Moving to Ghana as an Expat: The Complete Guide from Accra to Daily Life

Published on January 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Ghana as an expatriate is increasingly appealing to a wide range of profiles: posted employees, entrepreneurs, freelancers, members of the African diaspora, or families seeking a new life. A politically stable, rapidly growing, and largely English-speaking country, Ghana has established itself as one of the heavyweights of West Africa. Its capital, Accra, has become the beating heart of this appeal, with a dynamic economic scene, a vibrant cultural life, and an ever-expanding international community.

This guide offers a concrete dive into the reality of expatriate life in Ghana, with a focus on Accra, to help you ask the right questions – and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Understanding the country and context before leaving

Ghana is a coastal country of 238,533 km² located on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. Approximately 33 million people live there, mostly in the southern half of the country and along the Atlantic, where economic activity is also concentrated.

English is the official language and the language of business, but more than 80 local languages coexist. Among the main ones: Asante (a variant of Twi), Ewe, Fante, Ga, Dagomba… The majority of Ghanaians are Christian, around 20% are Muslim, and a portion of the population still practices traditional religions.

Accra: a dynamic, young capital under urban pressure

Accra, the capital, is home to several million inhabitants (estimates vary from about 2.6 to over 5 million depending on sources and the definition of the metropolis). It is a vibrant, noisy, hot, and very lively city, where local culture blends with international influences. The city attracts a young population, a growing middle class, and a significant expatriate community.

The climate is hot and humid all year round, with a heat index that can exceed 104°F (40°C). For a newly arrived expatriate, the heat, traffic jams, and city density are among the first shocks.

Choosing your neighborhood in Accra: lifestyle, budget, and traffic

The choice of neighborhood is one of the most defining decisions when moving to Accra. It conditions not only the housing budget but also the time spent in traffic, access to schools, healthcare, shops, and social networks.

In the capital, traffic is a serious issue: rush hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM) turn certain roads into open-air parking lots. Living close to your workplace or your children’s school can mean the difference between a comfortable life and daily hours stuck in traffic.

Comparative overview of main expatriate neighborhoods

To better visualize the positioning, here is a summary table of some highly sought-after or rapidly emerging neighborhoods:

These price ranges are indicative and can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property, furnishings, amenities (generator, water tank, security, etc.) and negotiation skills.

Airport Residential Area: the hub for diplomats and frequent travelers

Located right next to Kotoka International Airport, Airport Residential is synonymous with high standards. You’ll find embassies, large corporations, high-end buildings like Green Views, tree-lined streets, and numerous amenities (supermarkets, malls, sports centers, pharmacies, banks).

Cantonments: the quarter of chanceries

Cantonments, in the heart of the city but with a very calm atmosphere, concentrates some of the most important embassies (United States, United Kingdom, France, China…). The streets are wide, tree-lined, with a mix of colonial and contemporary architecture. You’ll encounter affluent Ghanaian families, diplomats, senior officials, and respected international schools like Ghana International School.

The neighborhood also has private clinics of good standard (The Bank Hospital, Euracare Ghana), cafes, restaurants, and small galleries. It’s one of the best compromises for security / quality of life / centrality, but prices can quickly reach high levels and housing stock is limited.

Labone and Osu: urban, trendy, and walkable life

Labone, adjacent to Cantonments and a stone’s throw from the coast, has become one of Accra’s “cool” neighborhoods, even making it into Time Out’s World Top 10 in 2025. The atmosphere is young, creative, with specialty coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and small nightlife spots. You’ll find expatriates, including long-established Lebanese and Indian communities, as well as Ghanaian middle classes.

East Legon, East Legon Hills, Adjiriganor and Lakeside: the expanding East

East Legon has established itself as one of the most sought-after residential hubs. Extravagant villas, upscale residences, large restaurants, trendy clubs, shopping centers like A&C Mall, proximity to the University of Ghana and several international schools (American International School, ARIS, Safari International School…). There’s a high concentration of Ghanaians returned from the diaspora, as well as a very varied expatriate community (China, India, Turkey, Germany, France…).

