Ghana is generally considered a safe country to live in compared to many of its neighbors in the West African region. However, I won’t pretend that everything is smooth like the word can be. There are challenges you will face if you consider making Ghana your next home. I will be discussing that in a minute. Despite challenges, many expatriates and foreigners find Ghana to be a welcoming and relatively safe place to live and work. Without much I do, let’s dive.

 

Political Stability

Ghana has a long-standing tradition of stable democracy in Africa and appealing to those looking to do business in Africa or live in. Ghana has successfully conducted several peaceful transitions of power through democratic elections. This political stability speaks volumes and contributes significantly to the overall sense of security in the country. Unlike our neighboring West African countries witnessing coups, and separatists causing instability, Ghana stands out as one the most peaceful countries not only in Africa but also in the world.

 

Crime Rates

While Ghana generally has lower crime rates compared to some neighboring countries, we are not devoid of criminal activity. Urban areas like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi experience occasional incidents of petty theft, pickpocketing, and robberies. However, violent crime rates are relatively low compared to many other countries in the region.

 

Safety Precautions

To mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of crime, I will advise you to take common-sense safety precautions. These include avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night, keeping valuables secure, and being cautious in crowded places such as markets and public transportation hubs. Also, just a tip, you don’t want to live in a neighborhood where you are the only well-to-do neighbor.  It brings about envy. Do ask me why. It is human problem everywhere in the world. The  HAVEs and the HAVE NOTs can never be closely associated. Sooner or later, the HAVE NOT will want what you HAVEs’ got. If you want to argue about this, it is like saying the sea is not wet.

 

Healthcare and Disease

Ghana’s government has made strides in improving its healthcare system, but access to quality healthcare can vary depending on your financial capacity to put bluntly. The Western media portray Ghana as malaria prevalent country. And that if you are traveling to Ghana you must pack a bunch of pills as a precaution which scares the hell out of many first-time travelers to Ghana. Question, are there malaria cases? Answer, yes. Is it prevalent as seen in the western media? Absolutely no. If you have some ailment of course you have to take appropriate precautions and seek medical advice before traveling to Ghana.

 

Road Safety

Ghana has an infrastructure gap which means the road network is not robust. There are many poorer road networks than good ones and most roads are not constructed or are utterly abandoned. As a result road safety is a big concern in Ghana due to factors such as poorly maintained roads, inadequate traffic enforcement, and reckless driving behaviors especially the minibus system called tro-tro or okadas. Most indiscipline drivers take the law into their own hands. Accidents are not uncommon, especially on highways and rural roads. Ghana road accidents account for 10 causes of death in Ghana. That is right. That is how alarming the situation is. Caution should be exercised when driving or using public transportation.

 

 

Which country has the most Ghanaians

Ghanaian in the diaspora is significant and spread across various countries around the world, with sizable populations in several nations. It is estimated that about 1 million Ghanaians live in the diaspora in 2020. In fact, Ghanaians abroad remittance contribute significantly to the nation’s development.  That said, here are countries that have large Ghanaian populations abroad:

 

United States

The first in the list is the United States of America. The United States hosts one of the largest Ghanaian diaspora populations. Truth be told, Ghanaians are hard-working people in the diaspora. Ghanaians prefer the U.S. to trade their skills and expertise for a better living. Call it brain drain? Well, that is for another conversation. According to estimates from the Migration Policy Institute, there were over 235,000 Ghanaian immigrants residing in the United States in 2019. Cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Houston have particularly large Ghanaian communities.

 

United Kingdom

The former colonial master is a referred destination for most Ghanaians looking for a better life abroad. Ghanaian immigrants have settled in the United Kingdom for decades, contributing to a significant diaspora population. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were over 100,000 people born in Ghana living in the UK. Cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester have notable Ghanaian communities.

 

Canada

Canada’s immigrations policies has made it a perfect destinations for Ghanaians looking to study or trade their skills for a better paycheck. Yes, Canada is also home to a substantial Ghanaian diaspora. While precise figures may vary, estimates suggest that there are tens of thousands of Ghanaians living in Canada. Cities such as Toronto, Edmonton, and Montreal have notable Ghanaian populations.

 

Germany

Germany has a growing Ghanaian community, primarily due to migration for education, work, and family reunification. Estimates from the German Federal Statistical Office suggest that there were over 45,000 Ghanaians living in Germany. Cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich have significant Ghanaian populations.

 

Italy

Italy also hosts a considerable Ghanaian diaspora, with many Ghanaians migrating mainly for economic opportunities. According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), there were over 70,000 Ghanaians residing in Italy in 2020. Cities such as Milan, Rome, and Turin have notable Ghanaian communities.

 

 

Is it safe to relocate to Ghana?

Ghana is considered one of the safest countries in sub-sahara Africa to live in whether for economic opportunities, business or family relocation. Of course, deciding whether it’s safe to relocate to Ghana depends on various factors, including individual circumstances, personal preferences, preparedness, and risk tolerance. I will discuss with you some factors to access if Ghana is a good fit for you before, jumping on the plane. Ready? Let’s get explore!

 

Crime Rates

As I mentioned earlier, while Ghana has lower crime rates compared to some other countries in the region, crime does exist, particularly in urban areas. Common types of crime include petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional robberies. However, violent crime rates are relatively low.

 

Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare can vary depending on location in Ghana. While major cities like Accra and Kumasi have well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities, rural areas may have limited healthcare infrastructure. It’s essential to consider healthcare access and quality when planning a relocation. Are you planning to live in Accra or other cities? In urban areas you will have access to quality healthcare but it doesn’t come cheap though.

 

Cultural Adjustment

Relocating to a new country involves cultural adjustment, which can affect one’s sense of safety and well-being. Learning about Ghanaian culture, customs, and social norms can help ease the transition and enhance your safety by understanding local behaviors and practices.

 

Infrastructure & Services

Ghana’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities, is not as developed as in some Western countries. You don’t want to move in and then regret your decision, be informed. The utility companies’ services are poor. We have an unreliable power supply in the country. The city water doesn’t run in all locations of Accra. Although Ghana is one of the fastest growing internet users in Africa, connectivity such as Wi-Fi is a challenge.

 

Natural Hazards

If you are looking to settle in Accra, you should be informed that Accra is prone to flooding caused by clogged gutters, indiscriminate buildings on water ways, local dam (Weija) overflow, etc. In the other highland regions such as the Northern, the upper East and West among other new regions in Ghana rarely flood.

 

 

Can you retire in Ghana at 60 years?

Retirement in Ghana can be a fulfilling option for individuals seeking a warm climate, vibrant culture, and relatively affordable living expenses during their later years. Majority of the population in the Western countries like the U.S or the UK cannot afford to retire in their 60’s because of high cost of living. Ghana gives individuals – whether locals or foreigners looking to retire early and still enjoy all the good things you dreamt of, provided you planned your retirement well. That aside, here is the nature of retirement in Ghana.

 

Retirement Age

Ghana does not have a specific legal retirement age, allowing individuals to retire at their discretion. Many people choose to retire around the age of 60 or older, aligning with common retirement ages in other countries or based on personal financial planning.

 

Cost of Living

Ghana offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries. At the time of writing this post, I looked up at Bank of Ghana for inflation update. Ghana’s inflation is hovering around 23.50%. housing, food, transportation, and healthcare expenses are generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for retirees on a fixed income. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Ghana is significantly lower than in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.

 

Healthcare

Access to healthcare is an essential consideration for retirees. While Ghana has made progress in improving its healthcare system, there are disparities in quality and availability between urban and rural areas. Major cities like Accra and Kumasi have better-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. If you are expatriate or a retiree then you may have to opt for private health insurance to access higher-quality healthcare services. A hint, it is cheap to hire house help to take care of you for a fraction, compared to retiring in senior living facility in the US.

 

Residency and Immigration

Retiring in Ghana as a foreigner typically involves navigating residency and immigration requirements. Options include obtaining  a residence permit, right of Abode (this is for Ghanaians who lost their citizenship as result obtaining citizenship in another country) or applying for citizenship through naturalization. I should say that the process of obtaining citizenship can be lengthy and tedious. Do your research on the specific requirements and procedures, which may vary depending on your nationality and circumstances. The government’s policies gives African Americans an edge to become a citizens if they live in Ghana for a couple of years.

 

Taxation

Ghana taxes on income, including pensions and investment income. However, the tax rates and exemptions may differ for residents and non-residents. If you are a foreigner looking to retiree in Ghana, you should consult with tax experts to understand their tax obligations and take advantage of any available deductions or exemptions.

 

Social Life and Community

Ghana offers a rich cultural experience and a warm community atmosphere, which can enhance the retirement lifestyle. Retirees can immerse themselves in local traditions, the beautiful beaches, explore cultural attractions, and tourist attractions sites from the coastal line castles to the northern region – slave market in Salaga.

 

Safety and Security

While Ghana is generally considered safe, retirees should remain vigilant, particularly in urban areas, and take precautions against petty crime and scams. Choosing a secure neighborhood, securing personal belongings, can give you a comfortable retirement experience. You want to avoid less desirable neighborhood like Nima, Ashiaman, Jamestown and others, at all cost.

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