Essentials
- City
- Aburi, Akuapem South District, Eastern Region, Ghana
- Population
- Approximately 20,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 15-40 Mbps via MTN 4G/5G; Fiber limited to specific resorts like Peduase Valley Resort
- Currency & Banking
- Ghana Cedi (GHS); 1 USD ≈ 13.50 GHS, 1 EUR ≈ 14.60 GHS (March 2026 rates)
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use bottled water like Voltic or Bel-Aqua (approx. 10 GHS per 1.5L)
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (British style); frequent power fluctuations, suggest surge protectors
- SIM Card
- MTN Ghana (best coverage) and Telecel; available at Aburi Central Market for 10-20 GHS
- Banking for Expats
- Ecobank Aburi and GCB Bank; MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is the primary digital payment method
- Accommodation
- Guesthouses, villas, and boutique hotels; monthly rentals via private landlords or Airbnb
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate; MTN MoMo accepted widely; Cards only at high-end resorts like Peduase
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb listings at Hilltop Properties or The Lansdown (approx. 1,000 - 2,500 GHS per night)
- Budget Accommodation
- Aburi Botanical Gardens Guesthouse (approx. 400 - 600 GHS per night)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Near Aburi Botanical Gardens for walkability and cool microclimate
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Peduase or Gyankama for better infrastructure and proximity to Accra-Aburi highway
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Peduase Valley Resort (offers day passes for business lounge use at approx. 350 GHS)
- Best Cafe for Work
- Hill Garden Restaurant; quiet outdoor seating with reliable signal (Coffee approx. 45 GHS)
- Networking Events
- Informal meetups at The Tavern or community events organized by the Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Social Events for Expats
- Ghana Digital Nomad Facebook groups; weekend gatherings at Front/Back (Accra, 45 mins away)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Bolt and Uber (available but sometimes limited; local 'dropping' taxis are common)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Private rentals at Aburi Botanical Gardens (approx. 100 GHS per hour for mountain bikes)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Labadi Beach in Accra (approx. 1 hour drive/35km away)
- Top Regional Airline
- Africa World Airlines (AWA) operating from Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
- Top International Airline
- Delta, Emirates, and British Airways flying into ACC
- Highway Access
- The N4 Motorway connects Aburi directly to Accra and Koforidua
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Aburi Station (tro-tro hub for local transit to Madina and Accra)
- Public Transport Passes
- No formal passes; Tro-tro fares range from 15-30 GHS to Accra
- Regional Travel
- STC Coaches from Accra for long distance; local tro-tros for regional mountain towns
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Peduase Valley Resort Clinic (private) or Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital (public)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- The Lansdown Resort offers yoga retreats; private sessions approx. 200 GHS
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Peduase Valley Resort Gym (Daily access approx. 250 GHS)
- Laundry Services
- Local laundry 'washmen' near Aburi Market or hotel services (approx. 100 GHS per load)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Glovo (limited coverage in Aburi; works better in nearby Adenta/Accra)
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Aburi roasted plantain (Korkor) with groundnuts; available at the roadside for 15 GHS
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Wilder Kitchen (seasonal/pop-up) or fresh salads at Peduase Valley
- Best Dessert Spots
- Local fruit stalls at the market for fresh mango/pineapple; pastries at The Hill
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Aburi Central Market for fresh produce and basic essentials
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Jumia Ghana (delivery to Aburi pick-up points)
- Grocery Delivery
- Shaaba Grocery (private delivery via MoMo/WhatsApp orders)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Mainly quiet; evening drinks at The Tavern or Aburi Botanical Garden bar
- Local Brewery
- Club Premium Lager (distributed by ABL); available at any local 'spot' for 15-20 GHS
- Wine Bars
- The Sky Bar at Peduase Valley (Wide wine selection, glass approx. 120 GHS)
- Street Food Stalls
- Rita's Kitchen for Jollof Rice (approx. 40 GHS)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Pizza and Continental dishes at The Lansdown Resort
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Aburi Botanical Gardens (Founded 1890); Entrance fee 10 GHS locals / 50 GHS foreigners
- Museums & Art Venues
- Aburi Wood Carving Village (The Craft Market) on the main road
- Historical Sites
- Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm (The first in Ghana, nearby in Mampong)
- Religious Sites
- Presbyterian Church of Ghana (historic stone building in the town center)
- Annual Events
- Odwira Festival (September/October), featuring traditional durbars and dancing
- Cultural Districts
- Aburi Craft Village for traditional woodworking and sculpture
- Theater Venues
- National Theatre in Accra (45 mins away) for major performances
- Local Markets
- Aburi Saturday Market for beads, textiles, and organic mountain vegetables
- Music Scene
- Live Highlife bands occasionally at Aburi Gardens on Sunday afternoons
- Street Art
- Hand-painted murals and carved totem poles at the Craft Village
- Cooking Classes
- Informal sessions at local guesthouses on making Fufu or Banku (approx. 200 GHS)
- Art Galleries
- Small independent wood-art galleries within the Craft Market
- Historic Buildings
- Rita's Cottage (Old colonial architecture) and various mission houses
- Local Heritage
- The Akuapem lineage and the Okuapehene's traditional influence
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Chenku Waterfalls (Obosomase); approx. 20 mins drive from Aburi
- National Parks Nearby
- Shai Hills Resource Reserve (approx. 1 hour drive)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Berebere Trail for mountain trekking and birding; guided hikes approx. 150 GHS
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Obosomase Lookout offering panoramic views of the Greater Accra plains
- Birdwatching Locations
- Aburi Botanical Gardens (over 40 species of documented birds)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- The Lansdown Resort (by arrangement for guests)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Ghana Post (Aburi branch) or DHL (Accra branch for pickup)
- Tech Repair Services
- Small phone repair stalls at Aburi Market; more complex repairs in Madina
- Table Tennis Spots
- Recreational tables available at some resort hotels like Hill Garden
- Language Classes
- Twi language tutors available via local mission schools or private hire
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Community Library near the District Assembly
- Community Centers
- Aburi Town Hall for community meetings and durbar
- Gaming Lounges
- Video game kiosks in Aburi town for local youth (FIFA/EAFC focus)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Millionaires Casino in Accra (45 mins away)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 12,000 GHS per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 480,000 GHS / $35,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 8,000 GHS per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 320,000 GHS / $23,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 11,500 GHS per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 690,000 GHS / $51,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 7,500 GHS per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 450,000 GHS / $33,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 10,000 GHS per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 800,000 GHS / $59,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 6,800 GHS per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 544,000 GHS / $40,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 25% standard rate in Ghana
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 8%
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for residents (residing >183 days)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35% (above 600,000 GHS annually)
- VAT
- 15% (plus additional levies totaling approx. 21.9%)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Ghana has rules to prevent tax avoidance via foreign entities
- Property Tax
- Annual property rates paid to the Akuapem South District Assembly
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp duty between 0.25% and 1% depending on value
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- None specifically; however, Ghana's 'Year of Return' initiatives have eased visa processes