Should You Consider an Expat Job in Ghana?

Thinking of making a move to Ghana for your next job? Here are four things you need to know before taking the plunge!

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Should You Consider an Expat Job in Ghana?
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You’ve finally decided you want to work abroad. You’ve already done some research and found a few different countries that you might like to explore. And then, Ghana crossed your path. What does this mean for your international job search?

This guide will help you decide if an expat job in Ghana is for you, or if you should keep looking. We’ll discuss the cost of living, the visa process, and what life is actually like in Ghana for expats.

 

Is Ghana the right fit for you?

Ghana is a country in West Africa. It borders Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea.

If you want to relocate to Ghana, there are some things you should know first. The living costs in Ghana will be significantly higher than that of your home country. In fact, business services can cost up to 500% more here than they would back home. The reason for this is because many items have to be imported from other countries and transported over land across the border by truck or boat before they reach the market.

Ghanaian culture is different than what a lot of people are accustomed to in their home country; so it might take some time to adjust if you plan on staying for an extended period of time. One major thing that stands out about Ghanaian culture is how family-oriented it is; for example, there are endless family gatherings taking place all the time. If you enjoy spending quality time with your family and being surrounded by people who care about you, then Ghana might be a great fit for you!

 

Visa Requirements

One of the most important factors in deciding if an expat job in Ghana is for you is your visa. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a company that can sponsor your work visa. But many people will have to wait until they’ve been accepted into their desired school or organization before they can enter the country. In order to get a work visa, applicants must come up with $250 and show proof that they can support themselves.

If you don’t have any ties to Ghana and plan on staying in the country for less than one year, then you’ll be required to have a tourist visa. Applicants who are temporary workers or journalists can also apply for tourist visas. For these visas, applicants will need to provide evidence that they plan on leaving the country at the end of their stay. They’ll also need to demonstrate that they have enough money to cover their expenses while in Ghana without working.

It's also worth noting that only travelers who are citizens of certain countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at a Ghanaian airport without prearranging it beforehand. The unlucky majority who don't qualify will need to apply for visas in advance through embassies or other channels abroad.

 

The Cost of Living

in Ghana

Ghana is a beautiful country with friendly people, but it’s also a country of extremes. The cost of living in Ghana ranges from dirt cheap to high-end. For example, you could get your groceries for $5 or spend $200 on the same items. There are many factors that can affect the cost of living in Ghana, like where you live and what time of year it is.

The average monthly living expenses for an expat range from $2,000-$4,000 per month. This includes basic necessities and luxuries: housing, food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, and more. The cost of living in Ghana depends on how you want to live. If you want to live at a higher standard with luxury items and nice cars, then the cost will be more expensive than if you just need to provide basic necessities like shelter and food.

 

Life as an Expat in Ghana

Life as an expat in Ghana is vastly different than life in the US or Western Europe. Life as an expat in Ghana can be difficult, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll need to do your research and understand what you’re getting yourself into before you sign that contract.

One of the most important things to understand about life in Ghana is the cost of living. It’s much cheaper than living in Western countries - for example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be as low as $500 a month.

However, don't let this number lead you astray because there are drawbacks to living cheaply. For example, the basic monthly food budget is around $300 a month (compared to $350-$400 a month in the US). You might not have high-quality meals every day like you would back home - but if you're okay with eating rice and beans from time to time, this could save you some money!

Another thing worth mentioning is that hospitals and doctors are significantly cheaper than they are back home -- so if you're looking for affordable healthcare options, then Ghana might be perfect for you!

The visa process for Ghana is relatively straightforward; however, it does take about four weeks to process your application (compared with two weeks for China). The only requirement necessary for your visa application is that your passport has at least six months left on it when applying. This means that if you're

 

Moving to Ghana

Ghana is a country located in Western Africa that borders the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana is home to a population of 25 million people, and the capital city of Ghana is called Accra.

Ghana has been an independent nation since 1957, but it was previously ruled by other countries including Britain and Germany. Today, the country’s government operates as a presidential republic with a strong democratic tradition.

 

Settling Down in Ghana

Ghana is the most economically stable country in West Africa. It has the fastest growing economy in the region, which is a major draw for expats that want to work abroad. Ghana’s GDP grew by 5.8% in 2017 and 7% in 2018, making it one of the fastest-growing economies on earth.

The population of Ghana is 27 million, with approximately 16 million living in urban areas. The largest city is Accra with a population of 3 million people and an unemployment rate of 1.9%.

Ghana’s cost of living index is 18% lower than the US’s, making it a more affordable place to live than many other countries on this list. And while urban areas are much cheaper than rural regions, you can still find plenty of inexpensive goods and services in both places.

One more thing that might entice you to work abroad: Ghana offers some of the best public services for expats, who will be happy to see all their medical needs are covered by their employer as well as public hospitals with Western medical standards.

 

Pre-departure Checklist

If you’re considering an expat job in Ghana, there are a few things to keep in mind before you get on the plane. First, it helps to have a clear idea of what your goals are for the job and where you see yourself in five years. Do you want to climb up the corporate ladder? Would you prefer to be part of a project that will take 5-10 years to complete? Knowing what your long-term goals are will help you find a job that is aligned with those desires.

Next, take some time to learn about Swiss law and culture. You’ll need to know how your rights and responsibilities work as an expat. In Ghana, for example, if someone dies under suspicious circumstances instead of being natural causes, the family is expected to pay for the funeral because they were responsible for their loved one's death. That might not be something that would fly back home!

Finally, make sure you know what kind of visa will allow you entry into Ghana and how expensive it will be. There’s no point in taking a job if it means spending most of your income on visas or living expenses.

 

Post-arrival Checklist

When you arrive in Ghana, there are a few things you have to do before starting work. First, you’ll need to register with the Ghana Immigration Service and get your work permit.

Second, make an appointment with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a work visa which is valid for one year.

Third, find a place to live. You’ll want to figure out if you want to rent an apartment or stay at a hotel or guesthouse until finding an apartment you like.

Fourth, be aware of scams.

Fifth, research public transportation routes in Ghana and how much they cost. You’ll want to know how much it costs to get around so when you move into your new home, you can start exploring right away!

Sixth and finally, allow yourself some time to adjust to the culture shock that comes with living abroad.

 

Meet your Neighbors

One of the most important things to consider when looking for an expat job is the culture. Ghana is a very diverse country. It’s home to about 27 ethnic groups, with over 60 languages spoken in Ghana. The major ethnic groups are Akan, Mole-Dagbani, Ga-Dangmes, and Ewe. The predominant religion in Ghana is Christianity (about 70 percent) with Islam following as the second largest religion (about 15 percent).

Ghanaians are known for their hospitality and acceptance. They will welcome you into their homes and embrace you into their culture if you give them the chance to do so!

 

Understand the Culture and Language

One of the most important considerations when living as an expat in Ghana is understanding the culture and language. You will likely experience some initial culture shock, or even a few days of homesickness. However, it won’t take long for you to get adjusted to your new surroundings. Language is another important consideration, which can be more challenging than you might think. The Ghanaian language is called Twi and the alphabet is called Akan; if you don’t know either of these, you should do some research before moving there to avoid unnecessary confusion.

In general, expats living in Ghana enjoy a very social life with plenty of opportunity for friends and family members to visit. Although there are some cultural differences between Ghana and other Western countries, these differences are usually minor and become less pronounced with time. If you are considering an expat job in Ghana, research the cost of living versus what your typical expenses would be at home. It might not seem like a huge factor now, but this could make a big difference later on down the line when considering whether or not it’s worth staying in your current location or moving elsewhere.