BLOG
Welcome to the Dwell Ghana blog! Here we bring you the latest info and tips on life in Ghana.
Please feel free to comment on our posts as we would be happy to provide you with any additional info that will make settling into your home away from home in Ghana as effortless as possible.
Solana Wallet Key Features and Advantages Exploring Solana Wallet Key Features and Notable Benefits If you’re looking for a fast and reliable way to manage digital assets, consider using a Solana wallet. Solana’s blockchain operates at speeds of up to 65,000 transactions per second, significantly reducing delays and costs compared to other networks. This makes…
Secure Your Crypto with a Hardware Wallet Protect Your Cryptocurrency Using a Hardware Wallet If you hold more than $500 in cryptocurrency, move it to a hardware wallet immediately. Software wallets and exchanges expose your funds to hacking risks, while hardware wallets store private keys offline, blocking remote attacks. Trezor and Ledger remain the most…
Secure Crypto Wallet Management Best Practices Master Secure Crypto Wallet Strategies for Optimal Asset Protection Store your recovery phrase offline–preferably on paper or metal–and never digitally. A single screenshot or cloud backup exposes it to hackers. Treat these 12-24 words like the keys to your financial future because that’s exactly what they are. Use hardware…
Secure Crypto Wallet Guide for Beginners Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your First Secure Crypto Wallet Choose a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor if you plan to hold crypto long-term. These devices store private keys offline, making them nearly immune to hacking. For smaller, frequent transactions, mobile wallets such as Trust Wallet or Exodus…
Mothers&Others Transforming lives and empowering expatriate women As expatriate partners, leaving our home country, our family and friends, our habits and familiar places can be overwhelming and exciting, and sometimes even terrifying. There is a mix of emotions that is combined with the logistical aspects of a move. Dwell Ghana is here to assist…
EXPAT GUIDE FOR SPENDING CHRISTMAS ABROAD Spending Christmas abroad as an expat can feel exciting, thrilling, new, different but maybe also lonely and homesick. Perhaps more than ever you feel just how far you are from friends and family. All in all, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. The best advice we can give…
OUT OF GHANA TRIPS Looking for a getaway outside of Ghana but don’t want to spend too much time traveling to get there? You might have a couple of days vacation thanks to a few public holidays falling on either side of a weekend, and you feel like a change of scenery. We’ve got…
INSPIRED BY GHANA – AMALAU ARTWORK Anne Laure is a talented french photographer, she captures amazing shots of everyday life in Ghana in a way nobody else can. Original, refreshing, colorful and authentic, her pictures are unique and accompanied by poetic texts full of a certain sense of humor that she is well known…
FUNERALS IN GHANA Funerals in Ghana are not just an occasion to mourn but also an opportunity to celebrate the life and pay respect to the departed soul. Ghanaian funerals these days are very elaborate and it is very common for families to spend more money on funerals than on weddings. Funerals are now…
MARRIAGE IN GHANA Every country has its own different types of marriages that are legally acceptable. In Ghana, marriage is not just a moral and legal union between a man and a woman to live together as partners, but also a union between families. The marriage can either be monogamous or polygamous depending on…
WHERE TO BUY THINGS IN ACCRA FOR BABY Adjusting to life with a baby can be hard, especially when living in a foreign country far away from family, friends, or other support systems. Thankfully, in Accra, there are some great active social groups for new parents and their little ones. There are also many…
BIRTH IN GHANA – HOW TO NAME A CHILD Birthing a child in Ghana is widely seen as a joyous occasion for the parents, extended family, friends and society. Children in Ghanaian society represent fertility, wealth, status and continuity of family lineage. Outdooring and naming ceremony Naming a child is a significant part…
AVOIDING OBRONI PRICE – BARGAINING & PAYMENT TIPS FOR GHANA Irrespective of your race or nationality, if you look like a foreigner or have a foreign accent, you will inevitably be referred to as an “obroni” (outsider/foreigner) in Ghana. It’s a common assumption that obronis are wealthy, and you will therefore often be overcharged…
