Accra, Ghana Report of what it's like to live there - 02/05/10
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, three other African countries
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?
U.S. where Delta has direct flights from Accra.
3. How long have you lived here?
Over two years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Associated with U.S. Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Single family homes (often older homes in U.S. Embassy area - newer homes farther out but traffic could be problem) and compounds
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Lots of products - good U.S. commissary that has American goods.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If you have consumables, goods are cheaper in the U.S.But most things are available in Accra.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Limited - but very good Indian and sushi. Ghanaian food is pretty good as African food goes. There are some South African fast food chains that are good quality and some place called Frankie's that is like fast food. Cost isn't too bad.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes - malaria is present but not that frequent.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
U.S. Government has a DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and reasonable.
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?
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic and Protestant (Elim and Ridge and Methodist).
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?
One has to be careful about open ditches along streets and unmarked holes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are very cheap and safe - you need to identify a landmark near where you want to go - as taxi drivers don't know all the street names.
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?
A lot of expats bring 4x4 but the roads are pretty good - even going outside of Accra.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pay as you go SIM cards - works fine.
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
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Good veterinarians. Kennel service is limited and would not recommend it for long periods of time.
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?
Yes
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
People dress neatly.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is a pretty safe country - this is an advantage that should not be taken for granted. That said there are opportunists - stories of dishonest individuals.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Pretty 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?
OK except during dusty season.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot quite a lot - but cooler in dry season when it remains hazy/cloudy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
For English speaking the main expat schools are British school,Christian school, and Lincoln. Christian school was started to improve academic opportunities and has very small classes - but limited social opportunities for older kids. Lincoln has IB program and graduating kids have gone on to some impressive colleges. However, several parents complained that the elementary IB curriculum didn't lead to amastery of all the basics - especially in mathematics.
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?
Available
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium?
2. Morale among expats:
Not bad - it is pretty nice as Africa goes. Ghanaians are very nice people. The economy is moving forward.
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?
Restaurants, other houses, religious/special interest groups, music, and White Sand beach club.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families - especially with young children - not sure about singles and couples - as there are a limited number of things to do.
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?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Quite a few beautiful beaches - both close and farther away like Busua and Axim and the slave castles.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches, nice craft stores, castles, sports
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
wooden and ironwork crafts, there are some very nice craft stores, kente, gold jewelry
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Schools are better than most of the other countries in West and Central Africa, saving money, beaches, culture/dance is interesting
11. Can you save money?
Yes - partly because there are a limited number of things to do.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes
3. But don't forget your:
beach gear
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
lots available
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
not sure
