Degree or decline? New report reveals 55% of Ghanaian jobs now demand a bachelor's degree

A new analysis of Ghana’s labour market has revealed that a university degree has become the indispensable ticket to employment and career progression, effectively creating a "degree ceiling" for those without one. 

The 2026 Ghana Job Market Report, produced by Jobberman Ghana in partnership with Nexford University, delivers a clear verdict: "Employers are not just hiring for roles, they are hiring for readiness, versatility, and long-term potential. A bachelor’s degree is increasingly the baseline that signals all three."

The comprehensive report, based on real-time job listings and applicant data, presents a labour landscape where formal qualifications are paramount. It found that 55 per cent of all advertised roles now explicitly require a Bachelor’s degree. 

"Without a degree, you're competing in a smaller, riskier job market," the report states, noting that over half (54.5 per cent) of all professional roles are held by degree holders, establishing it as the industry benchmark.

The data underscored a qualification gap at every career stage. A significant 69 per cent of candidates with one to five years of experience possess a degree, signalling its role as a critical gateway. 

Perhaps more telling for school leavers is the finding that 37 per cent of entry-level applicants with little or no experience already hold a degree, indicating that young Ghanaians are seeking this competitive edge from the very start.

The report highlights a salary divide, showing that professionals with a degree earn approximately 129 per cent more than diploma holders and a staggering 303 per cent more than those with only a high school education. "Pursuing a degree and even higher levels of education have shown a higher return on your education investment by giving you a greater average salary," the analysis concludes.

While the degree forms the non-negotiable foundation, the report provides a nuanced view of the skills that complement it. Technical or "hard" skills like Lead Generation, Data Analysis, and digital marketing expertise are crucial for getting hired.

However, for career advancement, "human" skills take precedence. The top soft skills valued by employers are Communication, Active Listening, and Problem-Solving. "Technical skills get you hired - but human skills get you promoted," the report summarises.

Addressing a major contemporary fear, the report also seeks to demystify the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, asserting that "AI won't replace you but professionals who know how to use it will." 

It argues that the future belongs to professionals who can blend business insight, strategic thinking, and AI fluency, all of which are core to modern degree programmes like a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

The BBA is singled out as a particularly versatile qualification. With core skills in budgeting, project coordination, and strategic communication applicable across the top five industries—Education, Technology, Finance, Manufacturing, and Media—it provides resilience against market fluctuations. "BBA graduates... can shift fields—finance, marketing, project coordination, HR—maintaining employability across cycles," the report advises.