Understanding the Cost of Living in Ghana

If you are coming to Ghana, most likely, you will be looking for a place to live. You can choose between renting or buying. Renting is far less expensive than buying, so if you are on a tight budget, this may be preferable.

However, it is nice having your own space, and if you plan on spending more than six months in the country, it may be more cost-effective to buy. The following is a list of the main expenses that you should keep in mind when preparing your budget:

●        Rent: can range from 10$-50$. If you live in a city such as Accra or Kumasi, you should expect to pay closer to the higher end of this scale.

●        Lunchtime meals: can cost as little as 2.50-3$.

●        Dinner out at a restaurant: will run around 5$. If you are eating dinner in a nice place with air conditioning, you should expect to pay closer to 10$.

●        Transportation costs: taxis are the most expensive form of transportation. You could easily spend 50 cedis ($20) in one evening. Buses are much cheaper, but they are challenging to figure out and not very comfortable. The best way to get around is by car. You can usually find a driver to take you where you want to go for 10-15 cedis per hour ($5-$7).

●        Groceries: the minimum you will probably pay for groceries is 150 cedis ($60) per week. You can usually get breakfast ingredients (bread, eggs, juice, fruit) for around 25 cedis (.50$). Fresh vegetables are also cheap, but meat and fish are more expensive.

●        Entertainment: movies range from 5-7 dollars, a nice dinner for two at a restaurant with air conditioning is 10$.

Cons of Living in Ghana as an Expat

There are many pros to living in Ghana as a foreigner. They tend to have great salaries, live in large, luxurious homes with maids and drivers. Not only is that, but they have access to some of the best cuisines on the continent, do not have to wait in popular lines at bars or clubs, and many more. However, there are also some downsides; check it out below.

• It’s expensive to maintain a lifestyle like you’re accustomed to at home.
• Threatened and even attacked by locals if you dare to take certain shortcuts or cut through popular areas (especially, but not exclusively, late at night).
• Foreigners are often treated as walking wallets or ATMs.
• Inability to fully follow the local culture and customs due to foreignness.
• Generally, expats who adapt to a luxury lifestyle will have difficulty making ends meet in Ghana.
• Dining out is very expensive compared to eating local food or going grocery shopping and cooking.
• Corruption is so pervasive, even the richest of foreigners are not immune to it.
• You can never get all of your money out of the country due to capital controls, etc.
• A foreigner who gets into a car accident will have extreme difficulty finding someone trustworthy to work on their car or deal with the accident’s aftermath.
• The threat of disease – especially mosquito-borne like malaria and dengue fever is ever-present and can ruin your life if you contract it (and even if you don’t).

4 Best Cities to Reside in Ghana

Since you’re planning to relocate to Ghana, it’s high time you know the best places to visit. Here are four of the best cities where you can live.

1.    Accra

If you want an international city experience but don’t want to travel too far away, then you should try Accra. This city is filled with opportunities and can provide an excellent atmosphere for you. The city has a lot of activities going on, with many beaches just within a 15-kilometer radius from each other. Also, the weather in the summer is also pleasant because it never gets too hot or humid to handle.

2.    Kumasi

Are you looking for adventure? If so, then you should definitely look into moving to the second-best city in Ghana. Kumasi is known for its rich culture and heritage, with historical monuments that will leave you breathless. This city also has many opportunities for career-driven individuals since it’s a major center for trade and commerce. You can also visit nearby villages if you want some peace of mind.

3.    Tamale

Tamale is a city in northern Ghana and is known for having some of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life. Since it’s an inland city, there’s never a dull moment, especially because of its close proximity to rivers and hills that surround it. If you’re into nature, then this is the place to be.

Moreover, the best part about Tamale is its atmosphere. People in this city are very friendly and kind, which will help you adapt to your new environment a lot easier. The weather here is also pleasant, with warm temperatures all year long.

4.    Sekondi-Takoradi

Last but certainly not least is Sekondi-Takoradi. This is also an international city with opportunities, but it’s known for its beaches and nature preserves. The best part about living in this coastal town is that you’ll never get bored of the beach. And this is because it never gets overcrowded or flooded during high tide. You can even go fishing or boat-riding with your friends and family here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Ghana

How is the internet?

The internet here in Ghana can be very spotty and slow, but not to the extent that it has access to Wi-Fi outside of your home or office. If anything, expect situations when there are no Wi-Fi hotspots available, but you can still use 3G on your phone.

How is the healthcare system?

In Ghana, there are both public and private health systems that you can join to receive coverage. The easiest way to do this is by registering with a mission hospital or clinic in Ghana as a member of their staff (The staff member must be a Ghanaian). Also, the cost for this will depend on how much money you can afford and whether or not you want to support a mission-oriented organization.