The flip side of success: infernal traffic on some roads (Spintex Road, Tema motorway), significant distances to cover between points of interest, and less quiet than in the diplomatic quarters. For families, it’s a top choice, but you have to accept optimizing your commutes.

Further east, East Legon Hills and Adjiriganor offer a more residential and often slightly more affordable environment. You’ll see housing estates and large modern houses springing up, close to international schools like British International School and Hudson School. Rents are lower here than in the heart of East Legon for generous spaces, but drainage issues in some areas and distance from the center must be factored in.

Lakeside Estate, structured into numbered communities, is also attracting more families for its calm setting, schools (Divine International, Beloga International), its small internal infrastructure (clinic, supermarket, gas station, park with lake), and children’s activities.

Spintex, Dzorwulu, Tesano, Achimota, Tema: other compromises

Spintex, a major road east of Accra, combines housing, commercial areas, and industrial zones. The supply here is more affordable than in central neighborhoods, while remaining well-connected to malls and schools. It’s a frequent choice for families on a tight budget or entrepreneurs.

Tema, finally, is a port city east of Accra, with a significant industrial base. Its estates like Tema Community 25 offer relatively large and secure houses for rents well below those in Accra, at the cost of longer commutes to the capital.

Practical tips for choosing your neighborhood well

Beyond the prestige of an address, a few criteria should guide an expatriate:

– Real distance (not just kilometers) from work and school

– Access to main roads, while avoiding areas known to be systematically congested

– Proximity to supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, banks

– Level of perceived and real security (security guards, lighting, presence of embassies or international companies)

– Nighttime noise (bars, clubs, traffic)

– Overall budget including not only rent but also utilities, backup solutions (generator, water tank, stable internet…)

Talking to expatriates already settled and serious real estate agents is often the best way to compare a neighborhood’s image with its reality.

Finding housing: rents, local practices, and pitfalls to avoid

In Accra, housing is often the number one expense for expatriates. High demand and the scarcity of good quality, well-located, and secure properties fuel sustained inflation in rents.

Rent levels and real estate purchase

Available figures show a wide spectrum of prices:

– 1 bedroom in the city center: from about $250 for very basic to $1,200 for expatriate standard, or more in premium neighborhoods.

– 3 bedrooms in the city center: typically between $800 and $2,500, with upscale properties over $3,000 in diplomatic areas.

– In the outskirts or less sought-after neighborhoods: 1 bedroom around $60–500, 3 bedrooms around $200–650.

In the nice expatriate neighborhoods (Airport Residential, Cantonments, Labone, East Legon), rents easily reach several thousand dollars per month for a family. Some 4-bedroom houses in Cantonments or East Legon exceed $5,000 per month.

A key practice: the rent advance

One of the shocks for newcomers is the requirement for a rent advance. It’s common for landlords to demand 6 to 24 months’ rent upfront, sometimes more, even though legislation encourages limiting the advance to six months. In practice, the scarcity of good properties and local culture lead many landlords to impose these large advances.

This reality has several implications:

– You need to arrive with significant cash reserves or be able to rely on an employer who covers housing.

– The real estate agent usually receives 10% of the total advance amount as commission.

– A “viewing fee” may be charged for each property viewing, even if you don’t rent.

Although some furnished complexes and serviced residences charge monthly, the norm remains significant advance payments in the classic residential market.

Furnished or unfurnished rental?

Expatriates on short or medium-term assignments often opt for furnished or semi-furnished properties. The supply of furnished housing is growing in buildings targeting foreigners, often with a pool, gym, security, generator, etc. In return, the rent may increase by 20 to 30% compared to an unfurnished property.

Utilities, services, and hidden costs

Most rents do not include electricity, water, or internet. Utility costs depend heavily on lifestyle:

In parallel, many households employ domestic staff (cleaning, cooking, childcare). Salaries often range between $50 and $200 per month depending on hours and responsibilities.

Strategies to limit your housing budget

Despite continuously rising prices, there is room for maneuver:

– Explore “secondary” neighborhoods that are well connected (Spintex, Tesano, Achimota, Lakeside, certain sectors of Dzorwulu).

