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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Accra is the capital city of Ghana, known for its vibrant culture, friendly people, and historical landmarks. |
👥 Population | Approximately 2.1 million people. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 12.00 GHS, primarily use the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Local banks like Ecobank and Fidelity Bank are reliable. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. Frequent power outages may occur, so it's good to have a backup generator. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN, AirtelTigo, and Vodafone are popular providers, with prepaid options widely available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks accept international cards, and mobile banking is quite common. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals, and boutique hotels like La Villa Boutique Hotel. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Increasingly cashless, with mobile payment options like Mobile Money widely accepted. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Websites like Airbnb and local real estate agents provide many short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Purple Place and budget hotels like Hotel Joy provide affordable stays. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Osu is popular for nightlife, shopping, and dining. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | East Legon is favored for its modern amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workplace is a well-rated coworking space offering good amenities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tea Baa is a popular spot among digital nomads and has good Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetups are hosted regularly at spaces like The Republic Bar and Grill for freelancers and expats. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Accra' host regular gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are safe and convenient options for getting around the city. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not common, but scooters can be rented from companies like WokandRide. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Labadi Beach is a popular spot, around 30 minutes from central Accra. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Africa World Airlines provides regional flights within West Africa. |
✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and British Airways operate direct flights to Accra. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Accra is accessible via the George Bush Highway, linking it to major regions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Accra's main bus terminal is the Achimota Terminal. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro Mass Transit offers affordable bus tickets for local travel. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses like STC and VIP Bus operate to other cities, including Kumasi. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the largest and most reputable hospital in Ghana. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center Ghana offers classes for all skill levels in a friendly environment. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and B-Fit Gym are popular fitness locations in Accra. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Kunyomi Laundry offer pickup and delivery. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is a popular choice for food delivery services. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice and banku with tilapia are must-try traditional dishes. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro 22 offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tea Baa also offers a selection of good pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Osu Oxford Street has a variety of street vendors and local markets. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia, the largest e-commerce platform in Ghana, offers a wide range of products. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through services like Jumia Grocery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Osu has a vibrant nightlife with bars like Carbon and Firefly. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Accra Brewery Limited produces local beers such as Club Beer. |
🍷 Wine Bars | The Republic Bar and Grill offers a casual atmosphere with local wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look out for street vendors selling kebabs and kelewele (spicy fried plantains). |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Chick 'n' Friends offers great international fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is a historic site dedicated to Ghana's first president. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Ghana is notable for its artifacts and history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Cape Coast Castle is an essential visit for its historical significance. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Independence Arch and Christiansborg Castle are popular landmarks. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Homowo Festival, celebrated by the Ga people, takes place annually in August. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Jamestown is known for its cultural heritage and artistic community. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts various performances and shows throughout the year. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Makola Market offers local produce and traditional crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Places like Republic Bar offer vibrant live music performances. |
🎨 Street Art | Kuku Hill is known for its impressive street art and murals. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Get involved in a cooking class at the Ghana Culinary Academy. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artists Alliance Gallery showcases contemporary Ghanaian art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Efua Sutherland Drama Studio is a notable cultural venue. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The Adinkra symbols are a significant part of Ghanaian heritage and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Aburi Botanical Gardens, located about 30 km from Accra, is perfect for a peaceful retreat. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Akuapem Hills offers beautiful hikes and outdoor activities. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Labadi beach promenade is ideal for walking and enjoying the sea breeze. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Akwapim Ridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Achimota Forest is great for birdwatching and enjoying nature. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Labadi Beach is a popular choice for bonfires and social gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fixit Mobile Repair provides device repair services across the city. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong in Accra offers great facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Accra National Library is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Accra Arts Centre offers cultural events and community activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone offers a variety of video games and entertainment options. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Golden Tulip Hotel has a small casino for gaming entertainment. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 8% |
🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
🧾 VAT | 12.5% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on state valuation. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ghana does not tax foreign income for non-residents. |