Want to move to Ghana from America

You need to be a little more specific on the sort of help you need.

@hkann

i need help with the entire process of where to start. America does not give us any help in making this decision. Who do i contact, what to prepare for now so that i have an easy transition. where do i start? Where will we live etc. i need help transitioning from America to Ghana asap

Not sure if you have any connection to Ghana or if you know anything about the country so I suggest you do a little research to find out if it will be a suitable location for you. Then you will need visas. Usually you get 3 month visitor visas. You will also require a number of vaccinations. You can look online for ones that are advised but yellow fever is mandatory. Not sure how you are going to fund your trip but accommodation is not cheap here. You can look on airbnb and see what is available. If you are going to live here permanently you will need something longterm and usually have to pay at least a year upfront. If there are 7 of you it probably means you have children who may need schooling so you will need to find schools which again are not cheap.

I suggest one person comes for a visit and gets firsthand experience before committing to the move.

Thank you. I will be homeschooling so schooling won’t be needed. I have done some research over the past few years and continue to do more as I go. I did not know about vaccinations. Is there a way to contact someone to help guide us through the process or do we just wing it on our own?

@yasminmalik0402

Please what kind of help do you need.

There are relocation agents who can facilitate the process for a fee but they are usually helping people who are coming to work. I hope you will be able to connect with Americans who have made the move who can give you practical advice. Not sure if there are specific FB groups for Americans in Ghana but there are for Expats - Ghana International Expats is one and you might be able to make contacts there.

@yasminmalik0402

Hi Yasmin,

It’s a big move but possible if you plan.

-great to check in your social network for anyone who has visited Ghana and can give you feedback.

-what income do you have planned? Do you have rental property in US? Look for jobs online, remote; also contact recruiters here and send your CV. Business is not easy for new arrival unless can make connection with existing businesses.

-accommodation will be biggest expense, so start looking. Recommend Pokuase area for best price, vibe and accessibility at the moment. You can find great deals. We have very affordable accommodation also, and can offer support in transition, recruitment etc, at Legassi Gardens.

-homeschooling isn’t recommended here, the school system is not like US so not violent or culturally incongruent! Your children need to integrate and settle, make friends etc. As outsiders without a family network they will suffer and it won’t be easy for them unless they can make friends.

-Don’t burn your bridges!!! Keep in close contact with your family and friends as you will need them! Also don’t rule out going back and forth for a while.

-you can do it!

Best of luck!

@yasminmalik0402

-check for tips online

-find accommodation in Pokuase, best prices now and accessible, can recommend.

-forget homeschooling, as outsiders your children will feel isolated and not learn to understand the culture etc.

-If you need work there are recruiters can recommend.

-stay close to family & friends, don’t burn bridges;)

Good luck.