– Negotiate the advance duration (sometimes possible to go from 24 to 12 months, even 6 in some cases).

– Share a large house among several roommates.

– Use local real estate portals, expatriate Facebook groups, and word-of-mouth to spot opportunities before they hit the open market.

It is essential to physically visit properties, as many online listings embellish the reality or conceal the exact location. Having the lease reviewed by a local lawyer is also recommended, as tenant protection is limited.

Cost of living: between local bargains and a very expensive “expat lifestyle”

The perception of the cost of living in Ghana depends enormously on lifestyle. A family of four can, on paper, get by starting at about $900 per month including housing, by adopting a very “local” life (modest housing, public transport, Ghanaian food). At the other extreme, a household accustomed to Western comfort (premium neighborhoods, constant air conditioning, international schools, imported products, regular outings) can easily exceed $4,000 per month.

Budget overview

Several estimates give an idea of the following orders of magnitude (amounts including housing):

To be compared with local average salaries, which are very low: some sources mention net average salaries around $160–320 per month in Accra. The gap between expatriate incomes and local incomes is therefore very wide.

Food: local is cheap, imported is prohibitive

Eating Ghanaian and shopping at the market allows you to control your budget. Local fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, eggs, chicken, grains) is affordable. A family of four can thus spend 150–200 GHS per week (around $10–13) on fresh produce by favoring neighborhood markets.

Imported products – European cheeses, brand-name cereals, snacks, charcuterie, wines – often reach prices significantly higher than European or North American standards, to the point that they become a major expense item for those who wish to exactly replicate their home diet.

Transport: “trotro,” ride-hailing, or personal car?

For getting around, several options coexist:

The price of gasoline is around $3.9–5.4 per gallon. Driving requires some adaptation: sometimes damaged roads, heavy rains, pedestrians and animals, and limited nighttime visibility outside Accra.

Education: the major dividing line in the budget

For families, school is often what blows the budget. Serious international schools easily charge between $5,000 and $20,000 per year per child, depending on the level and reputation of the institution. Major institutions like Ghana International School, Lincoln Community School, Al-Rayan International School, SOS Hermann Gmeiner, or Tema International School have fees comparable to other African or Middle Eastern capitals.

Local private schools and bilingual institutions, much cheaper (often $150–350 per month), can represent a compromise for families ready to integrate more into the local system.

In addition to tuition fees come:

– Registration and entrance test fees (often non-refundable)

– Application fees and “capital levy” or infrastructure contribution

– Uniforms, books, materials, school trips

– School transport or daily commuting costs

To spread these expenses, many institutions offer annual, semester, or monthly payment plans, sometimes with discounts for early payment or for siblings.

Healthcare system: limited public sector, private sector essential for expatriates

Ghana has a mixed healthcare system, structured around public hospitals, private clinics, and faith-based facilities. Public effort is significant given the means (about 6% of GDP dedicated to health), but infrastructure remains insufficient: overcrowded public hospitals, occasional equipment shortages, limited medical personnel (about 4,300 doctors and 68,000 nurses for over 33 million inhabitants).

Public health and national insurance (NHIS)

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), established in 2003, has significantly improved access to basic care for the population by eliminating full fee-for-service payments for many services (consultations, essential hospitalizations, maternity, malaria treatment, etc.). Nearly 70% of the population is said to benefit from public or private coverage, with regional disparities.

Foreign residents holding a permit can also join for a modest fee. However, the NHIS does not cover everything: certain specialized treatments, non-urgent surgical interventions, comfort care, or specific medications remain the patient’s responsibility.

Expatriate reality: private insurance almost mandatory

In practice, most expatriates turn to the private sector, especially in Accra and Kumasi, where the quality of clinics and hospitals can approach international standards. Facilities like Nyaho Medical Centre, Lister Hospital, or WARA (West African Rescue Association) are widely used by expatriate communities and business circles.

