Arriving in Ghana is exciting but the first few weeks can feel overwhelming as you settle into a new rhythm. This guide covers exactly what you need to know and do in your first 30 days, from sorting essential services to finding the best spots to shop, eat and socialise. It also includes practical advice on education, healthcare and transport, plus style tips so you can dress comfortably and confidently while you find your feet.

Week One Arrival and Getting Connected

The first seven days are about securing the basics so you can focus on everything else. Start with the essentials and take it one step at a time.

Paperwork and Services

Buy an MTN or Telecel SIM card as soon as you can, available at Kotoka International Airport, Osu Oxford Street and every major neighbourhood centre. You will need your passport and a passport photo to register it, which is a legal requirement. Mobile money is the easiest way to pay for almost everything from market shopping to transport, so set up an account immediately after registering your SIM. You can register for a Ghana Card, the national identity document, at local immigration offices such as the Accra Card Processing Centre near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, though wait times vary so book an appointment online where possible. Open a bank account once you have proof of address, which your landlord or estate agent can provide. Banks such as Ecobank, GCB and Stanbic all have branches across Accra and offer straightforward accounts for new residents.

Where to Stay While Settling In

If you have not secured permanent accommodation yet, short-term lets in Osu, Cantonments and East Legon are convenient but more expensive. Options in Tema Community 11, Klagon and Adenta offer better value and give you a feel for the more affordable areas you may want to move into. Book for two weeks initially so you have time to explore before committing to a longer lease. Airbnb and local letting agents such as Ghana Property Centre are good places to start your search.

Transport Basics

Trotro minibuses are the most common and affordable way to travel across Accra and beyond, with fixed routes and low fares. Uber and Bolt are widely available and reasonably priced for convenience, especially when carrying shopping or travelling in the evening. If you plan to drive, international licences are valid for up to three months, after which you will need to convert to a Ghanaian licence at the DVLA office in Accra. Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours so plan extra time for journeys between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm. The N1 motorway connects Tema, Klagon and central Accra and is usually the fastest route, though it still slows significantly during peak periods.

Style Tip

Pack lightweight breathable clothing for your first few weeks. Simple African print dresses or loose fitting tops work perfectly for warm days, official visits and casual introductions alike. Avoid heavy fabrics and dark colours that absorb heat, and bring a light shawl or jacket for air conditioned offices and cooler evenings. You will notice locals dress smart but comfortably and bright colours are very much the norm.

Week Two Shopping and Daily Essentials

Once you are connected and have temporary accommodation, turn your attention to stocking up on daily essentials and learning where to find what you need.

Markets and Supermarkets

Melcom is Ghana's largest home-grown retail chain and is the closest equivalent to Tesco, with over 65 stores nationwide including branches at Spintex Road, Achimota, Tema Community 25 and Oyarifa. It stocks everything from groceries to household goods at affordable prices and is the best place for everyday essentials. For imported and premium goods, Shoprite can be found at Accra Mall and West Hills Mall, while MaxMart has stores at 37 Liberation Road and A&C Mall in East Legon. Palace Hypermarket on Spintex Road and in Tema Community 25 is also excellent for one-stop shopping.

For fresh produce and better prices, visit the traditional markets. Makola Market in central Accra is the heart of trade and excellent for fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and fabrics — go early in the morning before it gets too hot. Kaneshie Market is slightly less crowded and famous for fresh fish and wholesale food items. Kantamanto Market, near Makola, is the place for second-hand clothing and bargain textiles. Tema Port Market and Adenta Market are well stocked and less crowded if you are staying outside central Accra. Osu Oxford Street has a mix of small shops, cafes and boutiques and is great for an evening stroll and casual shopping.

Healthcare and Utilities

Locate your nearest hospital or clinic early. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and 37 Military Hospital are major central facilities and handle emergencies well. Tema General Hospital serves the Tema area while private hospitals such as Nyaho Medical Centre in East Legon and Lister Hospital in Spintex offer shorter wait times and more comfortable surroundings, though at higher cost. Pharmacies are widespread and easy to find, with many open late.

Water and electricity are metered in most properties so confirm how payments work with your landlord. Many households rely on bottled water for drinking so arrange regular delivery or stock up from supermarkets. Power cuts can happen so keep a small rechargeable lamp and power bank handy, and many estates and newer developments have backup generators that kick in quickly.

Social and Nightlife Discovery

Use your second week to explore local spots and get a feel for the area. Osu Oxford Street is busy day and night with cafes, bars and restaurants that suit every budget and vibe. Popular spots include Buka for local cuisine and The Republic for evening drinks. East Legon has more upscale lounges and rooftop bars such as Skybar 25 and Altitude, popular with young professionals and expats. Tema has lively beach bars and waterfront venues in Community 11 and 12 such as The Dive and Ocean View Beach Club that stay active late into the evening. Adenta and Oyarifa have friendly local bars and outdoor spots that are great for relaxed evenings and easy conversation. Ask locals for recommendations, as smaller hidden spots often have the best atmosphere and prices.

