Ghana

Obtaining a residency in Ghana involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. Expatriates looking to reside in Ghana typically apply for a Ghana Work and Residence Permit. This permit is necessary for any foreign national who intends to work and live in Ghana. The process begins with the expatriate securing a job offer or proving that they will be engaging in a business that is beneficial to the Ghanaian economy. Once a job offer is received, the individual or the employing company must submit an application to the Ghana Service (GIS) along with the required documents. These documents often include a passport valid for at least six months, a police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country, a medical clearance certificate from an accredited health institution in Ghana, and proof of the job offer or business intent. The application process for a Work and Residence Permit is quite thorough and requires various forms of documentation to prove the legitimacy of the expatriate's employment or business activities. The company in Ghana must also provide documentation, such as company registration certificates and tax clearance certificates, to support the application. Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the GIS. If approved, the expatriate will be issued a residence permit that typically lasts for one to four years, depending on the type of permit granted, and is renewable. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks to a few months to receive the permit. It is important to note that there is no specific visa for digital nomads in Ghana. However, many digital nomads use the Ghana Tourist Visa to enter the country, which allows them to stay for up to 60 days. This visa does not permit the holder to engage in any form of employment in Ghana. For longer stays, digital nomads would need to explore other types of visas or permits, such as the aforementioned Work and Residence Permit, if they can secure employment or establish a business in Ghana. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and requires various clearances and documentation, it is a well-established system that, when followed correctly, allows expatriates to obtain residency in Ghana.

Healthcare in Ghana

The system in Ghana is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health. It is designed to be accessible to all citizens through the National health insurance Scheme (NHIS), which provides a basic package of healthcare services. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more skilled healthcare professionals than rural areas. Private healthcare in Ghana is generally of a higher standard, offering more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is also more expensive. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by registering with the NHIS and paying the required premiums, which then entitles them to the same benefits as Ghanaian citizens.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ghana is considered moderate. It is generally affordable compared to Western countries, but costs can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Weather

Ghana experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: the wet and the dry season. The south of the country has two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, while the north has one, from April to October. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, with averages between 21°C and 32°C. Humidity can be quite high, especially in the wet seasons.

Educational System in Ghana

The educational system in Ghana is structured similarly to the British model and is known for its diverse and rich curriculum. Education in Ghana is divided into three main levels: basic, secondary, and tertiary. Basic education lasts 11 years and is made up of Kindergarten, primary school, and junior high school. Children typically start Kindergarten at the age of four and complete basic education at around 15 years of age. After completing basic education, students sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to qualify for secondary education. Secondary education lasts three years, and students can choose between general education or vocational training. At the end of secondary education, students take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to qualify for tertiary education. Ghanaian schools are known for their emphasis on English language proficiency, mathematics, science, and social studies, with increasing attention to information and communication technology. The quality of education can vary significantly, with urban schools generally better resourced than those in rural areas. The government of Ghana has been working on improving the educational system by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. Parents moving to Ghana can expect their children to be in a learning environment that values academic excellence, discipline, and moral upbringing.