How is the safety?

Ghana is overall a very safe country, but some parts of the city aren’t as developed as others and thus not as secure. As long as you don’t go wandering into dangerous areas (which we’re sure no one would want to do anyway) and keep your money in a safe place (such as keeping it at the bank), you will be fine.

What is the food like?

The food here in Ghana is very good, especially when eating fresh fruits and vegetables that don’t have to be imported. Besides, there are lots of different options when it comes to food here too. This means that if there is something you miss from back home, chances are it’s just a plane ride away.

Do I really need a visa?

If you are staying in Ghana for longer than 90 days, then yes, you will probably need to apply for a visa. Fortunately, this process is not too difficult, and it only takes about 5-6 business days to receive once you have handed in your application.

How easy is it to relocate from Ghana?

Relocating from Ghana will be challenging but not impossible. If you can afford a plane ticket out of Ghana, then I’m sure you will find a way. However, this will depend on how much money you have and what your living situation is like.

What should I bring?

There are a few items that you might want to consider bringing with you if you know that they will be hard to find in Ghana. Some of these things would include; toilet paper, first aid supplies, and mosquito repellents (and anything else that might help with the mosquitoes).

Conclusion

Having a taste of African cultures in Ghana would surprise you and tempt you to relocate to this country. If you’ve been procrastinating about living in this country, here’s the time to stand up! We’ve got you covered by explaining the tips and everything needed. Should in case you need to know more, refer to this ultimate guide for more information.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

So you’ve decided to move your life to West Africa, far away from family and friends, for an unknown length of time? What are you thinking? Of course, this is something that needs careful thought. But it’s not like anyone would just uproot themselves like that without at least some research into the matter.

And that’s where we come in to help you decide whether living in Ghana as an expat is a good idea or not. First of all, you should know that the term ‘expat’ doesn’t really mean anything specific. In fact, it can be used for two different people from completely different backgrounds.

One being a badly paid worker on an oil rig in Saudi Arabia, and another being a businessman who opened up shop on the Promenade de Anglais in Nice. Obviously, having this term doesn’t mean that these two groups will consider themselves part of the same community. Or perhaps they do? But we will do our best to help you decide whether living in Ghana as an expat is a good idea or not.

Moreover, if it is, then we’ll also go over some of the issues that might arise from such a decision. Have you been searching all around to know the right place to get the guides to living in Ghana? If that sounds like a yes, look no further as we’ve got you covered. The first thing most people think about when they consider doing something like this is money, but there’s more to know.

In this article, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Ghana as an expat. Not only is that, but we have compiled the interesting facts, best places to visit, and many others, to mention a few. Would you love to know what we’ve unleashed for you? Continue reading to get the full details of it now.

7 Interesting Facts about Living in Ghana

Because of its location on the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is often referred to as the Gold Coast. This moniker comes from the discovery of gold by Portuguese explorers in the sixteenth century. There are many interesting facts about living (and traveling) in Ghana as an expat. Without further ado, here are the facts.

1.    Breaking the Law Is Okay

Ghana is a place where rules are made to be broken. You can get away with just about anything if you know how to talk yourself out of it. Besides, if someone cuts you off in traffic, it’s probably because they know the police won’t do anything. But, unless you report them for bribery, so you can let it slide.

2.    Don’t Drink the Tap Water

In Ghana, you should always avoid drinking from the tap because untreated water has been known to cause a parasitic infection called bilharzia. Fortunately, there are plenty of bottled water brands available at pretty much any store or restaurant. Therefore, buying bottled water shouldn’t be too difficult for any expat moving to the country for the first time.

3.    Masks Are Popular

Masks are seen everywhere in Ghana. In fact, they can be found hanging on the wall of many shops and homes, worn by dancers during performances, displayed as a tourist attraction. They’re especially common around Halloween time when you might find them at Walmart or Target, along with the pumpkin stencils and plastic spiders.

4.    The Water Smells Weird

Because the tap water is contaminated, you’ll eventually get used to drinking bottled drinks such as soda and juice. And if you’re backpacking in Ghana, the water will be at least half of what you drink, so it can quickly get expensive. Luckily, there’s a local brand called Coco that’s easily found in any store or restaurant that you can drink for free.

5.    The Service Sucks

You’ll quickly realize when you step into a local market how little the locals value time and customer service. I remember having to go to the bank in Ghana several times because their computer systems were down. This way, it took me about six hours to get one bank transaction done. Therefore, as an expat, keep in mind that the banks are pretty much the only places where you’re guaranteed to find air conditioning.

