In the aftermath of the Year of Return in Ghana, there was a major cultural shift across the diaspora. Several Africans abroad and others of African descent began expanding their view of the world and their future and moving to Ghana.

For those looking to Ghana as an option for relocating, we saw the need to share some guidance regarding migration, travel and preparation to move. In this article, we’ll be discussing what daily life looks like and how to adjust to the culture and economy.

Returning, Settling and Moving

Expats across the diaspora live in foreign economies, many of which have currencies that beat the Ghana Cedi in terms of value.

This financial leverage is a great benefit for foreigners who want to settle here, since they can hedge the cost of housing, healthcare, travel and food.

The Cost of living in Ghana is steadily rising with a proportional increase in taxes – and while it is wonderful to move into a new country and explore options for business, living and leisure, it is important to have some sources of income that can contribute to the future you want. This brings me to my next point.

Business Cost & Cheap Labour

Although it isn’t fun to admit, running a business with one’s savings in foreign currencies can be less stressful than starting with the Ghana Cedi. This is due to the depreciation of our local currency and the high value of foreign currencies like the US dollar, for example.

In turn, labour is very cheap when you look at the bargaining power of, say, $450 in Ghana Cedis. That salary converts into a decent 4 figures that can meet the needs of a single income household living frugally.

The Culture Shock of Driving

Defensive driving is your best option, and you have to be watchful of what happens on the road. There is always that one guy that does something to worsen your road rage. Sometimes it’s you. But here, it’s often someone else.

To put it lightly, you don’t need to play Mario Cart when all you have to do is take a short drive through town in Ghana.

A lot of road networks across the country, especially within Accra and its highways are riddled with potholes. The sewage system in Accra is not as well planned out as in Tema, Ghana’s industrial capital, which leaves roads partly done with open gutters on their sides that contribute to floods during rainy periods.

It is a different environment here during early morning commutes and rush hours. Heavy traffic and skirmishes on the road are the icing on the cake.

Bear that in mind when you’ll be moving to Ghana – you’re better off buying a car given that rentals can be quite costly and Uber is not your wallet’s friend.

There's summer and rainy summer

Ghana’s two major seasons include the dry season and the rainy Season. If you consider Harmattan to be Fall, then that’s great but it’s not quite how things work here in our climate.

It is warm from early March to June and the rainy season begins in May before the Harmattan in November.

Even though Ghana is a tropical country with high humidity, it’s important to remember that rainy months are still quite cold and your body will adjust to the accompanying 15 degree weather sooner than later.

It also gets very cold and misty in hilly, mountainous regions and in the North, during Harmattan especially.

Remember to dress accordingly and take care of yourself.

The Expat Community is moving to Ghana

There is community and support for new travelers in Ghana. Expats from across Europe, Africa, America, Canada and Asia have come to settle here for retirement, business and leisure – and there is always a chance to meet up through online connections and social events.

You are not alone in your journey, even if you feel like it. Try to open up to new experiences while you’re figuring things out.

Patience is Thick Skin

Procedure and routine happen at a far more laid back pace than in other parts of the continent, talk less of the globe. Punctuality may be improving among the general public, depending on the type of events you attend and the nature and status of the event in question.

Regardless, the day to day of grocery shopping, bank visits, airline travel and many more must be faced with an understanding that a good number of people are either lacking in team support concerning their work, or are just downright rude because they find themselves underpaid or in inefficient organizations.

It may also be the way management runs facilities and prioritizes clients based on class, status and ethnicity. Life can be strange, but this awareness can help you tailor your expectations while you stay in Ghana.

You know what they say, “We don’t use money that’s for yam to buy a plot of land”.

You are not alone in your journey, even if you feel like it. Try to open up to new experiences while you’re figuring things out when moving to Ghana.

Conclusion

That’s roughly a good starting point for you to prepare your mind for the reality of Ghanaian culture and how it affects our interactions on a nationwide level.

Accra was the point of reference when talking about moving to Ghana, but we hope your stay here helps you come to your own realizations about the country and its people.

Nowhere is perfect but Ghana definitely shines in terms of beautiful sceneries, hospitable people, tasty foods, and toughness and resilience that is well balanced with a feisty, brash, and creative sense of humor.

Take care and keep it in mind to have fun during your travels!