Travel to a New Home
Your Top Questions About Moving to Ghana Answered By Amara Amaryah
G
hana has been a top destination for Black travelers for a minute, but we’re starting to see an increasing amount of Black travelers sharing questions about moving to Ghana. With the huge success of the ‘Year of Return’, many across the Diaspora are looking to set up lives in Ghana. We gathered the top questions asked about moving to Ghana so you can know everything before making the big jump.
Where are the top locations for Black expats moving to Ghana? Ghana is a treasured expat location because it offers so much. That being said, where you want to live depends much on your lifestyle, budget and the side of Ghana you want to experience. As with most countries, the expat and touristy areas are usually the most expensive (usually closer to U.S. prices for monthly rent) but they also have more shops and things geared towards foreigners which allows for an easier transition. For smaller crowds, less traffic and fresher air there are options available outside of Accra or other business cities. Here are a few favorite expat spots: ► East Legon, a suburb in Accra ► Osu, central Accra ► Tema, on the coast/ on the Bight of Benin ► Asebu, Central region (greener option) ► Kumasi, southern Ghana in the Ashanti region
How difficult is it to visit neighbouring countries from Ghana? It isn’t necessarily difficult but it can definitely be costly. This of course depends on the country you’re planning on visiting but costs ramp up in terms of tourist visas and flights. Once land and sea borders reopen, this could bring down costs and open up easier travel avenues.
What is the easiest way to find housing when you arrive?
Most people use an app called jiji.com.gh (similar to Craigslist) or Airbnb initially. After that it is all about who you know. Ghana is a great place to network and get familiar with the rhythm of the local community – joining expat groups on Facebook or asking around is going to be a savior.
What jobs do most expats work while living in Ghana? While there are several Digital Nomads in Ghana, the general feeling is that expats in Ghana create jobs or start businesses while living in the country. Entrepreneurial minds will appreciate Ghana in this sense – here are a few business ideas that expats tend to settle into: ► Accommodation ► Daycare and Childcare Facilities ► Dry Cleaners/Laundromats ► Hair Extensions and Wig Makers ► Personal Shopping and Errand Running ► Cleaning Business ► Restaurants with international cultural foods Expats coming to Ghana should always spend enough time in the local community to get a sense of whether the service already exists, is needed and above all, will be accessible to local Ghanaians as well as expats. Offering ways to genuinely contribute to the land is the kind of entrepreneurial energy that avoids exploitation.
48 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2022
