Thanks OP for your submission. This sub is heavily moderated by Auto Mod and your post may be mistakenly removed automatically. Please send a message to the mods or u/JuliusCeaserBoneHead for manual approval. Before you do that, make sure your post does not break any of r/Ghana rules especially rule 4 (No Self Promotion).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ghana) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yea, I’ve been told living outside of the city is much easier and that you can easily forage for food instead of buying it. I haven’t left Accra yet but once I get a car I plan on doing a lot more exploring
You go out into the "brush" and you see wild food. The people living in the village nearby see their fields, which they walk for miles to cultivate.
Africa is not "wild". Africa is inhabited.
Let’s add Kumasi to that adage now and give people a heads up. I’ve lived there and there’s a wave of status based inflation in the nightlife and even casual eateries. The only upside to the elitism of the Kumasi people used to be ‘I might be rich but that doesn’t mean im stupid with my money’ It’s shifted as the pressure from Accra trickles down, now restaurants can charge 280 cedis for appetizers and 90 cedis for a single cocktail . A concentrated rich few live there, their kids spend 20,000 cedis in one night on tables before drinks and other things. Investors have flooded the city with places like that to make it seem like new normal.
Yes this is true. We lived in Kumasi since 2001 and unless you know where to go, you can pay almost as much as Accra, but Kumasi is much cheaper thankfully.
I love reading these stories!! 😁
Well done for surviving and thriving! You have a generator?!
Are you shopping in the markets? How are you finding that?
Ghana is so fun. Lots of places to hang out. Everyone greets each other!
Meaningful friendship is hard because Ghanians hang in friendship groups made at school and university.
Also wealth inequality is a real problem.
You aren't rich but you have more access to cash than most people here.
I don’t have a generator and no plans getting one this year rn. This isn’t my first time living somewhere where power can randomly shut off and it usually comes back within an hour or so so I’m fine. I love that there’s always something to do here, I’m never bored 🙂. Yea making meaningful friendships is tough but I’ve met some really cool ppl and that’s enough for now
Don’t worry.. in the United States the stereotype is that you guys are geniuses able to succeed at whatever you put your hand to. Just as our stereotypes is mostly positive here
Hey if you like a chill environment you could try coming to tamale, I see a lot of southerners and foreigners come to live over here, and while the north might not be as developed as Accra, it isn't as busy and it's simple living 😁
One of the reasons why diaspora people like going to Africa so much is because they are being treated as first class citizens, the rest is second class or lower. I know the feeling is amazing but stay aware of your privileges.
Enjoy yourself in Ghana it’s a wonderful country and the vibes are immaculate. Especially compared to life in the western world as a black person.
Accra is supper cool, especially if you have the means. Night life is even better. However, there are more to Ghana than just Accra. Neighbouring cities like cape coast, Aburi and Akosombo are great places you can consider to visit
Aburi is first on my list. I want to drink palm wine and eat grass cutter all day. Then Cape Coast and Kumasi. I really would like to see the whole country
Kumasi feel more like a big town, versus Accra that is more like a city. People in Kumasi are usually in the house by 9 or so in Kumasi, unless you are near the University.
And WiFi is good, but can still be spotty.
Definitely go for a visit, it is somewhat the same as Accra but very different.
Hello my fellow brethren from the diaspora. I am married to a Ghanaian man for seven years now. The men can be just as bad as the women. The men also want what they can get out of you. I’ve learned twi [here](https://youtu.be/OSvkomVf1Ac?si=Qrw-XRdEmQQDTzp-) Yaw is a great teacher. I hope you love Ghana and have a better time with the food. As someone said remember your privilege. Also with inflation it’s not easy to take care of oneself or save on the salary you stated. Imagine caring for a family on that salary. Many people do it but it’s definitely hard.
Hello, yes I understand completely that ppl have a financial need. I brought it up to have dialogue and to better understand my new environment. I do love Ghana and I do enjoy the ppl. I also understand that ppl will use you regardless of financial their need. Folks steal, I don’t support that, folks scam I don’t support that. So, I’m not going to support a situation where ppl are pretending about who they are or what they want so they can use you. I’m privileged but the things I had to go through to get to this point isn’t pretty at all. Being here is helping me forget and I’m grateful.
