Living in another country can be an exciting and enlightening experience, with many opportunities to learn and grow.
This article will explore five strategies for making life easier in Ghana, based on the experiences of African diaspora members who have lived in Ghana and learned how to deal with the challenges of living in a different culture.
By implementing these strategies, you can strengthen your sense of community, gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, and feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.
Whether you’re going to Ghana for a short time or plan to stay for an extended period, these ideas will help you make the most of your experience and feel more at ease in your new environment.
Adjusting to the ghanaian lifestyle
When I first arrived in Ghana, I knew I had to take things slowly and avoid trying to do too much too soon.
My daily to-do-lists in Germany can be packed (up to 10 items including running errands all at the same time) – I knew this wouldn’t be the same in Ghana.
Additionally, I worked hard to be kind and patient with myself. It’s easy to get frustrated when you are used to a certain pace and now have to slow down and adapt.
I knew it would take time to adjust to this new way of life, and I anticipated making mistakes along the way. Instead of becoming frustrated or discouraged when things didn’t go according to plan, I tried to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the bigger picture.
The thought of everyone being a bit more relaxed about every day life made me feel good in some way.
I knew I wasn’t the only one. Gradually, I became more comfortable in my new environment.
I gained a deeper understanding of what a realistic day-to-day life can look like, and I came to appreciate the country’s unique challenges and potential.
Eating locally
Living in Ghana is great for many reasons, and one of my favorites is the amazing food.
Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and veggies from street vendors or traditional dishes like jollof rice and banku from small restaurants, there are plenty of delicious and affordable options to choose from.
While it’s okay to treat yourself to your favorite foods from home every now and then, I found that prioritizing the local cuisine was a fantastic way to connect more with the culture and truly immerse myself in my Ghana experience.
Not only is local food more affordable than imported food (trust me, the price difference is shocking), but it’s also fresher and more nutritious.
I love eating Ghanaian dishes and discovering the many regional delicacies that are unique to Ghana.
Staying in contact with family and friends back at home
Moving to a new country can feel isolating, especially if your social circle doesn’t live there.
But don’t worry, contemporary technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones back home!
I personally schedule regular Facetime calls with my family and friends to keep them updated on my experiences and to stay connected with theirs.
Having a support network was invaluable when I was feeling homesick or overwhelmed. I remember after just two months of being here, I was almost ready to book a flight back home to spend just one week with my family.
But with a little encouragement, I gathered myself together and decided to stay here.
I also made an effort to meet other expats and residents in my neighborhood by participating in social engagements and attending cultural events.
These were all excellent opportunities to meet new people and develop a sense of community – and I’m so glad I did!
Learn and grow from my mistakes
Living in a foreign place can be challenging and mistakes are bound to happen. I’ve had moments where things didn’t go according to plan, like mispronouncing a term or getting lost on my way to a new destination.
However, instead of being too hard on myself, I decided to take these errors as learning experiences and simply asked people for help.
Accepting and learning from my mistakes allowed me to grow as a person and gain a deeper understanding of Ghanaian culture and customs.
Moreover, I soon realized that I’m not alone in this journey and there are people all around me – at home, work, and in my community – who are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
Connect with fellow diasporic friends
Living in Ghana as a member of the African diaspora can be an exciting and unique experience!
Connecting with individuals who share a similar background can make you feel more at ease and supported while also providing an opportunity to learn from the experiences and opinions of others.
Luckily, there are numerous ways to connect with other African diaspora members in Ghana.
One possibility is joining social groups or organizations that cater to diasporic communities.
In many Ghanaian cities, cultural institutions or community organizations provide exciting events and activities for members of various diasporic populations.
For example, in Accra, there is the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, which functions as a museum, research center, and gathering place.
Another method to interact with other members of the diaspora is attending cultural events and festivals.
In addition to attending events and joining organizations, social media can also be a useful tool for connecting with other members of the diaspora.
There are numerous online communities and forums for persons of African heritage living in Ghana where you can share information, get advice, and interact with others who understand your situation.
So don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with your fellow diaspora members in Ghana!
Where do you go to get your fresh veggies and fruits? I’m new to Accra and am struggling to find not-imported options. Is there a trusted online order/delivery vendor you’d recommend? Or do you hit the Makola/Medina markets?
Hey Sunny! It depends on what you want to buy – common local fruits & veggies are pineapple, papaya, coconut, yam, ginger, etc.
You can buy most of these things from local street vendors for an affordable price.
Some shops (for example Malcom, Marina Mall, MaxMart) often sell local as well as imported fruits/veggies.
I mostly shop at Malcom & Palace Mall, they have solid prices and their fruits/veggies stay fresh for quite some time.
I hope this helps you xx