Accra, Ghana Report of what it's like to live there - 06/30/25
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?
This is my first post as US Direct hire. However, I had been an EFM in other posts including Jordan, Bahrain and South Korea.
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?
Home state is NV and there are direct flights to Accra from DC several times a week.
3. What years did you live here?
August of 2023 – July 2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Almost two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing here is beautiful but not without its issues, but I find that to be the fact all over the world including the U.S. The good thing is that however, is that we have GSO and Facilities to help solve those issues. Some are solved promptly; however, others have persisted.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find almost everything you need. There are plenty of stores and supermarkets with US EU and Middle Eastern products. The prices are a little at the high end though. Some fresh produces are a little tougher rely on, sometimes they are not as available as others. Personally, I haven’t found it difficult.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Things I brought with me and found useful are: Carbonated waters, laundry detergent, dish soap, flour, chocolate chips, cold medicine, mosquito spray, brownie mix, pan cake mix (all of these are available locally but at a higher price)
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty, we have Mexican restaurants with salsa nights where you can also go dancing, lots of Asian options, sushi, Korean, Thai and Chinese, British pub style places, American style places, breakfast and coffee shops French and Lebanese style, Middle Easter food is plenty and good too.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
In the twp years I have been living here I only had to kick two cockroaches out of my place. No other bugs. Mosquitoes are all around, just need to keep the doors closed. But nothing a little of spray won’t solve.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy mail room does a good job.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plenty and very affordable. I have a full-time housekeeper, a part time dog walker and a personal trainer. Processes are negotiable, some employees pay less, others more. It all depends on how less/more you are comfortable with. There also plenty of gardeners and even masseuses if needed.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, I have been out early morning and late at night with no issues or fear. I would recommend riding bikes, hiking and / or running, there are no sidewalks. I avoid unnecessary walks also due to the lack of sidewalks also. I see plenty of people still running though, even groups of local runners early in the morning.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is the embassy gym that has recently been relocated and renovated, my husband uses it daily. There are also several local gyms. Nothing like the grand ones you find in the US, but they have the necessary. Personal trainers are also very affordable and come to you. Many compounds also have small gyms.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I have used my credit card almost everywhere. There are a few restaurants and places that either don’t accept credit card payments or their POS never works. I usually ask before I buy anything if their system is running and if they take credit cards. They even accept them at the farmers market and arts fairs. Not an issue at all.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone speaks English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Although, we have had a employee on TDY with a disability and they seemed to manage well. I even noticed that a service was hired to mobilize him around and facilitate his access to several places.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are advised to use Uber or Bolt, which are super affordable. I only find it harder to find their services once you are a little further away from the embassy area. So going to places a little further out is not an issue getting an Uber, trying to get back is the issue as there might not be an Uber around for quite some time.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I bought a Kia Sorento from a diplomate, and my husband brought the Jeep. Higher cars are necessary as the roads do have issues with potholes and large speedbumps.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
“High-speed” perhaps not. Starlink is a better option if possible.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google-Fi works generally good. I kept my phone and number.
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?
No quarantine, a kennel is available but is pricy. dog walkers and sitters are affordable.
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?
A good number of EFM (including EPAP) jobs are usually always available if hiring freeze lifts.
Expat Life:
1. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are several places to go for eating, dancing, karaoke, games, etc.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, for both.
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
The people of Ghana are VERY friendly, I have had no issues making friends at all.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Affordable personal trainers, affordable masseuse that comes to your house, affordable dog walkers and housekeepers, affordable dance teachers, and so much more.
5. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
It depends what kind of "shopping" you are looking for. With regards to grafts, there are even free basket weaving classes given and plenty of local handicrafts to learn.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. But don't forget your:
mosquito repellant. In general, the only "bug" that is a bother are the mosquitos. Otherwise, there are very little bugs around per my experience.
