GES Rank Structure, Salary History, and Base-Pay Relativity for Teachers

    By
    Ellis Ferdinand
    -
    GES singleNewly Trained Teachers Urge NSS Boss to Reinstate Reposting Policy

    Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  April 24| GES Rank Structure, Salary History, and Base-Pay Relativity for Teachers

     

    Discover Ghana Education Service’s pay history under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and learn how High (H) and Low (L) base-pay grades—from PSH 14 to PSL 21—align rank, responsibility allowances, and career progression for teachers and administrators.

     

    A Brief History of Ghana’s Single Spine Salary Structure

    In 2012, the Government of Ghana unified all public-sector pay scales under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). Previously, teachers and other civil servants were paid on disparate scales that caused inequities across ministries and agencies.

    The SSSS introduced 25 grades (“spine points”) with defined steps, ensuring transparent, merit-based progression.

    A further 10% across-the-board increase negotiated in 2020 adjusted base pay for inflation and cost-of-living pressures, reinforcing fairness and predictability in public-sector remuneration.

    How High (H) and Low (L) Base Grades Work

    Within each GES grade, staff occupy either a High (H) or Low (L) base-pay grade. High grades (e.g. PSH 19) represent the standard pay step for that rank.

    When a teacher or administrator assumes additional duties—entitling them to an Additional Responsibility Allowance (ARA) they move into the corresponding Low grade (e.g. PSL 20), which pays one step higher on the spine.

    GES Grades in Narrative Form

    1. Senior Superintendent II Professional (PSH 14 or PS 14H): Entry-level professional teaching grade beyond basic superintendent.
    2. Senior Superintendent I Professional (PSH 15 or PS 15H): Recognizes increased experience and departmental leadership.
    3. Principal Superintendent Professional (PSH 16 or PS 16H): Senior teaching professionals leading large subject areas.
    4. Principal Superintendent Non-Professional (PSL 16 or PS 16L): Same core rank as PSH 16, with added administrative allowances.
    5. Assistant Director II Base Grade (PSH 18 or PS 18H): Mid-management administrators without ARAs.
    6. Assistant Director II with Responsibility (PSL 19 or PS 19L): AD II staff with significant extra duties, one pay step higher.
    7. Assistant Director I Base Grade (PSH 19 or PS 19H): Senior management tier without ARAs.
    8. Assistant Director I with Responsibility (PSL 20 or PS 20L): AD I staff leading major programs or units.
    9. Deputy Director Base Grade (PSH 20 or PS 20H): Senior leadership overseeing multiple divisions without ARAs.
    10. Deputy Director with Responsibility (PSL 21 or PS 21L): Deputy Directors with exceptional additional responsibilities, one step higher.
     
    TOP STORIES
     

    Why This Matters for GES Staff

    • Transparency and Fairness: Career advancements and allowances are clearly reflected in pay.

     

    • Career Planning: Staff can map progression from entry-level to senior leadership and anticipate pay adjustments when taking on new responsibilities.

     

    • Motivation and Accountability: Linking allowances to duties incentivizes high performance in school leadership, curriculum development, and community engagement.

     

    OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES

     

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