HOW TO LEARN LOCAL LANGUAGES AND IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH Once you get more settled into Ghana life, you might be interested in learning one of the local languages. There are over 250 languages and dialects spoken in Ghana – but the most widely spoken and understood is Twi, a dialect of the Akan language.…
WHERE TO HAVE LUNCH IN ACCRA Below are some of our favourite places to have lunch in Accra with family or friends: Concrete Jungle: if you’re looking for an oasis in the middle of Accra, then this new addition to the coffee shop line-up is for you! Choose from a selection of…
RELIGION IN GHANA Christianity, Islam and Traditional are the three major religious groups in Ghana. Though there are others, these three groups play a prominent and significant role in the holistic life of Ghanaians from political, economical, educational, religious and family. Christian Religion The Christian religion is known to be the largest of…
WHERE TO MEET AND NETWORK IN ACCRA The expat networks in Accra are well developed so meeting other people and getting acquainted with a social circle of like-minded individuals will not be difficult. Unlike other countries where it’s harder to break into these circles, you will find the openness amongst expats in Ghana refreshing.…
12 SIGNS YOU ARE INTEGRATING INTO LOCAL GHANA LIFE There comes a time in every expats life when they suddenly stop what they’re doing and think to themselves “Wait a minute! Did I just say/think/do that?” Every new country you live in shapes and moulds you in some way or another. It will influence…
WHERE TO DO SPORTS IN ACCRA There are a plethora of sporting activities on offer in Accra, from outdoor cross train activities and boxing classes to Yoga, Pilates and Zumba. Personal trainers in Ghana are reasonably priced and can help you achieve your fitness goals, either at the gym or in the comfort of…
INSPIRED BY GHANA Bonobo Concept store Looking for some nice furniture for your home in Ghana? Or a unique custom made piece you want to take home with you when you leave? Bonobo is the place to go to! Bonobo concept store is a furniture design shop that produces made in Ghana…
AN INTRODUCTION TO ETIQUETTE IN GHANA You’ve moved to Ghana, and now you’d like to immerse yourself in the rich culture. But how can you be sure of the correct etiquette? We are here to give you a crash course in Ghanaian culture 101! After all, having some background on the cultural customs and…
MORINGA OLEIFERA Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree or the horseradish tree. It has become a well-known tree in many parts of Ghana and the rest of West Africa. Moringa grows in many parts of the northern region in Ghana. It…
SHEA BUTTER FROM GHANA Shea butter is a well-known and an important local product in Northern Ghana and also few other African countries. Ghana and Burkina Faso are most likely the leading in Shea butter production. The shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea trees that grow in the Savannah region from…
GHANA’S INCREDIBLE BEAD CULTURE The origins of beads in Ghana Beads might be the oldest art form we know. It is reported that Neanderthal men wore beads made from teeth and bones as pendants. In fact, beads have been used by almost every civilization across the world at a given point in time as…
GHANA’S KENTE CLOTH This is a brightly colorful fabric which comes from the word “kenten”, which means basket in the Asante dialect. Akans also refer to kente as “nwentoma”, meaning woven cloth. The kente is a unique cloth which is easily recognizable worldwide. The ewe is another ethnic group who also weave kente in Ghana.…
BATIK AND AFRICAN WAX PRINT IN GHANA Batik and African wax prints are common fabrics found in Ghana and all over Africa. Batik is a method of producing coloured designs on textiles by dyeing them, having first applied wax to the parts to be left undyed. It is an ancient handmade fabric art which…
THE HAMPER’S TRADITION: DON’T FORGET YOUR HOUSE HELPERS Hampers are one of several related basket like items. Hampers have a long and illustrious history, going as far back as William the conqueror. The concept of hampers originally started in France and baskets full of treats were introduced to England back in the 11th century…
