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

What do you picture when you think of Ghana? Perhaps beautiful beaches, stunning nature reserves or vivacious cities spring to mind. Perhaps not, but what should be top of your list is its world-class workforce. In a bid to understand the concept of working in Ghana as an expat, continue reading!

With Ghana’s burgeoning economy and relative economic stability in comparison with the rest of Africa (GDP growth has averaged around 8% for the past five years), now is an excellent time to move abroad to work in Ghana as an expat. Besides, most people who come to live here as expatriates do so for work.

However, there are a number of job opportunities available in the country. Not only is that, but we have lots of different jobs which you could undertake – including the traditional office jobs, or working for a non-governmental organisation (NGO). For those looking for work with NGOs, Ghana is an exciting place to live as there are several opportunities available.

Most expatriate workers in Ghana work for one of the many multi-national companies, both within the oil & gas sector and outside of it. In fact, Ghana also has a large number of international organisations which employ expatriate workers to do everything from maintaining computer systems to monitoring human rights abuse.

But how can you do so? To find out, we have compiled this article to meet your requirements, and extend beyond what you wish for. Working, and living in Ghana would definitely be a lovely and exciting one! Would you love to leave your country and settle to work in Ghana as an expat? Continue reading!

Step-By-Step Guide Below To Working in Ghana as an Expat

Before you start a career in Ghana, there are few things to put into consideration. In spite of this, you still need to understand the kind of visa applicable for those looking to work in the country. But, before that, let’s quickly take a look at the step-by-step guide to working in Ghana as a foreigner. So, check it out!

·         Get To Know Ghana

As a destination, Ghana has a great deal going for it with beaches and coastal towns drawing in tourism from across Europe and North America. However, many of these visitors end up with a longing to return again following their trip. And this is excellent news for those thinking about working in Ghana as an expat. The time of year you go will affect your experience of Ghana significantly.

Between November and March, it’s very wet, although this is the best time to explore the coastal cities as well as a safari in Mole National Park or Bui National Park. The drier months are between May and August (winter) and September to October (summer).

Ghana is also a diverse country, with over 120 languages spoken by its people. This can make it an ideal destination to learn a new language. Not only will Ghanaians appreciate your effort, but you could find yourself getting paid for teaching English or another second language if you decide to work in Ghana as an expat.

Meanwhile, there are also many different cultures to explore depending on where you choose to work in Ghana as an expat. If you are planning on moving to Ghana, it helps to understand the culture and the people. In this case, you may need to read up on traditional customs before you venture there.

·         Get Your Finances in Order

As a result of its relative economic stability compared to other African countries, Ghana has benefits from a more stable (and favourable) currency. The Ghanaian cedi (GHS), which has an exchange rate of one US dollar to about 5.4 GHS, makes it easier for you to earn in Ghana as an expat.

If you are planning on working in Ghana as an expat you should also research job opportunities and double-check your potential salary before you move to the country.

·         Get a Visa and Leave Your Worries Behind

Although there are other ways to find work in Ghana as an expat, but the easiest way is to get a working holiday visa which allows you to work for one company for up to 12 months. With this visa you can also bring your dependents with you, so you can move your family to Ghana as an expat if you wish.

That being said, you should also double check the other visa requirements for working in Ghana as an expat or moving there permanently. However, the immigration department has a great deal of information to help you find out more here.

·         Start Job Hunting

Once you’ve arrived in Ghana and sorted out your visa, you will need to find work if you want to stay there for more than a couple of weeks. Most people in the country speak English (although it’s good to learn some local languages ​​too), so this is a great language to teach if you are planning on moving to Ghana as an expat.

In addition, you can also try and use your current profession to get a job in Ghana, from being a doctor to running your own business. Start by researching the job market and finding out what skills are needed in which regions of Ghana before you start applying for jobs.

·         Get to Know Your New Home

Although there are a number of cultural differences between Ghana and your native country, so don’t forget to get out and explore the local area. There is a lot to see around Kumasi, for example, which has many different festivals going on throughout the year.

You can also visit Nzulezu, a stunningly beautiful town situated on the coast of Ghana’s Western Region, or explore Elmina Castle which is one of the largest fortresses built by Europeans in Africa. There are some real benefits to working in Ghana as an expat and many opportunities to enjoy a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you want to save money, learn a new language or explore a new part of the world, Ghana may be the perfect destination for you.

