Gateway to Africa & the Year of Return
Right of Abode is a special residence status granted to people of African descent in the diaspora. It gives the holder the right to reside permanently in Ghana, enter without a visa, and work or be employed without a separate work permit. Applicants must provide proof of African ancestry (e.g., DNA results, family documents) and apply through the Ghana Immigration Service or Ministry of the Interior.
No. Working on a tourist or entry visa is not permitted. You must obtain a work and residence permit, or Right of Abode status if eligible. Employers typically sponsor the work permit application process for formal employment.
Residence Permit applications submitted to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) typically take 2–4 weeks to process. All applications are currently paper-based and submitted in person. You will receive a protocol document to use while waiting for the permit card.
No. Citizens of ECOWAS member states (Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, etc.) can enter Ghana visa-free for up to 90 days. For longer stays, a residence permit is still required.
Accra has a well-developed international school sector. Notable options include Ghana International School (GIS) — the first and only Ghanaian school accredited by both CIS and NEASC, Lincoln Community School (IB), International Community School (ICS), and Galaxy International School. Tuition varies widely, typically $5,000–$25,000 USD per year depending on the school and grade.
Yes. The University of Ghana actively welcomes international students and aims for 10% international enrolment. The university operates on a semester system and offers many graduate programs. Foreign students apply directly through the university's international programmes office.
English is the official medium of instruction in all Ghanaian schools from primary level upward, making Ghana significantly easier for English-speaking expat families compared to other West African nations. Local Ghanaian languages (Twi, Ga, Ewe, etc.) may be taught as subjects.
Ghana's system broadly follows the British model: 2 years kindergarten, 6 years primary, 3 years junior secondary (JHS), 3 years senior secondary (SHS). SHS students sit the WASSCE exam, which is accepted by many international universities. IB and American curriculum schools are available in Accra for families who prefer those pathways.
The most popular expat areas are East Legon (gated communities, good schools, restaurants), Airport Residential Area (embassy zone, high security, premium housing), Labone and Cantonments (central, walkable, mid-to-high end), and Osu (vibrant nightlife area, mid-range pricing). Accra's northern suburbs like Trasacco Valley and Haatso offer newer, more affordable options.
Many Ghanaian landlords require rent paid 1–2 years in advance, which can be a significant upfront cost. Monthly rental agreements are more common with estate agents and in expat-oriented properties. Always use a reputable estate agent and ensure a written lease agreement. Ask about utility arrangements — electricity costs can be high if air conditioning is used heavily.
Yes. East Legon, Trasacco Valley, and Cantonments have numerous gated estates with 24/7 security, backup generators (critical for "dumsor" power outages), and modern amenities including pools and gyms. These are the preferred option for expat families and command a premium.
"Dumsor" (meaning "off and on" in Twi) is Ghana's long-standing issue of scheduled or unscheduled power cuts. Frequency varies by year and neighbourhood. Most expat-grade housing has backup generators or inverter systems. Always confirm power backup arrangements before signing a lease.