WHERE TO PAMPER YOURSELF IN ACCRA For all your skin, hair and body pampering needs, we’ve compiled a summary of tried-and-tested spas and salons. For spa spoils, the long-awaited Resense Spa at the Kempinski Hotel is finally open! Visit their website to see the full spa menu and price list (Spa Concierge on…
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND WHAT THEY MEAN In addition to the main Christian religious holidays, such as Christmas and Boxing Day, Easter (Good Friday and Easter Monday), and New Years Day, along with the main Muslim religious holidays including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, below is a summary of the public holidays (and days of importance…
HITTING THE ROAD IN GHANA Travelling outside of Accra and the Greater Accra region will give you some perspective on just how big and culturally and geographically diverse Ghana actually is! The real Ghana definitely lies outside of Accra, so take any opportunity you can to get out and explore the country! To visit…
PLANNING YOUR LONG WEEK-ENDS IN GHANA Travelling outside of Accra and the Greater Accra region will give you some perspective on just how big culturally and geographically diverse Ghana actually is! The real Ghana definitely lies outside of Accra, so take any opportunity you can to get out and explore the country! For…
ACTIVITIES IN ACCRA FOR KIDS Being parents ourselves we know how important it is to give children the opportunity to release any pent-up energy and blow off some steam, especially after a major relocation. What better way to do this than by playing and having fun? Between playgrounds, arts and crafts, dance, sports, and…
THE BOLGA BASKETS, A BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN CRAFT WORK It is impossible to drive through Accra without passing by one of those craftsmen selling large clusters of colourful woven baskets, predominantly under trees, where they have shade to weave. Those baskets are known as “Bolga baskets” and have become over years a key part of…
5 FANTASTIC FESTIVALS Ghana is a country known for its traditional festivals, music and dances. Festivals are without a doubt one of the best ways to experience the rich and diverse Ghanaian culture. Most festivals take place after the harvest and their purpose is not only to give thanks to the gods, but also…
POPULAR SPORTS IN GHANA Join us in discovering some of the most popular sports in Ghana! Football One could say that football (also known as soccer) is the national sport of Ghana. An open space in the community quickly becomes a football pitch, by making use of whatever is around to create makeshift…
EXPLORING GHANA’S TOP DELICIOUS DISHES Now let’s get onto the subject of food…. You can’t come to Ghana and not experience the local food! From street food on just about every corner at roadside stalls referred to as chop bars, to more established and conventional restaurant options, you will definitely not go hungry in…
TV’S, TOASTERS & TOOLS – WHERE TO BUY YOUR BASICS Rental homes in Ghana can come with various levels of furnishings and appliances, or none at all. Have you decided to let a fully furnished property for your West African home? Or have all your furniture shipped over from your last expat post? You…
HOW TO SET UP YOUR GHANA HOME We all know that a house, or apartment, is not a home until you make it one. Having a comfortable sanctuary to return to after a hard day’s work in a new country is especially important. Dwell Ghana is here to help you achieve that. Read on…
TOP 15 PLACES TO BUY FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR IN ACCRA Sourcing the right furniture and décor for your home can be challenging in any new country, but especially so in Ghana where it may be difficult to figure out what’s available, what quality of product you can expect to find, or where to…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FIRST By Mariam Ottimofiore “What’s it like to live over there in Ghana?” asks my friend hesitatingly over Skype. Each time I hear these words, spoken by family or friends wanting to understand my new life, I take a deep breath because I don’t know where to begin. How do I explain…
Starting life in a new country can be daunting for even the most experienced expat. No need to fear… This handy Getting Started guide will give you a brief overview of what’s needed to get the ball rolling with regards to work and residence permits, banking and mobile phone accounts.
YOUR “MOVING TO GHANA” GUIDE Have you packed everything you’ll need for Ghana? Do you have all the right paperwork in place? Do you know what to expect? This handy checklist will help you to prepare for your big move to West Africa*. If there’s anything we haven’t covered here that you’d like to…
WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME? By Lisa Gibson “A house starts to feel like a home when it reflects the warmth and love of those who live in it.” The expression goes, “home is where the heart is”. No matter where in the world you and your family may find yourselves, as…
11 THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT GHANA By Lisa Gibson Here are just some of the things that I absolutely love about Ghana and will definitely miss one day when it’s time to say goodbye and close this chapter! 1- The descriptive and often hilarious signs on the side of the road advertising…
10 THINGS LIVING IN GHANA HAS TAUGHT ME, By Lisa Gibson Living in Ghana has definitely shaped me over the years and given me a new perspective on life in general. It was recently our five-year anniversary living here, and it got me thinking back to those very early days and how much I’ve…
GHANAIAN CULTURE AT A GLANCE Ghana is a very peaceful and welcoming country. People are incredibly hospitable, and you will often hear the expression “Akwaaba” – which translates to “you’re welcome” when you encounter locals. Ghana as a nation is extremely proud – and so they should be! Not only is Ghana known…
10 THINGS ONLY EXPATS WILL UNDERSTAND There are some things that only expats will understand and chatting amongst your fellow expats, you might laugh about (or commiserate over) a few of these! That absolute feeling of joy when you find one of your favourite items from your home country in the local store!…
ADAPTING TO A NEW CULTURE: THE 4 STAGES EVERY EXPAT WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH Moving abroad is a major life event and adapting to a new culture and a new environment can be daunting. Bear in mind that you will find that you move between highs and lows through something called “the settlement…
THE SUITCASES OF AN EXPAT Have you ever thought, before being an expat, that you would one day fill your suitcases with baking powder, physiological saline solution or some of your favourite barbecue sauce? Have you ever noticed the amusing smile of the cashier when you buy 27 packs of lactic ferments or 15…
NEW DESTINATION – HOW TO HANDLE THE TRANSITION & HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW COUNTRY An international relocation can be exciting but it can also be a bit daunting as well, especially as there is so much to think about and take into consideration – from the kids’ new schools, to where you…
FOODIE FINDS – WHERE TO BUY FRESH FISH, ORGANIC VEG & MORE Certain foods can evoke the most precious memories… happy times with friends and family, a special occasion, or a particular place. We all have our favourite meal, or comforting snack, and being in a foreign country can make us miss them even…
AVOIDING OBRONI PRICE – BARGAINING & PAYMENT TIPS FOR GHANA Irrespective of your race or nationality, if you look like a foreigner or have a foreign accent, you will inevitably be referred to as an “obroni” (outsider/foreigner) in Ghana. It’s a common assumption that obronis are wealthy, and you will therefore often be overcharged…
MY GHANA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE By Lisa Gibson Shopping – love it or loathe it, it’s something that needs to get done! But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered when it comes to all things shopping-related, whether it’s for necessity or for indulgence! Our biggest piece of advice on this topic is: do your research…
The Top 5 Family Friendly Experiences in Ghana, by Mariam Ottimofiore As an expat family travel blogger, I am always on a lookout for family friendly experiences in Ghana. There are so many beautiful places to see in Ghana, but unfortunately not all activities are kid friendly, making it a bit difficult to decide…
INSPIRED BY GHANA CHEF BINTA (FULANI KITCHEN) Ghana is a country that inspires – We chatted with 5 individuals, each from different backgrounds, but with one thing in common – the story of how Ghana has inspired, and continues to inspire them, both in their work, as well as in their daily lives. This…
INSPIRED BY GHANA VANDA LOPES (ATELIER BOHO) Ghana is a country that inspires – whether it’s locals, returnees from the Diaspora, visiting tourists or those who get to call it home for either a short or long stay. We chatted with 5 individuals, each from different backgrounds, but with one thing in common –…
INSPIRED BY GHANA ISABEL ABREU (ACCRA LIFE SCENES) Ghana is a country that inspires – whether it’s locals, returnees from the Diaspora, visiting tourists or those who get to call it home for either a short or long stay. Our chat for week 3 is with Isabel Abreu of ‘’Accra Life Scenes’’. She shares…
INSPIRED BY GHANA ENYO BRUKU (ENYO BRUKU TRAVELS) Our second chat on the story of how Ghana has inspired, and continues to inspire them, both in their work, as well as in their daily lives is with Enyo Bruku of ”Enyo Bruku Travels”. Tell us a bit about yourself & give us a…
INSPIRED BY GHANA SENANU ARKUTU (DAAR Living) https://www.daarliving.com/ Ghana is a country that inspires – whether it’s locals, returnees from the Diaspora, visiting tourists or those who get to call it home for either a short or long stay. We chatted with 5 individuals, each from different backgrounds, but with one thing in common…
REINVENTED EXPAT PARTNER (BELLA – YOGA WITH BELLA) https://www.facebook.com/yogawithbellaaccra This week, we continue our interview stories on ‘’Reinvented expat partner’’ with Bella of Yoga with Bella. She shares her story on moving to Ghana, how she transitioned into the Ghanaian life and how her business started. What brings you to Ghana? My…
REINVENTED EXPAT PARTNER (LOTTE – GHANA FOOD MOVEMENT) (https://www.ghanafoodmovement.com/) Our second interview story on “Reinvented expat partner ” is about Lotte of Ghana Food Movement. Talking about how she moved to Ghana and how she started her business as well as her experiences and advice. What brings you to Ghana? Both my husband…
REINVENTED EXPAT PARTNER (DANIELA – CUCINA DIVINA IN ACCRA) (https://www.facebook.com/cucinadivinainaccra) Our first interview story on “Reinvented expat partner ” is about Daniela. How she moved to Ghana and how the Country has inspired her as well as her experiences. What brings you to Ghana? I’m here in Ghana accompanying my husband who came…
THE REINVENTED EXPAT PARTNER It can be said that Julia Child, of the 2009 film Julia and Julie, is the original expat partner reinvention success story. The wife of an American diplomat, she followed her husbands’ career to Paris in the late 1940’s. With time on her hands and the world of French cuisine…
OUT OF GHANA TRIPS Looking for a getaway outside of Ghana but don’t want to spend too much time traveling to get there? You might have a couple of days vacation thanks to a few public holidays falling on either side of a weekend, and you feel like a change of scenery. We’ve got…
HITTING THE ROAD IN GHANA Travelling outside of Accra and the Greater Accra region will give you some perspective on just how big and culturally and geographically diverse Ghana actually is! The real Ghana definitely lies outside of Accra, so take any opportunity you can to get out and explore the country! To visit…
PLANNING YOUR LONG WEEK-ENDS IN GHANA Travelling outside of Accra and the Greater Accra region will give you some perspective on just how big culturally and geographically diverse Ghana actually is! The real Ghana definitely lies outside of Accra, so take any opportunity you can to get out and explore the country! For…
OUR GETAWAYS FOR 1 DAY Living in Accra, one can often get that feeling of being overwhelmed by the chaos of city life: the incessant traffic, noise pollution (make that air pollution as well!), the frenetic pace of always being on the go (it can eventually get to us all) and that’s when we…
THE HAMPER’S TRADITION: DON’T FORGET YOUR HOUSE HELPERS Hampers are one of several related basket like items. Hampers have a long and illustrious history, going as far back as William the conqueror. The concept of hampers originally started in France and baskets full of treats were introduced to England back in the 11th century…
MORINGA OLEIFERA Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree or the horseradish tree. It has become a well-known tree in many parts of Ghana and the rest of West Africa. Moringa grows in many parts of the northern region in Ghana. It…
COCOA FROM GHANA – GHANAIAN CHOCOLATES Third wealth of the country, cocoa is a major contributor to Ghana’s economy (after gold and oil). The country is the second largest producer of cocoa, after Ivory Coast. Both countries produce up to 60% of the world cocoa production. But for a long time, they had never…
BATIK AND AFRICAN WAX PRINT IN GHANA Batik and African wax prints are common fabrics found in Ghana and all over Africa. Batik is a method of producing coloured designs on textiles by dyeing them, having first applied wax to the parts to be left undyed. It is an ancient handmade fabric art which…
RELIGION IN GHANA Christianity, Islam and Traditional are the three major religious groups in Ghana. Though there are others, these three groups play a prominent and significant role in the holistic life of Ghanaians from political, economical, educational, religious and family. Christian Religion The Christian religion is known to be the largest of…
FUNERALS IN GHANA Funerals in Ghana are not just an occasion to mourn but also an opportunity to celebrate the life and pay respect to the departed soul. Ghanaian funerals these days are very elaborate and it is very common with families spending lots of money on funerals than on weddings. Funerals are now…
BIRTH IN GHANA – HOW TO NAME A CHILD Birthing a child in Ghana is widely seen as a joyous occasion for parent, extended family, friends and society. Children in Ghanaian society represent fertility, wealth, status and continuity of family lineage. Outdooring and naming ceremony Naming a child is a significant part in…
MARRIAGE IN GHANA Every country has its own different types of marriages that are legally acceptable. In Ghana, marriage is not just a moral and legal union between a man and a woman to live together as partners, but also a union between families. The marriage can either be monogamous or polygamous depending on…
WHERE TO PAMPER YOURSELF IN ACCRA For all your skin, hair and body pampering needs, we’ve compiled a summary of tried-and-tested spas and salons. For spa spoils, the long-awaited Resense Spa at the Kempinski Hotel is finally open! Visit their website to see the full spa menu and price list (Spa Concierge on…
WHERE TO DO SPORTS IN ACCRA There are a plethora of sporting activities on offer in Accra, from outdoor cross train activities and boxing classes to Yoga, Pilates and Zumba. Personal trainers in Ghana are reasonably priced and can help you achieve your fitness goals, either at the gym or in the comfort of…
WHERE TO HAVE LUNCH IN ACCRA Below are some of our favourite places to have lunch in Accra with family or friends: Concrete Jungle: if you’re looking for an oasis in the middle of Accra, then this new addition to the coffee shop line-up is for you! Choose from a selection of…
WHERE TO MEET AND NETWORK IN ACCRA The expat networks in Accra are well developed so meeting other people and getting acquainted with a social circle of like-minded individuals will not be difficult. Unlike other countries where it’s harder to break into these circles, you will find the openness amongst expats in Ghana refreshing.…
11 SIGNS YOU ARE INTEGRATING INTO LOCAL GHANA LIFE There comes a time in every expats life when they suddenly stop what they’re doing and think to themselves “Wait a minute! Did I just say/think/do that?” Every new country you live in shapes and moulds you in some way or another. It will influence…
ADAPTING TO A NEW CULTURE: THE 4 STAGES EVERY EXPAT WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH Moving abroad is a major life event and adapting to a new culture and a new environment can be daunting. Bear in mind that you will find that you move between highs and lows through something called “the settlement…
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHEN LIVING ABROAD Expat life is a challenge in itself, but possibly one of the most difficult parts is losing touch with your loved ones in your home country. Unfortunately, due to time and distance constraints, it is not always easy to find enough quality…
HOW TO LEARN LOCAL LANGUAGES AND IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH Once you get more settled into Ghana life, you might be interested in learning one of the local languages. There are over 250 languages and dialects spoken in Ghana – but the most widely spoken and understood is Twi, a dialect of the Akan language.…
11 THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT GHANA By Lisa Gibson Here are just some of the things that I absolutely love about Ghana and will definitely miss one day when it’s time to say goodbye and close this chapter! 1- The descriptive and often hilarious signs on the side of the road advertising…
10 THINGS YOU CAN LEARN OR GAIN FROM THE EXPAT EXPERIENCE An expatriation is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, couples and families to learn and grow in many ways. It can also be an exciting adventure, a new chapter in life and overall, a truly meaningful experience. There are many positive things we…
THE SUITCASES OF AN EXPAT Have you ever thought, before being an expat, that you would one day fill your suitcases with baking powder, physiological saline solution or some of your favourite barbecue sauce? Have you ever noticed the amusing smile of the cashier when you buy 27 packs of lactic ferments or 15…
TAX FREE SHOPPING – HOW DOES IT WORK? Did you know that you can shop tax-free in shops outside airports? When you buy goods in a foreign country that allows tax-free shopping, you pay the goods in the shop, tax included, and can claim the refund of the sales tax (that has been collected…
10 THINGS LIVING IN GHANA HAS TAUGHT ME, By Lisa Gibson Living in Ghana has definitely shaped me over the years and given me a new perspective on life in general. It was recently our five-year anniversary living here, and it got me thinking back to those very early days and how much I’ve…
10 THINGS ONLY EXPATS WILL UNDERSTAND There are some things that only expats will understand and chatting amongst your fellow expats, you might laugh about (or commiserate over) a few of these! That absolute feeling of joy when you find one of your favourite items from your home country in the local store!…
HOW TO LEAVE A COUNTRY: WHAT TO KEEP, WHAT TO GIVE AWAY, WHAT TO THROW OUT Moving abroad for an expatriation assignment can be viewed as a great opportunity to downsize your life and take stock of all the ”things” you have accumulated over the years. Now is a good time to re-assess the…
NEW DESTINATION – HOW TO HANDLE THE TRANSITION & HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW COUNTRY An international relocation can be exciting but it can also be a bit daunting as well, especially as there is so much to think about and take into consideration – from the kids’ new schools, to where you…
SHEA BUTTER FROM GHANA Shea butter is a well-known and an important local product in Northern Ghana and also few other African countries. Ghana and Burkina Faso are most likely the leading in Shea butter production. The shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea trees that grow in the Savannah region from…
THE BOLGA BASKETS, A BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN CRAFT WORK It is impossible to drive through Accra without passing by one of those craftsmen selling large clusters of colourful woven baskets, predominantly under trees, where they have shade to weave. Those baskets are known as “Bolga baskets” and have become over years a key part of…
GHANA’S KENTE CLOTH This is a brightly colorful fabric which comes from the word “kenten”, which means basket in the Asante dialect. Akans also refer to kente as “nwentoma”, meaning woven cloth. The kente is a unique cloth which is easily recognizable worldwide. The ewe is another ethnic group who also weave kente in Ghana.…
GHANA’S INCREDIBLE BEAD CULTURE The origins of beads in Ghana Beads might be the oldest art form we know. It is reported that Neanderthal men wore beads made from teeth and bones as pendants. In fact, beads have been used by almost every civilization across the world at a given point in time as…
POPULAR SPORTS IN GHANA Join us in discovering some of the most popular sports in Ghana! Football One could say that football (also known as soccer) is the national sport of Ghana. An open space in the community quickly becomes a football pitch, by making use of whatever is around to create makeshift…
YEAR OF RETURN The Year of Return is an initiative by the government of Ghana marking 400 years since the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States. Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo officially launched the undertaking in September 2018, when he extended an invitation to Africans in the diaspora to make a return…
5 FANTASTIC FESTIVALS Ghana is a country known for its traditional festivals, music and dances. Festivals are without a doubt one of the best ways to experience the rich and diverse Ghanaian culture. Most festivals take place after the harvest and their purpose is not only to give thanks to the gods, but also…
ETHNIC GROUPS OF GHANA For the purpose of this blog post, we cover the most predominant ethnic groups in Ghana. It is however worth noting that there around 100 different groups! Ghana is most definitely a culturally and ethnically diverse country! The Ga-Adangbe people reside mainly around Accra as well as throughout the…
GHANAIAN CULTURE AT A GLANCE Ghana is a very peaceful and welcoming country. People are incredibly hospitable, and you will often hear the expression “Akwaaba” – which translates to “you’re welcome” when you encounter locals. Ghana as a nation is extremely proud – and so they should be! Not only is Ghana known…
GET YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK You will find in this article the official links and emergency numbers regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana, as well as some tips to help you get your food delivery straight to your door, in case of confinement or quarantine.…
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND WHAT THEY MEAN In addition to the main Christian religious holidays, such as Christmas and Boxing Day, Easter (Good Friday and Easter Monday), and New Years Day, along with the main Muslim religious holidays including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, below is a summary of the public holidays (and days of importance…
EXPLORING GHANA’S TOP DELICIOUS DISHES Now let’s get onto the subject of food…. You can’t come to Ghana and not experience the local food! From street food on just about every corner at roadside stalls referred to as chop bars, to more established and conventional restaurant options, you will definitely not go hungry in…
AN INTRODUCTION TO ETIQUETTE IN GHANA You’ve moved to Ghana, and now you’d like to immerse yourself in the rich culture. But how can you be sure of the correct etiquette? We are here to give you a crash course in Ghanaian culture 101! After all, having some background on the cultural customs and…
