If you are looking for a full breakdown of the disease control officer salary structure and allowances in Ghana 2025, you are in the right place. Whether you are planning to apply for a disease control position, already working in the health service, or researching career prospects, this guide explains everything you need to know about disease control officers’ salaries, grades, allowances, and benefits in Ghana.
We will break down the disease control officer monthly pay by grade, highlight the allowances you can expect, explain how promotions affect salaries, and answer the most common questions Ghanaians ask about disease control officers’ earnings in 2025.
Who Is a Disease Control Officer in Ghana?
A disease control officer is a health professional who works under the Ghana Health Service or the Ministry of Health to prevent, monitor, and control the spread of diseases.
Their duties include:
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Conducting immunization campaigns.
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Educating the public about hygiene and disease prevention.
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Supervising sanitation and environmental health programs.
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Monitoring and responding to outbreaks of communicable diseases.
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Supporting vaccination and surveillance efforts.
Disease control officers work at the district, regional, and national levels. They play a key role in keeping Ghanaian communities healthy and safe.
Working as a disease control officer offers job security, a steady salary, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in public health.
Disease Control Officer Salary Structure in Ghana 2025
Disease control officers in Ghana are paid based on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) used for all public sector workers. The salary depends on:
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Your grade.
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Your level of qualification.
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Years of experience.
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Location of posting.
Here is a detailed look at the salary by grade.
Entry-Level Positions
Disease Control Assistant (Certificate Holder)
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Monthly Salary: GHS 1,500 – GHS 2,000
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Role: Supporting senior officers in field work, data collection, and public education.
Mid-Level Positions
Disease Control Officer (Diploma Holder)
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Monthly Salary: GHS 2,200 – GHS 3,000
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Role: Conducting outreach programs, managing disease surveillance in a district, supervising assistants.
Senior Disease Control Officer (Degree Holder)
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Monthly Salary: GHS 3,500 – GHS 4,500
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Role: Managing teams at regional or national levels, coordinating disease control strategies.
Senior and Management Positions
Principal Disease Control Officer
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Monthly Salary: GHS 5,000 – GHS 6,500
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Role: Overseeing large-scale operations, advising on health policy.
Chief Disease Control Officer
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Monthly Salary: GHS 7,000 – GHS 9,000+
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Role: Leading national programs, representing the service at high-level meetings, developing public health policies.
Summary Table: Disease Control Officer Salary and Allowances in Ghana 2025
| Grade / Position | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Estimated Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Disease Control Assistant | 1,500 – 2,000 | 300 – 500 |
| Disease Control Officer | 2,200 – 3,000 | 400 – 800 |
| Senior Disease Control Officer | 3,500 – 4,500 | 800 – 1,200 |
| Principal Disease Control Officer | 5,000 – 6,500 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Chief Disease Control Officer | 7,000 – 9,000+ | 1,500 – 2,500 |
Allowances for Disease Control Officers in Ghana
In addition to their basic salary, disease control officers receive allowances that significantly increase their earnings. The allowances depend on your role, location, and the risks associated with your duties.
Common Allowances Include:
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Hazard Allowance: For working in high-risk areas or during outbreaks.
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Housing Allowance: If housing is not provided.
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Transport Allowance: For field visits and commuting.
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Professional Allowance: For certified and licensed health professionals.
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Responsibility Allowance: For supervisory or managerial roles.
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Night / Shift Allowance: For working odd hours or weekends.
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Leave Allowance: Paid during annual leave.
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Rural Posting Allowance: For those posted to remote areas.
These allowances can add up to GHS 500 – GHS 2,500 per month depending on grade and posting.
How Promotions Affect Salary
Promotions are based on:
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Years of service.
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Performance and conduct.
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Additional qualifications.
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Passing promotional interviews or exams.
When promoted, you move to a higher grade, which comes with a higher salary and larger allowances. For example, moving from Disease Control Officer to Senior Disease Control Officer could result in an additional GHS 1,500 or more per month.
How Salaries Are Paid
Disease control officers’ salaries are paid monthly through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. Salaries are deposited directly into employees’ bank accounts after deductions for:
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Taxes.
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SSNIT (pension contributions).
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Union dues (where applicable).
Payslips are provided monthly through the Ghana Health Service or Ministry of Health HR offices.
Benefits of Working as a Disease Control Officer
Job Security
Permanent public sector employment with a pension at retirement.
Healthcare
Free or subsidized healthcare for employees and their families.
Career Development
Opportunities to take courses, attend seminars, and gain promotions.
Community Impact
Directly helping communities by preventing and controlling disease.
Pension and Gratuity
Retirement benefits through SSNIT and end-of-service gratuity.
Cost of Living vs Disease Control Officer Salary in Ghana
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Food | 800 – 1,200 |
| Rent (shared in Accra) | 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Transport | 400 – 700 |
| Utilities & Airtime | 300 – 600 |
Even at entry-level, salaries can sustain a modest lifestyle, especially outside big cities.
How Disease Control Officer Salaries Compare to Other Health Jobs
| Profession | Entry-Level Salary (GHS) | Senior-Level Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Disease Control Officer | 1,500 – 2,000 | 9,000+ |
| Nurse | 1,600 – 2,200 | 8,500+ |
| Midwife | 1,700 – 2,300 | 8,000+ |
| Environmental Health Officer | 1,500 – 2,100 | 7,500+ |
Disease control officers’ earnings are competitive compared to other public health professions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting salary for a disease control officer in Ghana?
About GHS 1,500 – GHS 2,000 per month for certificate holders.
Do disease control officers get allowances?
Yes, including hazard, housing, transport, and rural posting allowances.
Who pays their salaries?
The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
Can disease control officers be promoted?
Yes, through experience, further education, and good performance.
Is it a good career choice?
Yes, because it offers stability, a decent income, and the chance to help the community.
How to Become a Disease Control Officer in Ghana
Minimum Qualifications:
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Certificate, diploma, or degree in public health, disease control, or environmental health.
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Registration with the Allied Health Professions Council.
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Good health and moral standing.
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Ghanaian citizenship.
Training:
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Certificate and diploma holders usually train for 2–3 years.
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Degree programs take about 4 years.
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After training, graduates are posted to health facilities nationwide.
Final Thoughts: Is the Disease Control Officer Salary Worth It in 2025?
The disease control officer salary structure and allowances in Ghana 2025 remain competitive and rewarding. While the starting salary is modest, the job provides good allowances, job security, and a clear path for advancement.
If you are passionate about public health, disease prevention, and serving your community, becoming a disease control officer is a smart career choice. With steady income and meaningful work, you can make a difference in the lives of Ghanaians while securing your future.