Advantages of the private sector:

– Much shorter wait times

– More modern equipment

– Staff often English-speaking and sometimes trained abroad

– Possibility of direct billing with some international insurers

In return, care is expensive without appropriate insurance. Hence the importance of taking out an international health insurance policy covering Ghana, ideally with:

– Reimbursement at private clinics

– Coverage for medical evacuations (to Europe, South Africa, or the Middle East for example)

– Family option if coming with spouse and children

– Possible inclusion of maternity, dental, optical care

Depending on age and coverage level, an adult may pay $100–300 per month, and a family several thousand dollars per year. Some expatriates combine NHIS for minor issues and international insurance for serious cases.

Specific health risks

– Malaria: major risk throughout the country. It is highly recommended to take antimalarial prophylaxis, use repellents, sleep under an impregnated mosquito net, and remain vigilant for symptoms (fever, chills).

– Yellow fever: vaccination mandatory to enter the territory, a vaccination certificate is required upon arrival.

– Other recommended vaccines: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, rabies, in addition to usual boosters (DTaP, polio, measles…).

– Water quality: In Accra, tap water may be treated but it is generally recommended to boil it or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes of unknown origin.

– HIV/AIDS, mpox (monkeypox), hemorrhagic fevers (Lassa): present in the country, hence the importance of basic precautions.

Emergencies and evacuation

The unified emergency number is 112, but there are also dedicated numbers (193 for ambulance, 191 for police). Public ambulance services have improved but remain uneven, with response times that can exceed fifteen minutes. Many consider it often faster to get to the hospital by private car or taxi.

It is prudent to:

– Keep on hand the contact details of a reliable hospital and a private ambulance service

– Have cash for initial fees

– Carry a card indicating allergies, current treatments, and emergency contacts

Entry formalities, visa, and residence

Ghana’s visa policy is evolving, with a stated desire to simplify access, especially for Africans and the diaspora.

Entering Ghana: visa, exemptions, and eVisa

Today, most non-African nationals need a visa to enter Ghana, to be obtained before departure from an embassy or consulate (in Washington, New York, London, Paris, etc.). The passport must be valid for at least six months after the entry date and have at least two blank pages.

For citizens of ECOWAS and, more broadly, for holders of African passports, a visa exemption regime for short stays is implemented, within the framework of African integration (AfCFTA, Agenda 2063). Certain nationalities also benefit from partial exemptions (diplomats, countries with bilateral agreements).

There are possibilities for visa on arrival for certain categories (notably non-exempt African Union nationals or travelers from countries without Ghanaian representation), but these cases often rely on prior authorizations and should not be considered a default solution.

Work and residence permits

A short-stay visa does not allow legal work. For expatriation, you need to consider:

– A work permit, usually applied for by the employer with Ghanaian authorities (Ministry of Labour)

– A residence permit, managed by the Ministry of the Interior / Immigration

The process can take 30 to 90 days and generally requires:

– Passport copies

– Employment or enrollment letter (studies, volunteering…)

– Police clearance certificate

– Medical certificate

– Proof of financial means

– Forms to be completed

Two specific statuses deserve attention:

– Right of Abode: intended for persons of African ancestry in the diaspora, allowing them to reside and work indefinitely in Ghana.

– Indefinite Residence Permit: for foreigners who have resided in Ghana for a long time, meeting certain conditions (good conduct, contribution to the country’s development, minimum stay duration).

Registration and foreigner identity card

Any foreigner over six years old and present for more than 90 cumulative days per year must register with the National Identification Authority, which issues a Ghana card for non-citizens. This card is often indispensable for:

– Opening a local bank account

– Obtaining a Ghanaian driver’s license

– Interacting with certain government agencies

Opening a bank account and managing your money

Ghana’s banking system is relatively developed and English-speaking. Foreigners can open an account, although requirements vary between banks.

Steps to open an account

In general, banks ask for:

– Identification document: passport, sometimes Ghana Card or residence permit

– Proof of address: utility bill (electricity, water, phone), lease, employer’s letter, or Ghana Post digital address

– Proof of income or employment: employment contract, employer’s letter, latest payslip

– Account opening form, with details, profession, contacts, etc.

