Ghana has become a popular place to start a new life for people from all over the world. Society in Ghana is made up of people from different ethnicities, religions and cultures who coexist, for the most part, in peace.
In fact, rather than being a source of conflict, the diversity within the population makes it a vibrant and fascinating place to visit and live. However, as with any decision to relocate to a new country, there are important considerations to keep in mind before making the move. Here we outline what you need to know about moving to Ghana.
Spoken Languages
There are lots of different tribes in Ghana which means that there are around 70 different languages, but English is widely spoken. It is not the native language, but it is taught in schools on a compulsory basis and is the language used in economic and official matters. There are, however, some other languages which are recognized as official by the Bureau of Ghana Languages: Kasem, Dagaare, Dagbani, Gonja, Ewe, Dangme, Ewe, Akan and Ga. The French language is also rising in popularity.
Social Life in Ghana
Ghana is a country which loves celebration and there are plenty of holidays and festivals which take place throughout the year. The Akan people are the dominant group in the country in terms of heritage and a lot of the festivals are centered around their culture, including plenty of music and dancing.
The food of Ghana is varied, but popular dishes include stews, soups, starchy staples, plantains, yams, and cassava.
In terms of finding somewhere to live, most of the population live in the capital city of Accra and the surrounding region. The cost of living can vary depending on the type of property you rent or buy and the area you choose to live in. Start your property search with Ghana Property Centre.
Healthcare
The government has significantly increased investment in the healthcare system in the last decade, but there is room for improvement when compared to Western standards. The healthcare system is best in the city of Accra, but rural areas have less access to medicine and doctors. The Ghanaian government has a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which covers treatment and a range of ailments which are common in Ghana.
In addition to the government-funded hospitals, there are healthcare centers set up by religious groups. Before moving to Ghana, you should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Meningitis, Rabies, and Typhoid. Malaria is one of the most serious diseases in Ghana and it is important to note that HIV and AIDS are also prevalent.
Money
The currency of Ghana is the Cedi and there are 100 pesewas in one Cedi. However, the US dollar is widely used and there are plenty of international banks and ATMs in the cities. It is possible to use a credit card, but there is a lot of credit card fraud in Ghana, so it is often more secure to use cash as much as possible.
Getting around
There is a public transport network in Ghana, but it is not reliable. In the cities, it is usually best to use a car or take a taxi. In the rural areas, roads are not always in a great condition and there is very little street lighting. If you are planning on driving in Ghana, bear in mind that other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and livestock can be unpredictable.
Crime
In comparison to some other West African countries, Ghana is a peaceful country with a low crime rate. The cities have a larger police presence, but it is worth remembering that empty streets and neighborhoods tend to be more dangerous areas.
