teenagers could engage in to make ends meet without having to indulge in these encounters.

Education and Awareness

Increased awareness can help reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies in the country. Most teenage girls lack the proper education making them easy to manipulate. Many also lack awareness of the importance of using protection.

Schools, parents, and elders in the community should properly enlighten teenagers including boys and girls about the consequences of these encounters and the importance of using protection.

Regulating Media

Shows and programs in the media have not only made things worse by increasing the rate of teenage pregnancy but they have also made it look normal. The media can actually be used to create awareness.

Most of the shows and programs aired on TV which do not promote awareness should be regulated.

Parents would use settings like Parental Control to prevent their children from watching some shows that could encourage them to explore and probably end up becoming pregnant.

Wrapping Up

These solutions should be able to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy in Ghana, however, it is important that emphasis is placed on the upbringing of teenage girls and the type of content they are exposed to.

See more on Lifestyles in Ghana.