Benefits of Working in Ghana as an Expat

It’s not every day that an expat gets the chance to live in Ghana, with one of the poorest countries in Africa being a lot cheaper than most western nations. This is among the reasons why so many people are keen to work or study abroad in Ghana, as you can really stretch your money out here.

While it’s true that Ghana is a country with a lot of poverty, you can still enjoy yourself here as an expat. You’ll be able to go out at night and party, visit the beach regularly or even take part in one of many sports on offer. To help you settle into life working in Ghana as an expat, we’ve put together some key benefits that you can enjoy as long as you’re living and working in Ghana.

By looking at these benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people want to work or study abroad in Ghana! Just think – if life is cheap and the country has a lot to offer, what do you have to lose?

1.       Health Care System

Healthcare is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a country, especially since you want to make sure that you’re going to be looked after should you need medical help. There’s no need to worry about this in Ghana as their healthcare system is world-class and much better than anything else found across Africa.

As well as private hospitals and clinics, there’s also a wide range of healthcare available across Ghana that expats can take advantage of. Who visit Ghana can enjoy having access to top-class medical professionals and facilities, taking their mind off any concerns about sickness or injury. As long as you’re working in Ghana and making money, you’ll be able to spend it on healthcare here!

The best thing about Ghana’s healthcare is that it’s all available at a really low cost, which makes staying healthy that much easier for expats living here. You can even set up your own private health insurance plan if you wish so that you’re still covered no matter where you go.

In addition, Ghana is a very stable country that welcomes expats from all over the world looking to work or study abroad. As long as you’re making money, you can spend it on anything you want – including healthcare. Moreover, there are lots of options available for expats who don’t have medical insurance so finding an option that works for you isn’t hard.

2.       Education

Another important factor that people consider when choosing the country they want to work or study abroad in is education. Working and studying in Ghana allows easy access to all kinds of international schools for expats, along with opportunities to discover new cultures through learning. Due to this, there are lots of reasons why working and studying abroad in Ghana is a great choice.

Working and studying abroad in Ghana gives expats access to some of the world’s best schools. As a result, they don’t have to worry about their children having a poor education as these schools teach everything from maths to history through local languages. And this makes it easier for children to adjust to new cultures and nationalities.

One of the other benefits of working and studying in Ghana as an expat is that it’s far safer than countries such as South Africa or even the USA. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your children getting caught up in any crimes as they’re unlikely to happen because there’s no need or want to do so.

3.       Stability

One of the best things about living and working abroad in Ghana is that it’s very stable, with little chances of civil unrest or protests harming you or your family. This makes it one of the safest places for expats to live and work, especially if they still want to be able to explore the city and visit new places.

However, Ghana is one of Africa’s most stable countries, which means that you don’t have to worry about your security when living and working here. With this extra sense of safety comes open spaces, fewer protests and even cheaper goods – perfect for anyone looking to escape their own country for whatever reason.

4.       Cheap Goods and Transport

Another great thing about working and living in Ghana is the fact that everything is so cheap. From groceries to clothes to cars, everything in this African country is much cheaper than in other parts of the world – making it perfect for anyone on a budget.

You can see why people moving to Ghana may be put off by the fact that it’s such an expensive place to live and work. But if you look at things from a different angle, you’ll see how cheap everything is compared to other parts of the world.

Living and working in Ghana makes it easy for expats to experience local cultures, as well as buy all the goods they could ever need in one place. This is especially useful for anyone planning on moving their whole family over to Ghana to work or study, as they won’t have to worry about not being able to provide them with everything they’d normally get at home.

5.       Corruption-Free Environment

Another great benefit of working or studying abroad in Ghana is the corruption-free environment it provides. This makes it a great choice of country for anyone who wants to work and live somewhere they won’t have to worry about anything bad happening and where their money is safe and sound.

Unlike other parts of Africa or even Western Europe, working and studying in Ghana will leave you stress-free. The country is corruption-free so you don’t have to worry about your money disappearing, and its economy is booming so there’s no need to stress about the price of products.

Due to Ghana being a corruption free environment, people who are moving or studying here can be sure that their money won’t go to waste as it’s held in very high esteem. Unlike other countries, Ghana has no need for bribes or corruption which means that the government will be fair when it comes to how they spend their money.

Furthermore, people are drawn to different things in life, but working and studying abroad in Ghana definitely offers something for everyone who wants to try something new without giving up everything they already know and love. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it could be perfect if you’re looking to move abroad but don’t want to leave your family behind. Working or studying in Ghana also allows you to keep your loved ones close, while still experiencing a new country and culture that will no doubt provide you with new experiences during your stay.

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.