Here’s a comprehensive Guide for preparing to move to Ghana, including language, demographics, visa/residency requirements, and practical tips (especially useful if you’re coming from South Africa or elsewhere abroad).
Quick country snapshot: Ghana
- Ghana is located on the West African coast. The country’s population is estimated at around 34.8 million (2024).
- The currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
- Ghana is ethnically and linguistically diverse, home to many ethnic groups and dozens of languages.
Language & English-speaking: what you need to know
Official & dominant languages
- The official language of Ghana is English. All government, legal, business, and education communications are in English.
- However, Ghana is also very multilingual, there are roughly 50 indigenous ethnic languages (some sources say over 70) spoken across the country.
- The most widely spoken local language family is Akan (which includes dialects such as Twi and Fante).
Who speaks what (rough estimates)
- Many sources estimate that about two-thirds (≈ 60–70%) of Ghanaians speak English, though fluency varies by region, education level, and urban/rural status.
- Akan (Twi/Fante) is the most widespread indigenous language: about 44% of Ghanaians speak it as a native language; and overall roughly 80% speak Akan as a first or second language.
- Other local languages, depending on region, include Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Dangme, and more.
What that means for you
- If you speak English, you’ll manage well in cities, official settings, offices, schools, and with many people.
- Learning a few phrases in Twi (or another local language relevant to your region) is highly recommended. It helps with day-to-day interactions, shows respect for local culture, and helps you integrate socially (in markets, transport, social settings, etc.).
- Especially outside main urban centres, local languages, not English, may dominate social or community life.
Visa, residence and work : what you need to sort before moving
If you plan to move to Ghana (not just visit), you’ll need to handle immigration paperwork properly:
Entry visa & arrival basics
- Visitors to Ghana generally need a valid passport (with at least 6 months until expiry) and a visa issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission/embassy abroad.
- Nationals of countries in the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are exempt from visa for entry.
- For tourists/visitors: there are single-entry and multiple-entry visas, depending on purpose (tourism, business, study, etc.).
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.
Long-term stay: work & residence permits
If you intend to live and/or work in Ghana long-term:
- You must obtain a work and residence permit from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
- Required documents often include: an application letter on the employer’s letterhead, employment/contract letter, company registration documents (or investment docs if self-employed), passport bio-page, CV/credentials, police clearance from country of origin, medical screening (done at GIS), plus other supporting paperwork depending on case.
- Non-citizens may also need to get a “Non-Citizen ID Card” (often called Ghana Card or non-citizen equivalent) as part of residence/work permit formalities.
- Work/residence permits typically are valid for one year (renewable).
Important: Entering Ghana on a tourist/visitor visa does not allow you to work. If you plan to take up employment, you must first secure the proper work permit from GIS.
Preparing before you move: practical suggestions
Based on the language context, visa procedure, and local culture, here’s what you can do to prepare well before relocating:
- Brush up on English and perhaps start learning basic local phrases. Because English is official, you won’t struggle too much but learning a few words in Twi (or the dominant indigenous language where you’ll be based) will be a huge plus.
- If relevant, pursue a work or residence permit early. If you’re relocating for work, get all required documents in order: contract/employment letter, company registration (if self-employed), resume, credentials, valid passport, etc. Be ready for a possible medical screening and non-citizen ID application.
- Familiarise yourself with local customs. Ghana has many ethnic groups, languages, and cultural norms. Learning a bit about local etiquette, dress codes (especially outside of main cities), and social norms will help you adapt smoothly.
- Be open to using local languages. Even if you rely on English, being ready to learn, or at least attempt common greetings, can go a long way for day-to-day interactions.
- Plan your finances carefully. Understand the currency (Cedis), banking, and any processes (especially if you plan to work). Also, ensure you meet visa/permit requirements regarding documentation, funds (if required), and vaccination (e.g. Yellow Fever).
Language Learning: How to get started before you arrive
Because Ghana is multilingual and local languages are widely used, learning one (or more) local languages will help you integrate. Here are some suggestions:
- Focus on Twi (Akan dialect), widely spoken, especially in southern and central Ghana. It tends to be the most useful local language if you’re living in or around Accra, Kumasi, or other southern/central areas.
- Use online resources & language apps, or even YouTube crash-courses, there are several that teach basic Twi phrases. Local expat discussions recommend starting with simple greetings and everyday expressions.
- When you arrive, practice with locals, vendors, taxi drivers, neighbours. Even a few phrases (“hello”, “thank you”, “how are you?”) can go a long way in building rapport.
- If you plan to stay long-term or work, consider more structured learning, maybe a language class or tutor once you’re in Ghana. Some expat guides mention that there are options for local-language instruction.
Why this preparation matters: what to expect after you move
- Even though many Ghanaians speak English, not everyone will be fluent, especially outside big cities. In rural or community settings, local languages may dominate.
- Knowing local languages, even a little, helps with social integration, understanding community life, forming friendships, doing everyday errands (markets, transport), and showing respect for local culture.
- Navigating visa/residency paperwork properly ensures you avoid legal problems, especially if you plan to work, stay long-term, or open a bank account.
- Understanding cultural and linguistic diversity helps you adapt more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Moving to Ghana can be an exciting and enriching experience, but success depends a lot on preparation. Understanding the language landscape, sorting your visa/work-permit documents, and taking steps to learn local languages and customs will give you a strong head-start.