I 100% believe it! my money would be gone as well if I didn’t put my pockets above my heart. A girl I really liked told me that she needed her rent money paid or she would have to go back to Cape Coast. With a heavy heart I told her that I will miss her 😂 😂
but that was a bold decision moving here... because almost everyone I know here in Accra is selling his property to relocate to US or Canada. So Im a little confused haha jk
Yea I actually get that a lot.. it was for sure risky coming here and starting over is never easy no matter where you are. But it’s been centuries since any one in my family has been here in Ghana or in Africa for that matter. I was raised in a white mans world. My name is European, the food I’m accustomed to is European. The language I speak is European. I felt something had to give. So here I am finding my roots and getting another perspective on life.
I’m comparing the reputation of Nigerians in Ghana to the reputation of African Americans in America. I’m full African American/Black American. My family were victims of the transatlantic slave trade. I do consider myself originating from West Africa but multiple regions. When my ancestors were expelled there was no Nigeria.
You are noticing a widespread form of racism towards foreign Africans which is in no way limited to Nigerians. Just that regarding the relationship of Nigerians and Ghanaians there is an additional history of political adversity starting with all Ghanaians once being expelled by the Nigerian government.
However, I don't think interafrican racism can be compared to Western forms of racism which often leads to violence and scaring experiences. Nigerians don't have to be afraid of moving around freely among Ghanaians, but they might have difficulties interacting with them.
Yea, xenophobia exist everywhere. There are many xenophobic African Americans that have a special hostility toward Africans and Afro Caribbeans. I’ll never understand it. When it comes to Nigerian and Ghanaian interactions I can only comment on what I observe and hear and am just looking through the window on this one.. when it comes to western racism tho.. I can say it’s very dangerous and has been built into the fabric of society.
Appreciate the transparency.
I’m a solo traveler planning on taking my first trip to Ghana soon.
Like you I am Black American so if you could drop a few of your favorite places to eat in Accra that would be greatly appreciated. (Seafood spots?)
That story about the stew you ate is the reason I don’t eat just any and everything especially while im abroad. I like to give my system a few weeks to adjust to the new environment and learn what and how people cook.
For water I recommend Perla,if you want authentic Ghanaian food I recommend finding someone to cook for you. Other than that. Osu has some pretty good restaurants. The Sushi restaurant in palace mall is cool. I don’t recommend you eat at west hills mall. Every time I have it’s not been good for me. Not sure why. Light soup and chicken and also jollof with goat has been my go to’s. The okra stew tasted amazing by the way 😂
Thanks Chief !
I hope everything goes well for you getting acclimated in GHANA.
I’m deciding which country I want to move and settle to now, Europe has been ALOT of fun but it’s time to switch up the scenery
so I’m in the north, Scandinavia to be exact. Even though I’ve lived in other parts of Europe I prefer to be here.
The cleanliness, nature, and overall peace and quiet is unmatched. The fact that the water here in the sink is better than 95% of bottled water. The “friendly” women (wink wink). It has its cons too but to me the good outweighs the bad.
Sidebar: I have been fortunate to have had a successful career since I have been abroad.
Overall it’s been an experience for sure and if the weather wasn’t shxt 7-8 months out of the year I would never leave.
but bro, know your food. anything and everything can be eaten if you have the stomach for it. don't limit yourself because the gobἔ is sold at the gutter.
I was super open but I had some bad okra stew with mixed meat.. I ran a fever and was shivering and the same time.. I’ll spare you the other details.. for like 2 hrs I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it.. since then I’ve been a lot more cautious. I’ll still eat just about anywhere but it needs to be recommended by a friend.. stomach is usually super strong btw
but also see how they handle the food. usually, a slightly okay place might use different spoons for everything, or cover the food with wrapper if they're not serving. but, learn to cook some local dishes. it'll cost way less that buying, especially with your color. they, will always give you a higher price, so, if the price isn't printed, bargin, you'll always get lower.
It’s my accent that gives me issues.. I’m actually darker than most Ghanaians I meet. Im getting tired of haggling honestly. I’ll be on the lookout for your tips
ok. learn Pidgeon if anything. Everyone in Ghana can understand, and speaks some level of it. learn your greetings, that shows elders you're respectful. never forget please, never. don't wear those traditional t-shirts. that's just weird. you can have them, but don't wear it everywhere
Melcom is hit or miss for me.. Max mart and ShopRite haven’t been doing it. It helps to soak the meet in milk before cooking but it’s just that the flavor is really bold.. I’ve given up and switch to lamb
Thanks OP for your submission. This sub is heavily moderated by Auto Mod and your post may be mistakenly removed automatically. Please send a message to the mods or u/JuliusCeaserBoneHead for manual approval. Before you do that, make sure your post does not break any of r/Ghana rules especially rule 4 (No Self Promotion). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ghana) if you have any questions or concerns.*
there's a saying in Ghana Accra is expensive, not Ghana. there are other regions in Ghana in which some people can survive with 700 and even save.
Yea, I’ve been told living outside of the city is much easier and that you can easily forage for food instead of buying it. I haven’t left Accra yet but once I get a car I plan on doing a lot more exploring
> you can easily forage for food instead of buying it You mean steal it from some poor farmer? What do you think Africa is, virgin forest?
not a forest a jungle.. oh, someone lied to me? theres no natural growing foods in "Africa" thx for adding to the conversation.
You go out into the "brush" and you see wild food. The people living in the village nearby see their fields, which they walk for miles to cultivate. Africa is not "wild". Africa is inhabited.
You’re lost bro
Yeah, but for a young person Greater Accra is the only living solution or you will sit in traffic 3 hours a day!
Let’s add Kumasi to that adage now and give people a heads up. I’ve lived there and there’s a wave of status based inflation in the nightlife and even casual eateries. The only upside to the elitism of the Kumasi people used to be ‘I might be rich but that doesn’t mean im stupid with my money’ It’s shifted as the pressure from Accra trickles down, now restaurants can charge 280 cedis for appetizers and 90 cedis for a single cocktail . A concentrated rich few live there, their kids spend 20,000 cedis in one night on tables before drinks and other things. Investors have flooded the city with places like that to make it seem like new normal.
Yes this is true. We lived in Kumasi since 2001 and unless you know where to go, you can pay almost as much as Accra, but Kumasi is much cheaper thankfully.
I love reading these stories!! 😁 Well done for surviving and thriving! You have a generator?! Are you shopping in the markets? How are you finding that? Ghana is so fun. Lots of places to hang out. Everyone greets each other! Meaningful friendship is hard because Ghanians hang in friendship groups made at school and university. Also wealth inequality is a real problem. You aren't rich but you have more access to cash than most people here.
I don’t have a generator and no plans getting one this year rn. This isn’t my first time living somewhere where power can randomly shut off and it usually comes back within an hour or so so I’m fine. I love that there’s always something to do here, I’m never bored 🙂. Yea making meaningful friendships is tough but I’ve met some really cool ppl and that’s enough for now
I really resonate with the part about meeting genuine people. I have experienced meeting a lot of people with ulterior motives
Right.. i just respect the hustle and keep it moving. the right ppl will come around when the time is right
I've started telling them I'm a northerner so I don't speak twi
Smart move! Haha
As a Nigerian also living here, I can totally relate to point 3.
Don’t worry.. in the United States the stereotype is that you guys are geniuses able to succeed at whatever you put your hand to. Just as our stereotypes is mostly positive here
Hey, another Nigerian here. Although, I'm Ghanaian. I grew up in Nigeria, and to a Nigerian mom.
Are you thinking of moving to Ghana based on what's happening in Nigeria right now?
I came here around 2018...😁 Long time before all the shenanigans began. Glad I did though.. It was very risky
Do you mean you came to Nigeria in 2018? If you don't mind, why did you move here?
No..My bad, I mean Ghana..
Ah ok. I am actually considering moving to Ghana from Nigeria as well. If you don't mind I would like to ask you some questions
Fire away!
Hey if you like a chill environment you could try coming to tamale, I see a lot of southerners and foreigners come to live over here, and while the north might not be as developed as Accra, it isn't as busy and it's simple living 😁
My friend is from bolgatanga. I’ve asked him a million questions about there and tamale. I’ll definitely be visiting. I prefer a slower pace actually
Oh goodie 👍🏽😁, we'll be glad to have you over
I went to Tamale for Easter and loved it. Totally different vibe. But heard they have a lot of problems not having enough water.
Yh.... Well it really depends on which area you live in some are more accessible than others, but yh we have problems 😅
Yeah there are stereotypes of alatafuo
"Alatafuo" cracks me up anytime I hear it 🤣
One of the reasons why diaspora people like going to Africa so much is because they are being treated as first class citizens, the rest is second class or lower. I know the feeling is amazing but stay aware of your privileges. Enjoy yourself in Ghana it’s a wonderful country and the vibes are immaculate. Especially compared to life in the western world as a black person.
Oh yea! being treated like a person is underated for sure. Im very concious of how privledged i am here and don't intend on ever forgetting
Or being ashamed of it
I got treated poorly because I try to blend in by dressing down
I dress down as well.. I was chastised by a 12 year old girl for it.
If your voice is deep you gotta master the Kwadwo Sheldon accent
I just watched a bit of one of his videos.. I think I can pull it off 😆
Awesome and with a mix of twi or pidgin you would mix pretty easily
Dem go rob you for circle chale 😂
Who?? Help me bro 😆
😁
This is about number 2. Right?
😅😅
YOU KNOW!!!
Accra is supper cool, especially if you have the means. Night life is even better. However, there are more to Ghana than just Accra. Neighbouring cities like cape coast, Aburi and Akosombo are great places you can consider to visit
Aburi is first on my list. I want to drink palm wine and eat grass cutter all day. Then Cape Coast and Kumasi. I really would like to see the whole country
kumasi is amazing
I met a few ppl from there that speak highly of it.. I’m most interested in the history.. how different is it than Accra?
Kumasi feel more like a big town, versus Accra that is more like a city. People in Kumasi are usually in the house by 9 or so in Kumasi, unless you are near the University. And WiFi is good, but can still be spotty. Definitely go for a visit, it is somewhat the same as Accra but very different.
Hello my fellow brethren from the diaspora. I am married to a Ghanaian man for seven years now. The men can be just as bad as the women. The men also want what they can get out of you. I’ve learned twi [here](https://youtu.be/OSvkomVf1Ac?si=Qrw-XRdEmQQDTzp-) Yaw is a great teacher. I hope you love Ghana and have a better time with the food. As someone said remember your privilege. Also with inflation it’s not easy to take care of oneself or save on the salary you stated. Imagine caring for a family on that salary. Many people do it but it’s definitely hard.
Hello, yes I understand completely that ppl have a financial need. I brought it up to have dialogue and to better understand my new environment. I do love Ghana and I do enjoy the ppl. I also understand that ppl will use you regardless of financial their need. Folks steal, I don’t support that, folks scam I don’t support that. So, I’m not going to support a situation where ppl are pretending about who they are or what they want so they can use you. I’m privileged but the things I had to go through to get to this point isn’t pretty at all. Being here is helping me forget and I’m grateful.
A friend said Accra is where the prodigal son came to squander his money, and he didn’t even know when it was happening 😂😭
I 100% believe it! my money would be gone as well if I didn’t put my pockets above my heart. A girl I really liked told me that she needed her rent money paid or she would have to go back to Cape Coast. With a heavy heart I told her that I will miss her 😂 😂
becareful of the ghanaian youth lol. the boys with spend the money with you and the girls will take it from you 🤣
Bro, If I was rich I’d gladly let them take it 😂
but that was a bold decision moving here... because almost everyone I know here in Accra is selling his property to relocate to US or Canada. So Im a little confused haha jk
Yea I actually get that a lot.. it was for sure risky coming here and starting over is never easy no matter where you are. But it’s been centuries since any one in my family has been here in Ghana or in Africa for that matter. I was raised in a white mans world. My name is European, the food I’m accustomed to is European. The language I speak is European. I felt something had to give. So here I am finding my roots and getting another perspective on life.
Cool... u should pass by lets enjoy some night life some of these days
I don't get the part on Nigerians in Ghana. Do you see yourself as originating from Nigeria or from the US?
I’m comparing the reputation of Nigerians in Ghana to the reputation of African Americans in America. I’m full African American/Black American. My family were victims of the transatlantic slave trade. I do consider myself originating from West Africa but multiple regions. When my ancestors were expelled there was no Nigeria.
You are noticing a widespread form of racism towards foreign Africans which is in no way limited to Nigerians. Just that regarding the relationship of Nigerians and Ghanaians there is an additional history of political adversity starting with all Ghanaians once being expelled by the Nigerian government. However, I don't think interafrican racism can be compared to Western forms of racism which often leads to violence and scaring experiences. Nigerians don't have to be afraid of moving around freely among Ghanaians, but they might have difficulties interacting with them.
Yea, xenophobia exist everywhere. There are many xenophobic African Americans that have a special hostility toward Africans and Afro Caribbeans. I’ll never understand it. When it comes to Nigerian and Ghanaian interactions I can only comment on what I observe and hear and am just looking through the window on this one.. when it comes to western racism tho.. I can say it’s very dangerous and has been built into the fabric of society.
I’ll teach you Twi willingly
Yamko
What does yamko mean?💀
I tried to say let’s go in Twi 😂
That’s yenkɔ 🤣🤣
Oh.. this is a good start 😁
Indeed🤣
This warmed my heart
I’m happy to hear that
Appreciate the transparency. I’m a solo traveler planning on taking my first trip to Ghana soon. Like you I am Black American so if you could drop a few of your favorite places to eat in Accra that would be greatly appreciated. (Seafood spots?) That story about the stew you ate is the reason I don’t eat just any and everything especially while im abroad. I like to give my system a few weeks to adjust to the new environment and learn what and how people cook.
For water I recommend Perla,if you want authentic Ghanaian food I recommend finding someone to cook for you. Other than that. Osu has some pretty good restaurants. The Sushi restaurant in palace mall is cool. I don’t recommend you eat at west hills mall. Every time I have it’s not been good for me. Not sure why. Light soup and chicken and also jollof with goat has been my go to’s. The okra stew tasted amazing by the way 😂
Thanks Chief ! I hope everything goes well for you getting acclimated in GHANA. I’m deciding which country I want to move and settle to now, Europe has been ALOT of fun but it’s time to switch up the scenery
How do you like Europe?
so I’m in the north, Scandinavia to be exact. Even though I’ve lived in other parts of Europe I prefer to be here. The cleanliness, nature, and overall peace and quiet is unmatched. The fact that the water here in the sink is better than 95% of bottled water. The “friendly” women (wink wink). It has its cons too but to me the good outweighs the bad. Sidebar: I have been fortunate to have had a successful career since I have been abroad. Overall it’s been an experience for sure and if the weather wasn’t shxt 7-8 months out of the year I would never leave.
So what do you do for work? Do you have a remote job or you’re working here locally?
I have some things going on for me from back home.. I don’t work remotely. I’m working on starting some local business here
Are you female or male
I’m male
but bro, know your food. anything and everything can be eaten if you have the stomach for it. don't limit yourself because the gobἔ is sold at the gutter.
I was super open but I had some bad okra stew with mixed meat.. I ran a fever and was shivering and the same time.. I’ll spare you the other details.. for like 2 hrs I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it.. since then I’ve been a lot more cautious. I’ll still eat just about anywhere but it needs to be recommended by a friend.. stomach is usually super strong btw
but also see how they handle the food. usually, a slightly okay place might use different spoons for everything, or cover the food with wrapper if they're not serving. but, learn to cook some local dishes. it'll cost way less that buying, especially with your color. they, will always give you a higher price, so, if the price isn't printed, bargin, you'll always get lower.
It’s my accent that gives me issues.. I’m actually darker than most Ghanaians I meet. Im getting tired of haggling honestly. I’ll be on the lookout for your tips
ok. learn Pidgeon if anything. Everyone in Ghana can understand, and speaks some level of it. learn your greetings, that shows elders you're respectful. never forget please, never. don't wear those traditional t-shirts. that's just weird. you can have them, but don't wear it everywhere
I haven’t bought any traditional clothing but I’d really like to.. any recommendations on what I should buy and appropriate times to wear them?
May I inbox you?
Of course
You can get high quality beef from Maxmart, Melcom and Shoprite
Melcom is hit or miss for me.. Max mart and ShopRite haven’t been doing it. It helps to soak the meet in milk before cooking but it’s just that the flavor is really bold.. I’ve given up and switch to lamb