– Passport photo

– For foreign residents: residence permit, sometimes work permit

Types of accounts and costs

You find the classic range:

– Current accounts for day-to-day transactions, often with a debit card

– Savings accounts (instant, fixed-term, for children)

– Foreign currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP) useful for expatriates

– “Diaspora” accounts for Ghanaians abroad

Bank fees need to be watched:

– Monthly account maintenance fees

– Bank card fees

– Commissions for withdrawals at another bank’s ATM

– Fees for local and international transfers

– Often unfavorable exchange rates for international transfers

Managing double taxation if you are a US or European citizen

Some expatriates (notably Americans) remain liable for their taxes in their country of origin, even while living in Ghana. Provisions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the Foreign Tax Credit, reporting obligations for foreign accounts (FBAR, FATCA) complicate matters.

In parallel, Ghana taxes residents on their worldwide income beyond a certain presence threshold (generally 183 days per year). Rates are progressive, up to about 30% on the highest brackets.

Obtaining advice from a tax specialist experienced in international mobility is strongly recommended.

Working, entrepreneurship, and networking

Ghana attracts expatriates in many sectors:

– Mining and natural resources (gold, bauxite, manganese)

– Oil and gas

– Telecommunications and technology

– Transport and logistics (ports of Tema and Takoradi)

– Finance and banking

– Agriculture and agribusiness

– Hospitality, tourism, education

Ghanaians are very relationship-oriented in business. Decisions, even simple ones, are rarely made on the spot: several meetings, informal exchanges, a gradual building of trust are often necessary. Starting a meeting with cordial exchange (health, family, travel) is the norm; diving straight into business topics is perceived as abrupt.

Networking: clubs, associations, and expatriate groups

The expatriate community is very active in Accra. You can find:

Participating in these networks allows you to find professional contacts, get informed about “good deals,” share experiences – and feel less isolated.

Cultural integration: social codes, gestures to avoid, and language

The reputation of Ghanaian hospitality is well-deserved. But this friendly warmth goes hand in hand with a set of codes and symbolic gestures that are important to understand.

Greetings, always greet

Greetings are fundamental. You say hello when entering a room, arriving at an office, stepping into a shop, or approaching a group. Not greeting can be interpreted as arrogance or contempt.

You generally use the right hand to shake hands – the left hand being traditionally associated with “impure” tasks. If you cannot use the right hand, covering your right wrist with your left hand shows you are aware of the norm.

Some gestural taboos

Several common gestures elsewhere are to be avoided or used with caution:

– Giving a “thumbs up” can be perceived as insulting.

– Pointing at someone with your finger, or beckoning with a hooked finger, is seen as impolite.

– Directing the sole of your foot towards someone is considered obscene.

– Hugging and affectionate displays that are too visible in public can cause discomfort.

Avoid shouting or whistling to call someone. Eye contact, a wave with the whole hand, or physically moving closer are preferred.

“Ghana time”: a different relationship with time

For social events, the indicated time is often approximate. It’s not uncommon for a party to start an hour or two after the stated time. For professional appointments, punctuality is more expected, although traffic jams are an often-accepted excuse.

Local languages: a few words that make a difference

Even though English is sufficient for daily life, learning a few words of Twi or Ga is extremely appreciated:

– “Akwaba”: welcome

– “Medase”: thank you

– “Wo ho te sen?”: how are you?

This willingness to engage with the local language immediately facilitates relationships, whether with neighbors, shopkeepers, or colleagues.

Religion, politics, money: sensitive topics

Religion is very present in public life – churches, mosques, religious slogans, biblical names. Politics also fuels many discussions. As a foreigner, it is generally recommended to stay out of local political debates, especially controversies, and not to take public sides.

Regarding money, relationships are subtle. Mutual aid and sharing are valued (it may be acceptable to give small amounts to children or people with disabilities), but ostentation or contempt for economic difficulties can be shocking. The book “African Friends and Money Matters” is often cited as a useful resource for understanding these nuances.

Importing your belongings and physically settling in

Many expatriates choose to move with their furniture, equipment, and possibly their car. Ghana has a precise customs regime for personal effects.