6.    There Are Web Filters on Your Computer

I remember when I was working at a hotel in Ghana; I would see this message pop up every now and then whenever I tried connecting to their Wi-Fi: “This website has been blocked as per the instructions of Competent Authority.”

I asked around and found out that websites containing pornography, hate speech, terrorism-related content, alcohol, and drug use are blocked by the government. So much for freedom of expression! Prepare for this whenever you’re planning to reside in Ghana as an expat.

7.    Ghanaian Food Is Spicy

As of today, it’s no doubt that Ghanaian cuisine is very spicy and full of flavor. And this might be used to hide the fact that the meat is often not fresh. For example, if you order a chicken sandwich, it will probably contain some form of pepper sauce and maybe even sliced hot chili peppers. Some people like spicy food, but if you’re like me and can’t handle much spice, then you may want to stick to cooked vegetables.

10 Reasons to Living in Ghana as a Foreigner

Welcome to Ghana. If you’re reading this, then the chances are that you have either just moved here or are considering it. In all honesty, living in Ghana can be a challenge at times. Notwithstanding, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences on earth. Here, we’ve listed ten reasons why moving to Ghana is an excellent choice and has much to offer; check it out below.

1.    Ghanaian People

The warmth and friendliness of Ghanaians are renowned across the world, and rightly so. From the high fives on sightseeing trips by tro-tros (local minibusses/taxis) to the ‘helicopter’ (a popular dance move in which you spin your hand above your head), it’s easy to see why Ghanaians are so popular.

People always say, ‘Ghanaians are everywhere! And this fact is true, as you’ll never feel alone in Ghana. Also, people are welcoming and friendly even if they don’t speak English, which brings me onto my next point.

2.    The Hospitality in Ghana

The second thing that I noticed during my time in Ghana was hospitality. Even if you are struggling with your basic Swahili, just a smile or gesture is enough to get by most of the time. Somehow, Ghanaians manage to communicate their intentions with ease. So, moving to this country is a great choice because you’ll certainly meet friendly locals.

3.    Food & Excellent Cuisine

What’s not to love? From Ghanaian Jollof rice (the national dish cooked with tomatoes and peppers) to Banku (a maize dough-based food similar to West African polenta), everything is delicious. Most of the time, dishes are cooked in oil, butter, or animal fat. If you’re looking for a healthy lifestyle, this might not be the place for you. However, don’t worry; you can still find lots of fruit and vegetables at the local market.

4.    Weather in Ghana

Ghana’s weather depends largely on which region you are living in. But generally speaking, it is hot all year round! Whether you’re looking for a sun-lounger holiday or an active time, everyone will be able to find something. The rainy season (June-October) is often referred to as the ‘cooler’ time, but in truth, it can still get very hot and humid at times.

5.    Adventure in Ghana

Ghana has a lot to offer in terms of adventure. From visiting local fishing villages or caves along the coast to trekking through the rainforest, there are waterfalls tucked away along miles of dirt tracks or monitor lizards in the grounds of Fort Ussher. So, if you’re looking for adventure, then Ghana is the place. In the latter, we will walk you through the tourist attractions in the country.

6.    Ghanaian History

Ghana’s history dates back to 1235, and it hasn’t always been a peaceful one. From European traders fighting over the Elmina Castle in the 1400s to a period of enslavement and then finally gaining independence in 1957, Ghana’s history is fascinating. There are to know! All you need is to follow us on this platform, and we’ll serve you more about the history of the country and moving to Ghana today.

7.    Language Ease and Communication

English is widely spoken throughout Ghana, but with 20 different languages, it’s easy to get immersed in local culture. Learning a few phrases is a good idea! Not only will it help you during your time in Ghana, but also when traveling to other West African countries like Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, and many others, to mention a few.

8.    The Diversity

Living in Ghana is an excellent way to experience both traditional and modern Africa. From watching traditional dance or drumming at a local event to enjoying the nightlife in East Legon, you will never be short of things to do. Meanwhile, it’s quite essential to know the right place to live to enjoy the cultures.

9.    Projects & Volunteering

Working in Ghana is a great way to assist the local community. For example, through teaching at a village school or working on development projects. At the same time, volunteering with Projects Abroad, such as teaching English and childcare, will help you get the most out of your experience. And not only will it develop valuable skills, but you will also make life-long friends!

10. Ghanaian Travel Opportunities

As previously mentioned, Ghana is an excellent stepping stone for traveling to other countries in Africa. Whether by plane (Ghana has many international airports) or by land (you can cross into Togo or Burkina Faso without a visa), there are plenty of tour companies who can help you to travel around the country. Whether it’s for a few days or several months, you’ll definitely enjoy living in Ghana.