A new analysis of Ghana’s evolving job market has revealed that holding a university degree is becoming increasingly essential for securing employment and climbing the career ladder.
The 2026 Ghana Job Market Report, published by Jobberman Ghana in collaboration with Nexford University, highlights a growing expectation among employers for degree-level qualifications across most professional roles.
According to the report, 69% of candidates with one to five years of work experience already hold a university degree, demonstrating that higher education is now closely tied to early career opportunities. Even entry-level positions reflect this trend, with 37% of applicants without prior experience possessing a degree.
“Employers are hiring not just for immediate roles, but for readiness, versatility, and long-term potential. A bachelor’s degree increasingly signals all three,” the report states. More than 55% of current job listings explicitly require a bachelor’s degree, establishing it as a de facto benchmark across sectors.
Degree holders dominate applicant pools at every level, from junior positions to executive roles, underscoring the qualification’s importance for career growth. By contrast, jobseekers without degrees face stiffer competition in a smaller, more uncertain labour market, unless they possess specialised skills or vocational certifications.
The report singles out the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as particularly versatile, noting its relevance in diverse industries such as finance, technology, manufacturing, education, and media. Core BBA skills including budgeting, project coordination, strategic communication, and data analysis remain highly sought after by employers.
Soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, are also gaining importance, especially for promotion and leadership opportunities. The report further shows that degree holders enjoy a notable salary advantage, highlighting the tangible return on investment of higher education.
“The labour market is shifting toward skills-based hiring. A university degree remains the most reliable way to acquire the combination of hard and soft skills that employers value,” the report concludes.
