Black History Month: Ghana

Charley (the Ghanaian word for friend, buddy, dude, etc.), Ghana was so rich in gold it was called Gold Coast.

Ghanaians are hustlers, the streets don’t sleep, and the shops don't close, so much so that if you come out by midnight looking to buy anything, the streets are still buzzing like it is the middle of the day.

Formerly known as the Gold Coast colony, Ghana was the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule.

Ghana is the second-largest producer of gold in Africa and the second-largest producer of cocoa beans globally. Gold was abundant, and ancient Ghana achieved most of its wealth by trading gold for salt with the Arabs. Although Ghana had gold in abundance, they lacked salt in their diet, which was necessary to cook and preserve food.

Ghana has come a long way since its gold trading days but remains Africa's largest gold producer and the sixth largest worldwide.

Ghana and its people have grown and diversified into different industries and career paths, and as the country's population grew, so did its economy.

Import and export remain a relevant field in Ghana. As a result, Ghanaians pursue roles in the shipping industry. In fact, over 80% of Ghana’s export revenues come from three primary commodities: gold, crude oil, and cocoa.

The people of Ghana are very hands-on, trade and technical inclined. This reflects in the career paths Ghanaians choose to navigate.

Top Careers in Ghana

People who earn more money often have more fluidity and can pursue other life goals and dreams.

This could be said to be why Ghanaians lean more into high-paying hands-on jobs to live the life they truly desire, “I don't want to make more money,” said anyone ever.

These high-paying career paths also give room for growth and personal development, which is equally important when looking into a new career.

Here are some of the highest paying jobs in Ghana and the prospects they hold.

1. Transportation/Shipping Supervisor

Transportation and logistics are the souls of any business, and transportation/shipping supervisors play a massive role in ensuring a streamlined process.

Shipping supervisors are responsible for both the shipping and receiving departments of the organization. They manage transportation and maintenance budgets while documenting all transportation activities in a database.

Part of these responsibilities also includes documenting employee performance and ensuring employees adhere to safety standards on roadways and during the loading and unloading of cargo.

Shipping supervisors are also involved in setting up delivery routes, loading of ships, trucks (or any other transportation means used for shipping), and unloading materials brought to the warehouse.

Typically, people who go into this role possess excellent communication skills and are usually able to multitask and work under pressure.

Qualified transportation supervisors are worth their weight in gold because they maximize operational efficiency while minimizing costs – an essential skill in any role.

Vessel Finder, Grande Ghana

Source

2. Fuel Handling

As strange as fuel handling might seem, it is one of the highest-paying jobs in Ghana.

Fuel handlers work where aircraft are fueled. This role requires expertise and in-depth training and can usually be demanding, but the benefits and remunerations are certainly worth the risk.

A fuel handler in Ghana receives a monthly salary of GHc12,000, about $2,000 monthly.

Fuel handlers ensure airplane tanks are pumped with fuel. This is a delicate task, requiring a steady hand and an analytical mind.

Ghanaian fuel handlers undergo a series of training, which many don't see to the end due to the intensity of the training. Their duty also revolves around fuel storage and fuel delivery for commercial airlines and energy plants that require large amounts of fuel.

Fuel handlers also store and distribute large amounts of fuel safely.

If you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you can look into being a fuel handler today and chill with the big boys.

The Future of Technical Jobs in Ghana

As the world goes global and technology is slowly taking over, more job opportunities require tech skills.

With almost everyone going digital, these skills cannot be replaced with machines, and the human touch is vital.

With Twitter setting up its African headquarters in Ghana and the 2019 launch of Google’s AI lab in Accra, questions are being asked. Plus, there are speculations of whether humans will be replaced with machines. We would have to wait and see.

Need help navigating your career options? Book a career coaching appointment with Black On The Job today.