Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Ghana Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Ghana Minimum Wage
- GH₵2.72/hr ($0.18 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Ghana Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- GH₵3,500 /mo ($235.69 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25), Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) / Ministry of Finance (MOFEP) / National Tripartite Committee; 2025-2026 daily rates per official gazettements (2026-05-27)
Central African Republic
Ghana
Updated 2026-05-27
The minimum wage in the Central African Republic is roughly 343 times higher than in Ghana in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in the Central African Republic at $135/mo compared to $236/mo in Ghana. GDP per capita (PPP) in Ghana is 6.3x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $8,020). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Ghana's 3.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | GH₵2.72 $0.18 |
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | GH₵21.77 $1.47 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | GH₵565.02 $38.05 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | GH₵6,780.24 $456.58 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | GH₵3,500 /mo $235.69 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | GH₵3,000 /mo $202.02 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | GH₵12,000 /yr $808.08 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Central African Republic is higher.
Work Week
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
- Ghana
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) sets standard working hours at 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime must be paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on rest days or public holidays at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ghana to the Central African Republic would see a 34206% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Ghana's perspective: Ghana vs Central African Republic
Compare Central African Republic with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Ghana?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Ghana, it is GH₵2.72/hr ($0.18 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 34206% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in Ghana may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Central African Republic compared to Ghana?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to GH₵3,500/mo ($235.69 USD) in Ghana. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 75% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic and Ghana is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ghana earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Central African Republic and Ghana?
Both Central African Republic and Ghana mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Central African Republic and Ghana?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Ghana has the higher GDP per capita at $8,020, which is 6.3x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From the Central African Republic's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.