Personal effects, exemptions, and taxes

In principle, an expatriate who has lived at least one year outside Ghana and imports goods owned for more than six months, intended for personal use and not for resale, can benefit from favorable customs concessions. But practice is complex:

The value, nature of the goods, and quality of the documentation presented will influence the final taxation. Undervaluing or failing to declare certain goods can lead to penalties.

Essential documents

To clear a household move, you generally need:

– Valid passport and visa

– Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

– Detailed typed inventory in English, indicating values, signed and dated

– Packing list

– Specific customs forms (Passenger Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration, form C.12, etc.)

– For expatriates: assignment or transfer letter, work permit, certificate of first installation issued by immigration

– Invoices for electrical appliances or recent goods

Using an experienced international mover on the Ghana route helps limit unpleasant surprises.

Prohibited or regulated goods

Prohibited items include notably: smoking ban, prohibition of entry to secured areas, prohibition of using cell phones, alcohol ban.

– Narcotics, illegal drugs

– Firearms, explosives, dangerous weapons (except exceptional permits for hunting weapons)

– Pornography, subversive publications

– Counterfeit banknotes

– Used air conditioners and refrigerators (import of used general goods is prohibited)

– Used mattresses

– Toxic waste, contaminated goods

Other categories are highly regulated (hunting weapons, rough diamonds, certain plants or animals, agricultural products…). Before importing a pet, you must obtain a permit, present veterinary certificates, and organize quarantine in an approved kennel.

Schooling your children: international schools or local system?

Accra is home to a concentration of international schools rare in West Africa. You’ll find British, American, IB programs, French-speaking schools, or those with Indian influence.

Some major references

– Ghana International School (Cantonments): one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in the country. Cambridge program (IGCSE, A-Levels), BTEC in music and media, great diversity of students, and international accreditations (CIS, NEASC).

– Lincoln Community School (Airport Residential Area): combines American curriculum and International Baccalaureate, very focused on university admissions in Europe and North America.

– Al-Rayan International School (East Legon): IB school (PYP, MYP, DP), also a Cambridge IGCSE center, with a strong focus on pedagogical innovation.

– SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College (Tema) and Tema International School: IB and Cambridge, with boarding, renowned for academic quality and global orientation.

– American International School, Roman Ridge School, Vilac International School, French or German schools… complete a very rich landscape.

Points to consider when choosing a school

– Budget: probably the most decisive criterion.

– Location: living near the school drastically reduces traffic-related stress.

– Curriculum: IB, Cambridge, American, French, mixed? This also depends on your long-term plans (return to country of origin, studies abroad).

– Languages: what place for French, for English, for local languages?

– School culture: more or less elitist, more or less rooted in Ghanaian society, level of real diversity.

– Services: cafeteria, transport, extracurricular activities, academic support, handling of special educational needs.

Personal safety and precautions

In terms of safety, Ghana presents a moderate level of risk. The most frequent crimes affecting expatriates are:

– Pickpocketing and bag snatching, sometimes by motorcycle

– Opportunistic burglaries

– Scams (online, by phone, or in daily life)

– Occasional nighttime assaults, notably in taxis or poorly lit areas

To reduce risks:

During periods of regional instability or political tensions, it is advisable to stay informed via embassies, to register in programs like STEP (for Americans), and to avoid demonstrations or large gatherings.

Daily life: adapting without losing yourself

Beyond figures and procedures, a successful move relies on the ability to adjust expectations, to accept imperfections (power cuts, irregular water, administrative slowness) and to enjoy the real advantages:

– A generally warm, humorous, and resourceful population

– A burgeoning cultural scene (galleries, festivals, music, fashion)

– Nature accessible as soon as you leave the city (Aburi mountains, beaches, inland regions)

– An African and Caribbean diaspora settling long-term, creating very interesting hybrid communities

By carefully preparing your budget, methodically choosing your neighborhood, rigorously handling visa, insurance, and housing matters, and genuinely opening up to Ghanaian culture, it is possible to build a rich, stimulating, and sustainable life in Ghana, particularly in Accra.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

Find me on social media: