Accra, Ghana Report of what it's like to live there - 05/04/14
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?
3rd expat experience.
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?
Midwest. Flight from Accra to JFK is 11 hours. Connections can be long. Normal travel time to get home is 28 hours with a connection through Atlanta.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mix of compound living and individual housing. The compounds seem to be newer but not necessarily nicer. Layouts are strange but overall the housing pool is good.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It is so expensive here. We were shocked with the prices in the grocery store. You can find South African brands of almost everything. Local produce can be expensive so shop around for the best deal. Once they start to recognize you, the prices get better.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Mexican spices, powdered milk, extra pairs of shoes for the kids, mosquito spray, laundry detergent.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We just got a KFC and it's similar to the U.S. You have options with restaurants...pizza, Thai, Indian, Lebanese, cafes.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes are EVERYWHERE. Malaria is a major issue here. If you aren't willing to take malaria meds, you might want to consider a different post.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Lots of availability and cost is around US$200-300 a month for full-time help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Embassy has a facility we can use.
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?
Don't use them!
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Everything is available here. They are a very religious group.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Almost everyone speaks English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very much so. No sidewalks... pot holes the size of grown men all over the place.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe. Negotiate your price before getting in. Buses (called tro-tros) are not safe!
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 higher clearance car only because of the massive potholes. You can find car parts here, but they cost way too much. Bring oil and air filters with you.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but can be unreliable. We pay around US$50 a month for basic Internet. You can choose your package. Most expensive package is around US$150 per month
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We have a pay-as-you-go phone with Vodafone. Good prices.
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?
Pet care is getting better. We use The Vet Place and are happy with the car our animals receive. No quarantine.
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?
No. And I've been told getting a visa to work locally is near impossible.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes, at orphanages and teaching English to locals.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business at work and whatever you want in public. Ghanaians tend to cover up more, even though the heat is ridiculous.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It's a high crime post. If the opportunity is there, they will take it. We go out in groups and avoid unlit areas at night.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is terrible. If you have something serious going on, they will medevac you to either London, Cape Town or DC.
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?
They constantly burn trash here and the smell of urine is everywhere. Harmattan season is especially bad. Expect to have respiratory issues. If you have asthma, bring several inhalers with you.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and hotter. We get a breeze fairly often but it's a hot and sticky breeze.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our children go to Lincoln Community School and they like it. The school has big communication issues but they are improving. Lots of after-school activities. Some mission kids go to the American International School and love it. Not as many after-school activities there but they can accommodate special needs better than Lincoln. I'd suggest researching both to see what works best for your child.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not many. If it's just a reading issue, they can assist. If it's more than that, they might not accept your child
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?
Yes. Most mission member use the Owls Nest. From what I'm told, they just raised their prices and no longer give an option for 2 days a week.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The schools offer sports but they don't get competitive until high school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is a good group of us here and morale varies. Most people are excited to leave.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
It's a make your own fun post. The Embassy puts on different events, otherwise you are on your own.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for everyone. There are places to eat and I'm told there is more than one night club.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It is still illegal to be gay here but I haven't heard of anyone getting harassed for it.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Local Ghanaians blame everything on the Nigerians but otherwise no.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We've been able to save some money.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
A weekend escape to the beach is so nice. Mole national park is popular but a 7-hour drive away.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hand carved items, beads, kente cloth.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
You become closer to your family and the embassy community as there is next to nothing to do here. It is definitely a "make your own fun" kind of post.
10. Can you save money?
Yes because there's nothing to do. Shopping online can drain your account if you don't watch it.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Everyone wants something from you and the begging becomes a bit much. Driving here is awful and the traffic makes you go insane.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. I was excited to come here, but after arriving the excitement was drained out of me. I can't wait to leave.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes and high expectations.
4. But don't forget your:
Bug spray, ant bait and bathing suits.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Keep your expectations super low and you'll survive.
