Exploring Retirement Concerns of Basic School Teachers in Ghana
John N-Yelbi1, Dandy George Dampson2, Matthew Kojo Namale1
1Department of Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Applied Behavioural Sciences in Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, uew.edu.gh.
Journal of Aging Research
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Ghanaian teachers nearing retirement face significant psychological, social, and financial concerns. Addressing these requires improved financial literacy, savings skills, and emotional preparedness programs.
Area of Science:
- Education
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Basic school teachers in Ghana face unique challenges approaching retirement.
- Pre-retirement stage involves significant anxieties regarding post-employment life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted retirement concerns of basic school teachers in Ghana.
- To identify key psychological, social, and financial issues impacting teachers nearing retirement.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative phenomenological research design.
- In-depth semistructured interviews with 24 teachers aged 50-55.
- Thematic analysis of interview data.
Main Results:
- Identified key retirement concerns including financial insecurity, healthcare issues, and social isolation.
- Teachers' concerns centered on psychological anxieties, evolving social relationships, and financial uncertainty.
- Psychological concerns stem from uncertainties about life after employment.
Conclusions:
- Ghana Education Service should collaborate with financial institutions to improve teachers' financial skills.
- Organizing financial literacy programs is crucial for promoting savings and investment diversification.
- Pre-retirement programs are recommended to enhance emotional preparedness for retirement.
