Ghana

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (ghana railway corporation, relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Metro Mass Transit, VIP Jeoun Transport, STC Coaches, relatively safe)

Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, in the subregion of West Africa. Spanning a land mass of 238,535 km2, it is bordered by the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east, and the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. Ghana's population is diverse, comprising various ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. The largest of these are the Akan, Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, and Ga-Dangme. English is the official language and serves as a lingua franca in the country. Ghana's economy is one of the strongest and most diversified in Africa, following a quarter century of relative stability and good governance. Ghana's mixed economy is rich in natural resources and has an increasing service sector, following the decline of the country's once dominant mining industry. The country is known for its rich history, particularly as the former Gold Coast, reflecting the abundance of gold that was once prevalent here. Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, an event that had a profound influence on the rest of the continent. Today, Ghana is celebrated for its vibrant culture, which includes the colorful traditional kente cloth, diverse music genres, and numerous festivals. It is also recognized for its commitment to democracy, with a political system that includes a multi-party system and a strong emphasis on human rights. The country's natural landscape is varied, featuring lush forests, exotic wildlife, and relatively flat plains. It also has a number of national parks and protected areas, which are home to a variety of species and serve as tourist attractions. Ghana's educational system has seen significant improvements over the years, with increased access to primary and secondary education and a growing number of tertiary institutions. The country continues to face challenges, including economic disparities, infrastructure needs, and environmental concerns. Nevertheless, Ghana remains a symbol of peace and stability in the region and continues to play a significant role in African geopolitics and economic development

Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

B+

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

D+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

B-

Healthcare

Cost of Living

B-

Recreation

B-

Nightlife

Restaurants

C+

Crime

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ghana is considered moderate. It is generally affordable compared to Western countries, but costs can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Weather

Ghana experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: the wet and the dry season. The south of the country has two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, while the north has one, from April to October. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, with averages between 21°C and 32°C. Humidity can be quite high, especially in the wet seasons.

Educational System Ghana

The educational system in Ghana is structured similarly to the British model and is known for its diverse and rich curriculum. Education in Ghana is divided into three main levels: basic, secondary, and tertiary. Basic education lasts 11 years and is made up of Kindergarten, primary school, and junior high school. Children typically start Kindergarten at the age of four and complete basic education at around 15 years of age. After completing basic education, students sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to qualify for secondary education. Secondary education lasts three years, and students can choose between general education or vocational training. At the end of secondary education, students take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to qualify for tertiary education. Ghanaian schools are known for their emphasis on English language proficiency, mathematics, science, and social studies, with increasing attention to information and communication technology. The quality of education can vary significantly, with urban schools generally better resourced than those in rural areas. The government of Ghana has been working on improving the educational system by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. Parents moving to Ghana can expect their children to be in a learning environment that values academic excellence, discipline, and moral upbringing.

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Ghana Work and Residence Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Not specifically designated for digital nomads, but the Ghana Tourist Visa is commonly used, and it allows them to stay for up to 60 days

Obtaining a residency visa in Ghana involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. Expatriates looking to reside in Ghana typically apply for a Ghana Work and Residence Permit. This permit is necessary for any foreign national who intends to work and live in Ghana. The process begins with the expatriate securing a job offer or proving that they will be engaging in a business that is beneficial to the Ghanaian economy. Once a job offer is received, the individual or the employing company must submit an application to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) along with the required documents. These documents often include a passport valid for at least six months, a police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country, a medical clearance certificate from an accredited health institution in Ghana, and proof of the job offer or business intent. The application process for a Work and Residence Permit is quite thorough and requires various forms of documentation to prove the legitimacy of the expatriate's employment or business activities. The company in Ghana must also provide documentation, such as company registration certificates and tax clearance certificates, to support the application. Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the GIS. If approved, the expatriate will be issued a residence permit that typically lasts for one to four years, depending on the type of permit granted, and is renewable. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks to a few months to receive the permit. It is important to note that there is no specific visa for digital nomads in Ghana. However, many digital nomads use the Ghana Tourist Visa to enter the country, which allows them to stay for up to 60 days. This visa does not permit the holder to engage in any form of employment in Ghana. For longer stays, digital nomads would need to explore other types of visas or permits, such as the aforementioned Work and Residence Permit, if they can secure employment or establish a business in Ghana. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and requires various clearances and documentation, it is a well-established system that, when followed correctly, allows expatriates to obtain residency in Ghana.

Moving to Ghana with a Pet

Homeschooling in Ghana

How to Enroll Your Children in School in Ghana

Educational System in Ghana

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Ghana

Buying a Home in Ghana

How to Rent a Home in Ghana

Guide to Residency in Ghana

Expats Talk about Moving to Ghana

Living in Ghana

Movies Set: Beast of No Nation, The Cursed Ones, Potomanto

Popular Foods: Ghanaian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and hearty dishes. Staple foods include fufu, a dough-like food made from boiled and pounded cassava or yam, often served with soup or stew. Jollof rice, a one-pot rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, is also widely enjoyed. For dessert, kelewele, spicy fried plantains, is a popular choice.

Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual foods enjoyed in Ghana is fufu with light soup and snails. Snails are considered a delicacy and are often eaten with soups and stews, but they can be an acquired taste for visitors.

Popular Sports: football, boxing, basketball

Popular Teams: Asante Kotoko SC (football), Accra Hearts of Oak SC (football), Ghana Black Stars (national football team)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in Ghana, it is important to always use the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Also, pointing at people with your finger is considered rude, and it is better to gesture with an open hand. Visitors should be aware that showing the soles of one's feet can be seen as disrespectful, so it's best to avoid doing so when sitting down.

Ghana Guide

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ghana on our Ghana forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Ghana Community

Healthcare in Ghana

The healthcare system in Ghana is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health. It is designed to be accessible to all citizens through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which provides a basic package of healthcare services. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more skilled healthcare professionals than rural areas. Private healthcare in Ghana is generally of a higher standard, offering more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is also more expensive. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by registering with the NHIS and paying the required premiums, which then entitles them to the same benefits as Ghanaian citizens.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ghana on our Ghana forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

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Ghana

Visa & Residency

Living in Ghana

Healthcare in Ghana