As of 2024, the top 1% in Ghana earned 15.23% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 12.21%. Ghana’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 11.44%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Ghana in 2024
In 2024, income in Ghana was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 15.23% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 12.21% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Ghana | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 15.23% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.91% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 12.21% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Ghana?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Ghana’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 11.44% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 3.79 percentage points to 15.23%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Ghana has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 43.49% while the bottom 50% received 15.56%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.91% and 12.21% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 11.44% | 43.49% | 15.56% | 27.93 pp |
| 1986 | 11.44% | 43.49% | 15.56% | 27.93 pp |
| 1992 | 13.57% | 46.86% | 13.99% | 32.87 pp |
| 1998 | 12.18% | 45.69% | 13.41% | 32.28 pp |
| 2004 | 15.31% | 49.24% | 12.58% | 36.66 pp |
| 2010 | 14.80% | 48.80% | 12.48% | 36.32 pp |
| 2016 | 15.23% | 48.91% | 12.21% | 36.70 pp |
| 2022 | 15.23% | 48.91% | 12.21% | 36.70 pp |
How Ghana Compares Globally
Ghana vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Ghana’s top 1% income share of 15.23% is roughly on par with the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Ghana receives 12.21% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Ghana Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Ghana ranks 103rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Ghana ranks 136th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Ghana include Malawi's wealth gap, income distribution in Poland, income distribution in Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Ghana?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Ghana earned 15.23% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Ghana?
Income inequality in Ghana has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 11.44% in 1980 to 15.23% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Ghana?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Ghana received 12.21% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.91%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.