Sasquatch888

Hi there, my partner has been offered a job in Accra and we are looking to move out there in a few months time. I have started to research and read that some of the nicest places to live would be Airport Residential, Cantonments and Labone - the company will be paying for this so we are fairly flexible. I have also read about the heat, malaria etc. But not read much about other peoples experiences of what Accra is like now, especially from a Caucasian Brit. There doesn't seem to be many good forums specific to the topic, so I am interested to hear any thoughts from people who have lived there in a similar position to ourselves (company paying for most things (don't know specifics yet), no kids, in our mid 30's from the UK). Anything about places to live, visit, food and drink, entertainment, telecommunications, driving, socialising, other expats and their partners, insect bite prevention and general life in Accra (I have heard mainly positive things) - would be greatly appreciated. I will also be leaving my job in the UK but have been moving towards more internet based business here in the UK, so I won't have a job to begin with but after getting everything organised while my partner gets to grips with a new and challenging position, I will look for opportunities either in Accra or split between there and the UK.

Many thanks

Charl01

Accra is a lovely place, commonly known as "Africa for beginners" don't stress you will love it.

Thairetired2016

I lived in Accra and in Elmina in the 80ties. It was a tough life then.
Yesterday on BBC world in "business Africa" the report was about Accra. Going by what I saw and what they reported about, you will enjoy your stay.
It is a country with young people who have a lot of "go". Ppl are no longer dirt poor, big middle class.
I could not believe the many fancy property developments. Look forward to a new experience.

Sasquatch888

Thank you for your replies.

Yes, not stressing about Ghana specifically because a lot of what I have heard has been very positive - obviously we have a lot to prepare for but we are excited about a new adventure more than anything.

I am just a little surprised that I don't see more blog or forum posts from people who are in a similar situation as us, as from what I gather there is a large expat population over there. It would be good to hear their thoughts and connect before heading out

carcajou

I have not lived there but know others who have, and the reports are generally positive. As an earlier poster said "Africa for Beginners" - one of the easier spots for an Africa first-timer.

Thairetired2016

May be not Brit. expsts. Nowadays you find a lot of South African expats in African countries. Americans in the oil industry.. They wiuldn't be on this forum.

Sasquatch888

Thanks, yeah I've seen there are quite a few from SA. I have even tried searching forums from other countries without much success. I will keep looking

gottheTshirt

lived there in the 80s - one of the best places we have ever been - had a private beach plot on 16 mile beach - 16 miles north of Accra, barbequed cray fish every weekend. great people, enjoy partying. Our children were 4 and 6 yr old at the time, we had no health problems. I am just reminiscing - such a great time- no idea what it is like now,

Anrev

You will find plenty of expats there. life is easier in the capital than in the rural parts, you can get most things in the shops. Be prepared to pay high prices for things that are familiar in the UK. Most of the locals are friendly and helpful.