A new study on Ghana’s changing labour market has found that university education is becoming a critical requirement for employment and career advancement, as employers increasingly prioritise degree-level qualifications.
The 2026 Ghana Job Market Report, released by Jobberman Ghana in partnership with Nexford University, indicates a rising demand for graduates across most professional roles, reflecting a shift in hiring expectations nationwide.
According to the report, 69 per cent of jobseekers with one to five years of work experience already possess a university degree, highlighting the growing importance of higher education at the early stages of career development. Even among applicants with no prior work experience, 37 per cent hold a degree, signalling that academic qualifications are now common even at entry level.
“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 noted.
The findings further show that more than 55 per cent of advertised job vacancies explicitly require a bachelor’s degree, effectively making it the standard qualification across multiple sectors.
Degree holders continue to dominate applicant pools at all levels — from junior roles to senior executive positions — reinforcing the role of higher education in career progression. Conversely, jobseekers without degrees face tougher competition in a smaller and more uncertain labour market, unless they possess specialised technical skills or vocational training.
The report identifies the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as one of the most versatile degrees, citing its relevance across industries such as finance, technology, manufacturing, education, and media. Employers continue to value core BBA competencies, including budgeting, project coordination, strategic communication, and data analysis.
In addition to academic qualifications, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are increasingly important, particularly for leadership and promotion opportunities. The report also indicates that degree holders enjoy a clear salary advantage, underscoring the long-term economic benefits of higher education.
“While the labour market is gradually shifting toward skills-based hiring, a university degree remains the most reliable pathway to acquiring the blend of hard and soft skills employers demand,” the report concluded.
