Accra, Ghana Report of what it's like to live there - 08/09/11
Personal Experiences from Accra, Ghana
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I've been posted to Port au Prince, Tegucigalpa and Kingston
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
11 hours from DC
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There is a mix of townhouse compounds and single family homes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You will need to go to a number of stores to get everything you're looking for. Groceries and household supplies are quite expensive. You will be overwhelmed at how expensive they are.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Foods and cleaning products I can't do without and car maintenance parts.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
A number of decent restaurants throughout the city. Ranging anywhere from $5-7 to $45-55
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Not the best place for vegans and those suffering from nut allergies.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes and instances of malaria are very high.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
As a diplomat, we receive our mail thru the diplomatic post office at the Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is plentiful and reasonable. Just be sure to ask pointed questions when interviewing and keep in mind that Ghana has a high illiteracy rate.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Do not use them!!!!!Almost everyone I know has had their accounts stolen.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. Almost any religious demonination can be found in Ghana.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots!Uneven roads, limited sidewalks, etc.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis can generally be taken without incident. Just be sure to know your surroundings and agree on a price before getting in.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Any vechile is fine. Just know that not all roads are paved and those that are are not in the best of conditions.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Around $100/month for high speed internet.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Easily available here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest and pretty formal
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is not very good.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
moderate - they burn trash quite often
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid during the dry season (Nov. - May)Mild and overcast during the rainy season (June - Sept/Oct)
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, and surprisingly good. A number of preschools are available but they are quite expensive. Most cater to the expat community.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge
2. Morale among expats:
Decent
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Unless you like the club scene, you'll need to create your own entertainment.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Singles and couples should do well here. Families are in abundance.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women are not treated with as much respect as they should be.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Commute is less than five minutes
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Stools, glass beads, mud cloth, kente
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Culturally rich country - chieftancy, arts and crafts, food, music, etc.
11. Can you save money?
I couldn't
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Probably not
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes
