Moving abroad with children takes careful planning, and relocating to Ghana is no different. The good news is Ghana is an exceptionally family-friendly country where children are cherished and communities look out for one another. This planner walks you through every stage, from choosing the right neighbourhood and selecting schools, to finding trusted healthcare, sourcing daily essentials and building a happy family routine. We also share practical style advice so the whole family can dress comfortably and appropriately while celebrating Ghanaian culture together.

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood For Your Family

Where you live shapes daily life, and several areas stand out as particularly good for raising children. Balance proximity to schools, safety, traffic and access to shops and green spaces when deciding.

Tema Community 25 and Sakumona

Tema is consistently one of the most popular choices for families. Community 25 has wide, paved roads, established gated estates and plenty of open space where children can play safely. Housing is affordable, with three-bedroom homes from GH₵2,500 per month, and the area is quieter than central Accra. Tema Port Market and Marina Mall provide easy shopping, while Tema General Hospital and private clinics such as Holy Family Hospital offer reliable healthcare. Commutes to central Accra run 30 to 45 minutes along the N1 motorway.

Klagon and New Ningo

Located halfway between Accra and Tema, Klagon offers spacious plots, newer developments and a growing community feel. Three-bedroom homes start around GH₵2,200 per month, often with gardens or shared play areas. Roads are improving and traffic is generally lighter than in Accra proper. Spintex Road with its supermarkets and fabric shops is only ten minutes away. Be aware that some newer estates are still developing infrastructure so check water supply and security arrangements before committing.

Adenta and Oyarifa North Accra

These neighbourhoods in northern Accra combine affordability with established amenities. Three-bedroom homes range from GH₵2,000 to GH₵4,500 per month. Oyarifa Mall houses Melcom, banks, pharmacies and cafes all in one place, making weekend errands straightforward. Adenta Market is well stocked with fresh produce and household goods. Both areas have strong school options and a welcoming community atmosphere, though parts of Adenta can get busy along the main road so ask about traffic noise when viewing properties.

East Legon and Cantonments Premium Family Living

If budget allows, East Legon and Cantonments offer excellent infrastructure, security and proximity to top international schools. Three-bedroom homes here cost from GH₵8,000 per month upwards. Parks such as the Achimota Forest Reserve nearby offer green space, and the area is well served by private hospitals, large supermarkets and family-friendly restaurants. The main trade off is price and busier roads, so seek homes within quieter side streets or gated estates away from main thoroughfares.

Schools Explained Government Private and International Options

Understanding the education system is critical, and Ghana offers three distinct tiers depending on your budget, curriculum preference and length of stay.

Government Public Schools

Basic education from primary through to Junior High is tuition-free under national policy. Parents pay termly PTA contributions and cover uniforms, books and supplies which typically total GH₵200 to GH₵500 per term. Class sizes are generally larger, often 40 to 60 children per class, and resources vary by location. Notable government schools with strong reputations include Ridge Church School in Accra, Morning Star School and Accra Academy at senior high level. Government schools follow the national GES curriculum and teach primarily in English. They offer deep cultural immersion and excellent value but require early registration as places fill quickly.

Local Private Schools Great Value and Smaller Classes

Local private schools bridge the gap between public education and premium international institutions. Fees typically range from GH₵1,500 to GH₵5,000 per term. Class sizes are smaller, facilities are generally better and many offer a blended curriculum combining Ghanaian and British standards. Highly regarded options include Alsyd Academy in Dzorwulu, St. Martin de Porres School in Dansoman, The Hill School in Adenta and Datus International School with campuses across Accra and Tema. These schools are popular with returning diaspora families who want high standards without premium international pricing.

International Schools Premium Education

Top-tier international schools follow British, American or International Baccalaureate curricula and charge annual fees ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 18,000. Lincoln Community School in East Legon offers the full IB programme. The American International School of Accra follows a US curriculum. Galaxy International School with campuses in Roman Ridge and Tema follows the Cambridge International curriculum. Al-Rayan International School in East Legon offers British standard education. Application deadlines can be up to six months in advance and additional costs include registration fees, capital levies, uniforms and school transport which can add 15 to 20 percent to the annual cost. Visit open days early and request prospectuses at least one term before you intend to enrol.

Daily Essentials Healthcare and Safety

Life runs smoothly when you know where to shop and who to call in an emergency.

