Greetings come before business
Shake with your right hand and ask about family and wellbeing first. Skipping the greeting reads as rude, however busy you are.
03 - Living here
Living in Ghana as an expat
A few habits will make your first month much smoother.
The right hand rule
Give, receive and eat with your right hand. It's a small habit that people notice straight away.
Two clocks
On site, be strictly on time - pick-ups and safety briefings don't wait. Socially, the pace is more relaxed; take it in good spirit.
You're a guest on customary land
Around 50% of your colleagues come from the surrounding communities. Respect for chiefs, elders and local custom goes a long way.
A little Twi goes a long way
| Twi | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Akwaaba | Welcome |
| Ete sɛn? | How are you? |
| Eyɛ / Bɔkɔɔ | I'm fine |
| Medaase | Thank you |
| Yɛbɛhyia bio | See you again |
| Chale | Friend / mate |
Money & MoMo
The currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHS). Mobile Money (MoMo) is used everywhere - get a local SIM and a MoMo wallet in your first week.
Power
230V with UK-style 3-pin sockets. Bring an adapter (and a spare) for your laptop and chargers.
Two seasons
Wetter around April–October; dry and dusty Harmattan around November–February. Pack a light layer for both.
Connectivity
Data on site can be patchier than in Accra or Kumasi. Download what you need before you travel.
Eat well
Try jollof rice, waakye, banku with tilapia, fufu, kelewele and red-red. Say yes to what your colleagues recommend - and flag any allergies or dietary needs to the mess team early so they can plan for you.
A taste of Ghana
Four plates worth trying in your first month. Point at one in the mess and ask your colleagues what they would add.
Fried rice & beef
A mess favourite. Wok-fried rice with beef, egg and spring onion. An easy first choice if you are new to the food here.
Waakye
Rice and beans with shito, spaghetti, boiled egg, salad and sausage, served on banana leaf. The classic breakfast-into-lunch plate.
Light soup
A peppery tomato broth with goat or snail. Spicy, so ask for it mild the first time.
Kenkey with fried fish
Fermented corn dough with fried fish, shito, pepper sauce and shrimp. Eat with your right hand.