MY GHANA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE By Lisa Gibson Shopping – love it or loathe it, it’s something that needs to get done! But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered when it comes to all things shopping-related, whether it’s for necessity or for indulgence! Our biggest piece of advice on this topic is: do your research…
AVOIDING OBRONI PRICE – BARGAINING & PAYMENT TIPS FOR GHANA Irrespective of your race or nationality, if you look like a foreigner or have a foreign accent, you will inevitably be referred to as an “obroni” (outsider/foreigner) in Ghana. It’s a common assumption that obronis are wealthy, and you will therefore often be overcharged…
FOODIE FINDS – WHERE TO BUY FRESH FISH, ORGANIC VEG & MORE Certain foods can evoke the most precious memories… happy times with friends and family, a special occasion, or a particular place. We all have our favourite meal, or comforting snack, and being in a foreign country can make us miss them even…
TV’S, TOASTERS & TOOLS – WHERE TO BUY YOUR BASICS Rental homes in Ghana can come with various levels of furnishings and appliances, or none at all. Have you decided to let a fully furnished property for your West African home? Or have all your furniture shipped over from your last expat post? You…
The Top 5 Family Friendly Experiences in Ghana, by Mariam Ottimofiore As an expat family travel blogger, I am always on a lookout for family friendly experiences in Ghana. There are so many beautiful places to see in Ghana, but unfortunately not all activities are kid friendly, making it a bit difficult to decide…
WHERE TO BUY THINGS FOR BABY Adjusting to life with a baby can be hard, especially when living in a foreign country far away from family, friends, or other support systems. Thankfully, in Accra, there are some great active social groups for new parents and their little ones. There are also many excellent shops…
TOP SCHOOLS IN GHANA As most of us know, a positive, stable and supportive school environment complements a positive home environment, and is essential for a child to flourish. Access to qualified and experienced teachers, as well as high quality learning materials and technologies, gives them even greater opportunities to succeed. A school can,…
ACTIVITIES IN ACCRA FOR KIDS Being parents ourselves we know how important it is to give children the opportunity to release any pent-up energy and blow off some steam, especially after a major relocation. What better way to do this than by playing and having fun? Between playgrounds, arts and crafts, dance, sports, and…
WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME? By Lisa Gibson “A house starts to feel like a home when it reflects the warmth and love of those who live in it.” The expression goes, “home is where the heart is”. No matter where in the world you and your family may find yourselves, as…
TOP 15 PLACES TO BUY FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR IN ACCRA Sourcing the right furniture and décor for your home can be daunting in any new country, but especially so in Ghana where it may be difficult to figure out what’s available, what quality of product you can expect to find, or where to…
DEALING WITH DUMSOR AND OTHER UTILITY SHORTAGES IN GHANA It won’t be long after you arrive in Ghana that you hear someone mention, usually with resigned irritation, that they had “light off” last night, no water for their shower this morning, or that they’d had to spent hours queuing to fill their gas…
HOW TO SET UP YOUR GHANA HOME We all know that a house, or apartment, is not a home until you make it one. Having a comfortable sanctuary to return to after a hard day’s work in a new country is especially important. Dwell Ghana is here to help you achieve that. Read on…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FIRST By Mariam Ottimofiore “What’s it like to live over there in Ghana?” asks my friend hesitatingly over Skype. Each time I hear these words, spoken by family or friends wanting to understand my new life, I take a deep breath because I don’t know where to begin. How do I explain…
Starting life in a new country can be daunting for even the most experienced expat. No need to fear… This handy Getting Started guide will give you a brief overview of what’s needed to get the ball rolling with regards to work and residence permits, banking and mobile phone accounts.
YOUR “MOVING TO GHANA” GUIDE Have you packed everything you’ll need for Ghana? Do you have all the right paperwork in place? Do you know what to expect? This handy checklist will help you to prepare for your big move to West Africa*. If there’s anything we haven’t covered here that you’d like to…
We are proud to announce that, in celebration of our 10th Anniversary, we’ve rebranded Ghana Relocation as “Dwell Ghana”. We have spent the last several months working to create a brand and website that reflects the personalized and elevated experience we provide to each of our clients. It’s another huge step in our journey…