Shopping For Family Needs

Melcom is your go-to destination for almost everything, stocking groceries, toiletries, children’s clothing, school supplies and home goods at affordable prices. Large stores are located at Spintex Road, Tema Community 25, Oyarifa Mall and Achimota. For imported baby formula, nappies and premium brands, Shoprite at Accra Mall and West Hills Mall or MaxMart at 37 Liberation Road stock familiar international products at higher prices. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish are best bought from local markets such as Makola, Tema Port Market and Adenta Market where quality is high and costs are significantly lower.

Healthcare For Children

Register with a paediatrician as soon as you arrive. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and 37 Military Hospital have excellent children’s departments and handle serious emergencies. Private hospitals including Nyaho Medical Centre in East Legon, Lister Hospital in Spintex and Tema General Hospital offer shorter wait times and comfortable surroundings with consultation fees typically from GH₵150 to GH₵350. Private health insurance for a family of four costs approximately GH₵800 to GH₵2,000 per month depending on coverage. Pharmacies are widespread and well stocked, with reliable chains such as Ernest Chemists found across all major neighbourhoods.

Practical Safety and Comfort

Most landlords require one to two years rent paid in advance, so budget for this major upfront cost. Confirm water supply arrangements as many families use bottled water for drinking and cooking, delivered in large 19-litre bottles. Power cuts can occur so keep rechargeable lamps, a power bank and battery-operated fans for children’s rooms. Traffic is heaviest between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm so plan school runs accordingly and allow extra time during wet seasons. Use recognised ride-hailing services for evening travel and keep to well-lit main roads after dark.

Family Activities Social Life and Culture

Ghana is rich in experiences and weekends offer endless opportunities for family exploration.

Places to Visit

Labadi Beach and Tema Beach are both clean and accessible with safe swimming areas and casual beach restaurants suitable for children. The Accra Zoo and Children’s Park near Independence Square offers an affordable morning out. Kakum National Park, roughly three hours drive from Accra, features the famous canopy walkway and makes a wonderful weekend trip. Aburi Botanical Gardens sits in the hills north of Accra, roughly 45 minutes from the city centre, with cool breezes, walking trails and picnic areas. The Tema Port area offers fascinating views of shipping and industry, while craft markets in Osu and Accra Centre provide opportunities for children to learn about traditional arts.

Building Community

Churches, mosques and community centres are welcoming places to meet other families. Many neighbourhoods have parent groups active on social media where people share recommendations, arrange play dates and organise shared school transport. International schools host regular community events open to all families regardless of enrolment status. Weekend sports academies, swimming clubs and dance groups operate across most residential areas and are excellent ways for children to make friends and settle in.

Family Style and African Print Fashion

Dressing the whole family in African prints is one of the most joyful ways to embrace your new life. It is practical, comfortable and creates wonderful shared memories.

Practical Wardrobe Advice

Ghanaian children typically dress smart but comfortably. Lightweight cotton African print dresses, shorts, shirts and two-piece sets are ideal for daily life, school events, church and celebrations. Breathable natural fabrics keep children cool while the durable wax print stands up to energetic play and repeated washing. Avoid heavy synthetics which can be uncomfortable in high humidity.

Building Your Family Wardrobe

Fabric shops at Makola, Spintex Road and Tema Market sell quality Ankara, GTP and Woodin prints from approximately GH₵60 to GH₵120 per yard. Local tailors across every neighbourhood can make children’s clothing affordably and quickly, often within three to five days. Matching family outfits are extremely popular and widely worn for church, naming ceremonies, weddings and holidays. Investing in a few high quality ready-to-wear pieces from sosome.uk provides versatile items that travel well back to the UK and transition beautifully between climates. Choose classic colours and patterns that remain stylish as children grow.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Ghana with children is a rewarding adventure that broadens horizons and creates lasting bonds. Preparation is everything, and securing housing, registering for schools and arranging healthcare in advance removes much of the stress. Areas such as Tema, Klagon, Adenta and Oyarifa offer excellent family life at accessible prices while East Legon and Cantonments provide premium options. Government schools offer exceptional value and cultural immersion while private and international schools deliver specific curricula and smaller classes.

As you settle in you will discover a society that values family, warmth and community above all else. Dressing your family in colourful African prints connects you instantly to the culture and becomes a beloved part of daily life. With sensible planning, an open mind and a few beautiful outfits, your family will settle happily into life in Ghana.

Explore our collection of African print dresses, tops and jackets designed to be comfortable, durable and timelessly stylish for every member of the family.

Shop the full collection at sosome.uk