Settling down in Ghana

Renting or buying your home

Renting or buying a place to live in Ghana will depend on your budget, preferred location, and personal preferences. There are many real estate agents and property management companies that can assist you with finding a suitable home or apartment. It's important to research the different neighborhoods and areas in Ghana to find a location that fits your needs. In Ghana, the most popular type of housing is apartments or self-contained houses. They are usually rented on a yearly basis and may require a security deposit as well as the payment of a year's rent in advance. There are also options for buying property, including apartments and houses. It's important to work with a reputable real estate agent to ensure that the property is properly titled, and all legal requirements are met.

Opening a cellular phone line

There are several mobile phone providers in Ghana. To open a cellular phone line, you will need to visit one of their service centers with a valid non-citizen identity card. Internet speeds and availability can vary in Ghana, so it's important to research different providers and their coverage areas. Some providers may require a contract, while others offer pay-as-you-go options. Prices can also vary depending on the speed and data allowance.

Opening an Internet Broadband Account

There are several internet service providers in Ghana. To open a broadband account, you will need to visit one of their service centers with a valid identification document and proof of address.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in Ghana, you will need to provide a resident permit, a valid non-citizen ID card, proof of address, and a minimum opening deposit. It is recommended to research different banks and account options to find the best fit for your needs, and to consult with a bank representative if you have any questions or concerns.

Renting or Buying a Car

There are many car dealerships where you can purchase a car. It's important to research the different options and consider factors such as the cost of fuel, maintenance, and insurance before deciding. If you decide to buy a car, it's important to work with a reputable dealer and have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase.

Car rental services are gaining wide notoriety and hence are becoming a cost-efficient means of transportation within the country, especially if you require a long-term rental. It's important to research different rental companies and read reviews from previous customers.

Obtaining or transferring a Driving License

If you already possess a valid driving license from your home country, you may be able to transfer it to a Ghanaian license within 45 days. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a Ghanaian driver's license by passing a written and practical driving test. The Ghana Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) can provide more information on this process. To transfer a foreign driving license to a Ghanaian license, you need to firstly go to your embassy to have your license translated and certified, then you have to provide proof of residency and a valid international driving permit. The process can take several weeks and may require a medical exam. If you need to take the driving test, it is important to study the local traffic laws and regulations to ensure success. It is important to note that Ghana drives on the right side of the road.

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Importing a vehicle

If you are coming as an expatriate to Ghana to work in the country and you own a vehicle you are entitle to import it to Ghana, if the vehicle is not older than 10 years. Your vehicle will have to go through the importation regulation for used vehicle in Ghana and depending about the agreement between your employer and the Ghanian Government you will have (or not) to pay the import duty which the GRA's services will be able to confirm.

Register a vehicle

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Once you have imported your vehicle from your country of origin, or acquired a new or used vehicle in Ghana, you must register it with the relevant authorities, the Vehicle Licensing department of the DVLA. If you also want to drive in the countries bordering Ghana, with a Ghanaian license plate you'll also need to obtain an international permit for your vehicle to drive in the countries belonging to the ECOWAS agreement.

Importing furniture and belongings

To furnish a future home in Ghana it can be a great way to bring your personal style and preferences into your new living space. However, there are some important things to consider when importing goods to Ghana, including the following:

Customs regulations

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You will need to ensure that you comply with all of Ghana's customs regulations when importing your goods. This may include obtaining necessary permits or licenses, paying import taxes and duties, and meeting specific product safety standards.

Shipping logistics

You will need to consider how you will transport your goods to Ghana. This may involve working with a shipping company or freight forwarder who can assist you with packing, shipping, and handling of all the necessary documentation.

Cost considerations

Importing furniture and belongings can be expensive, so you will need to carefully consider the cost of importing versus purchasing locally. You may also need to factor in the cost of any repairs or modifications that may be necessary to make your imported goods compatible with local electrical systems or building codes.

Overall, importing furniture and belongings to furnish a future home in Ghana can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it's important to do your research and plan carefully to ensure a smooth and successful import process.

School System for Expatriate children

The school system in Ghana for expatriates is similar to the regular school system for Ghanaian citizens. However, there are a few differences and options available for expatriate families. International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student in Ghana. Schools follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, or France. Primary instruction may be in any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English or French. Schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools. Primary education in Ghana typically starts at age six and lasts for six years. After completing primary education, students move on to junior high school, which lasts for three years. Senior high school in Ghana also lasts for three years and is divided into three major streams, that is: Science, General Arts, and Business. Expatriate families have the option to enrol their children in private international schools, which offer an international curriculum and are typically taught in English.