Living in Ghana

Known as one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa, Ghana is an attractive destination for expats looking to experience life on the continent. This guide will explore the ins and outs of living in Ghana – from the reasons to move there, pros and cons, costs, quality of life, culture and best places to live.

Why Move to Ghana?

There are many appealing factors that draw newcomers to Ghana:

• Stable democracy and peaceful political climate. Ghana has free elections and a history of peaceful transitions of power.
• Developing economy with abundant opportunities, especially in sectors like agriculture, oil and gas, tourism and technology.
• English is the official language which makes transitioning simpler for foreigners.
• Tropical climate and lush landscapes ranging from Atlantic beaches to interior lakes and forests.
• Vibrant culture with festivals, music, arts and crafts that provide rich experiences.
• Growing expat community in Accra allows for an instant social circle and support system.
• Lower cost of living compared to Western countries, from housing to healthcare to entertainment.
• Delicious and diverse cuisine blending local dishes like fufu with international flavors.
• Hospitable people with a laidback and welcoming attitude. Ghanaians are generally very friendly.

Living in Ghana: Pros and Cons

While Ghana has much to offer as an expat destination, there are also some challenges:

Pros

1. Affordable cost of living
2. Tropical climate and natural beauty
3. Stable democracy
4. English speaking population
5. Laidback and friendly locals
6. Delicious and diverse cuisine
7. Growing economy with opportunities
8. Vibrant music, festival and arts scenes
9. Expat communities for support

Cons

1. Underdeveloped infrastructure outside major cities
2. Unreliable utilities – water and power outages
3. Environmental pollution concerns
4. High unemployment rates
5. Income inequality remains an issue
6. Corruption still common in business
7. Poor road safety standards
8. Access to quality healthcare is limited
9. Internet service can be slow/unreliable

Overall Ghana provides a high quality of life in terms of climate, affordability, and culture that appeal to many foreign residents. But infrastructure and development lag behind.

The Cost of Living in Ghana: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of living in Ghana is relatively affordable, especially coming from Europe, North America or Australia. Housing, imported goods and healthcare are the largest expenses.

• Housing – Renting an apartment in the city center averages $500-800 per month. Buying property starts around $70,000.
• Food – Groceries like produce, meat and staples cost around $200-300 monthly for two people. Eating out costs $5-15 per meal.
• Transportation – Public transit like tro tros start at $0.10 per ride. Taxis are inexpensive at $5-10 per trip within the city. Fuel is around $4.50 per gallon.
• Healthcare – Basic local care is affordable but quality varies greatly. Expat insurance starts at $150 per month.
• Utilities – Electricity averages around $80 per month. Water is around $30 monthly. Internet costs $30-60.
• Entertainment – Activities like eating out, concerts or a gym membership cost under $10 each time.
• Taxes – The corporate tax rate in Ghana is 25%. Income tax averages 19-30% depending on income bracket. VAT is 15%.

Overall, Ghana provides a very affordable cost of living, especially for housing and services. But imported goods cost more.

Quality of Life in Ghana

Ghana provides a relatively good quality of life among African nations but still lags behind global standards:

1. Affordability – Low prices on housing, goods and services allow disposable income to go further. But high unemployment dampens this.
2. Healthcare – Quality healthcare is available in cities but limited in rural areas. Public facilities often lack resources. Expats need private care.
3. Infrastructure – Unreliable power and water access causes frustrations. But internet access continues improving. Transportation links need upgrading outside major centers.
4. Environment – Pollution and waste issues persist in cities. But overall, Ghana fares well in terms of green spaces and wildlife preservation.
5. Education – Literacy rates are 79% for men and 60% for women. Primary education enrollment is rising. But quality lags global standards.
6. Standard of Living – Ghana is a developing country so Western-style living standards only exist among the upper class. Poverty remains an issue.
7. Personal Freedom – Ghana has strong protections for civil liberties and personal freedoms compared to other African nations. Gender equality has a long way to go.
8. Leisure Time – Ghanaians work long hours but make time for family and friends. Nightlife and arts scene thrive in Accra.

A Beginner’s Guide to Ghana Culture

Here is a quick rundown of Ghanaian culture and customs:

• Warm, welcoming people who value friendliness and courtesy in social interactions.
• Handshakes are the customary greeting. Elders are respected and greeted first.
• Ghana is religious with majority Christian and some Muslim and indigenous beliefs.
• Traditional gender roles still dominate – women handle domestic duties and childcare. But this is slowly changing.
• Social life revolves around faith communities, family events and informal gatherings to mingle.
• Ghanaian fare like fufu, banku, kelewele and jollof rice appears at most gatherings alongside global cuisines.
• Bright, colorful traditional fabrics like kente cloth and African prints are a source of pride.
• Music and dance are integral parts of the culture from upbeat Azonto dance to highlife and afrobeats.
• Holidays like Independence Day, Emancipation Day and festivals like Aboakyir and Homowo are exuberantly celebrated.

Best Places to Live in Ghana

Popular cities for expats in Ghana include:

1. Accra – The capital and largest city with urban amenities, nightlife, healthcare and international community.
2. Kumasi – The cultural heart of Ghana featuring historic sites and festivals. Lower cost of living than Accra.
3. Takoradi – A hub for Ghana’s oil industry. Also provides urban conveniences and more open spaces.
4. Tamale – A growing town offering local culture and proximity to nature sites like Mole Park.
5. Cape Coast – Coastal town with history, beaches, fishing and surfing opportunities.
6. Koforidua – A quieter inland town with rainforest surroundings and agriculture.

Ghana offers great quality of life, affordability and culture. Urban hubs like Accra or historic towns like Kumasi each appeal to different lifestyles.