Book and Go
Latest features
Ghana: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Ghana
In Ghana, business culture strongly emphasises building personal relationships. Respect, especially towards elders or senior figures, is deeply ingrained in the culture, and showing this through your words and actions is highly appreciated.
Handshakes are the standard greeting in Ghanaian business settings – and only use your right hand to do so. When addressing people, use their titles (e.g., Dr, Mr, Mrs) and surnames unless invited to use their first name.
Punctuality in Ghana can vary depending on the context. While the concept of "Ghanaian time" reflects a more relaxed attitude towards schedules in social settings, punctuality is appreciated and expected in formal business contexts, particularly from foreigners. However, it is not uncommon for meetings to start late or be rescheduled at short notice.
The dress code in Ghanaian business settings is typically formal and conservative. Men usually wear suits or smart dress shirts, while women opt for professional dresses or suits. Traditional Ghanaian attire, such as kente cloth, is also acceptable and often worn during special occasions or events.
Gifting is not a requirement in Ghanaian business culture, but small, thoughtful gestures are appreciated as a sign of goodwill.
English is widely used in business, but some local phrases or references may be incorporated into conversations.
Ghana has one of the most robust and diversified economies in West Africa, driven by its rich natural resources and strategic positioning. The country is a leading producer of gold and cocoa globally. In recent years, the discovery and development of oil and gas reserves, particularly in the Jubilee Field, have further boosted the economy and positioned Ghana as a rising player in the energy sector. Agriculture also plays a pivotal role, employing a substantial portion of the population, with key crops including cocoa, yams, maize, and cashews.
However, challenges such as inflation, public debt, and unemployment persist. Efforts to diversify the economy further into manufacturing, technology, and tourism are ongoing, with tourism emerging as a promising sector due to Ghana's rich cultural heritage.
Ghana is also a founding member of ECOWAS, which was established in 1975 to promote economic integration, trade, and cooperation among the 15 member states of West Africa, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Keeping in Touch in Ghana
Mobile coverage in Ghana is robust in urban areas and decent in popular tourist destinations like Cape Coast, Mole National Park, or the Volta Region, but it can be inconsistent in rural and remote areas.
International roaming is possible but can be expensive. Purchasing a local SIM card is highly recommended for affordable and reliable connectivity. SIM cards are widely available and require registration with a valid ID or passport.
The main mobile operators in Ghana are MTN Ghana (the largest and probably most reliable), Vodafone Ghana, AirtelTigo, and Glo Ghana.
Wi-Fi hotspots are also increasingly common in urban centres, especially in hotels, cafes, and malls.
Ghana has a reputation for having one of the freest press environments in Africa. The country's constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of the press, and Ghana is often ranked highly in global press freedom indexes.
Numerous platforms cater to diverse audiences in Ghana. Traditional newspapers like the Daily Graphic and online portals like MyJoyOnline are particularly influential.
You know where