Style Tip

This is the perfect time to start building your local wardrobe. Visit fabric markets such as the textile section at Makola or the dedicated fabric shops along Spintex Road to choose your first pieces of GTP, Woodin or Ankara and take them to a local tailor. Most can make a simple dress or top in three to five days at very reasonable cost. You will find the fabric quality is excellent and wearing locally made designs helps you feel part of the community right away.

Week Three Community and Finding Your Feet

By week three you will start to feel more settled and this is the time to explore schools, work connections and community groups.

Schools and Education Government versus Private Options

If you have children, start visiting schools early as places fill up quickly. Understanding the difference between government and private schools will help you make the right choice for your family.

Government or public schools follow the national curriculum and are significantly more affordable, with basic education free under the Free SHS policy. They are well regarded academically but class sizes are often larger and resources can vary. Notable government primary and junior high options include Ridge Church School in Accra and Morning Star School. At senior high level, Accra Academy in Bubuashie, St. Thomas Aquinas in Cantonments and Accra Girls in Maamobi are all established public schools with strong reputations. Achimota School, founded in 1927, is one of Ghana's most famous co-educational boarding schools and is government-assisted.

Private schools range from local community schools to premium international institutions. Galaxy International School in Accra follows the Cambridge International curriculum and has campuses in Roman Ridge and Tema. Al-Rayan International School in East Legon offers British curriculum education from nursery through to sixth form. The American International School of Accra in East Legon follows an American curriculum and is popular with expat families. Lincoln Community School, also in East Legon, offers an International Baccalaureate programme. Local private schools such as Alsyd Academy and St. Martin de Porres School in Dansoman offer excellent education at a more affordable price point than the top international schools. Fees vary considerably, from a few hundred Ghana cedis per term at local private schools to several thousand US dollars annually at the premium international academies. Request prospectuses and tour campuses as soon as possible, as application deadlines can be up to six months in advance.

Getting Involved and Meeting People

Churches, mosques and community centres are welcoming and great places to make connections. There are active expat and diaspora groups across Accra and social media is a good way to find upcoming events and meet ups. Co working spaces in Osu, East Legon and Tema such as Impact Hub and Accra Digital Centre are popular with remote workers and often host networking events. Local gyms, art centres and volunteer groups also offer easy ways to meet people and settle into the community.

Style Tip

Think about versatile pieces that work across different settings. A well cut African print jacket can elevate a simple outfit for meetings, dinners or events while bold print dresses work equally well for church, markets and social gatherings. Choosing pieces that mix and match means you can create multiple looks from fewer items, which is ideal while you are still building your wardrobe.

Week Four Looking Ahead

Your final days of the first month are about reviewing what you have learned and planning for the longer term.

Budget and Living Costs

Review your spending over the month to get a realistic picture of your living costs. Market shopping at Makola, Kaneshie or Tema Port Market is significantly cheaper than supermarkets for most fresh food, while Melcom offers the best balance of price and convenience for household goods. Budget for advance rent payments and annual school fees if you have children as these are the largest regular expenses. Mobile money fees and electricity costs can add up so track them for the first month to set a realistic monthly budget.

Long Term Housing Decisions

By now you will have a good sense of which areas suit your lifestyle. If you enjoy nightlife and social energy, Osu, Adenta or Tema may appeal. If you prefer quieter evenings and more space, Klagon or Oyarifa are strong contenders. Visit potential new homes at different times of day to check traffic, noise and atmosphere before signing anything. Confirm rent, payment terms and what is included such as water, security or maintenance costs before agreeing. Remember that most landlords expect one to two years rent in advance so budget accordingly.

Style Tip

As you settle on a neighbourhood, tailor your wardrobe to match your daily routine. Busy market days call for simple comfortable prints while office or work environments may need more structured pieces. The beauty of African print fashion is its versatility and you can find designs that work for every occasion. Investing in a few high quality timeless pieces gives you a foundation to build on as your life in Ghana evolves.

Final Thoughts

Your first 30 days in Ghana is a time of discovery and adjustment. Take things at a steady pace, be patient with yourself and remember that no one expects you to know everything immediately. Sort the essentials first, explore your surroundings gradually and be open to the friendly warmth of the people you meet. You will find that life here quickly feels like home.

African prints are more than just clothing in Ghana, they are a way of connecting, expressing personality and feeling part of the culture from day one. As you settle in, you will find that wearing your favourite designs becomes a natural part of your daily life and a wonderful way to celebrate your new chapter.

Explore our collection of African print dresses, tops and jackets designed to be versatile, comfortable and perfect for every moment of your new life in Ghana.

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