✈️ Leaving the West: A One-Way Journey Home
My first week in Ghana was memorable, to say the least. It was nothing like my previous visit. This time, I left the West not for a vacation—I left in hope of brighter days ahead.
Leaving the Western world was easy for me. After living for over a decade among the same people who once stole my ancestors away—and witnessing what I believe to be one of the most satanic agendas in modern history—walking away felt like freedom.
But moving to Ghana is not for the faint of heart. It is a journey for the brave, the called—the ones like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X—people who love their own and are willing to sacrifice for them. This isn’t just relocation. It is a return on a mission and a reclaiming of something sacred.
After boarding my flight of no return, I crossed the Atlantic. The same route that once carried my ancestors away now brought me home. I was fully aware of the spiritual gravity of that moment. Yet, coming home is more than poetic. It demands commitment layered with humility and divine love.
🌍 New Land, New Rhythm
In Ghana, the customs you’ve grown used to—paper trails, private deals, quick transactions—become secondary. What rises in their place are ancient rhythms: community, patience, and personal connection.
My first week was spent trying to acquire arable land to farm. Back in the West, this would’ve involved a lawyer, paperwork, and a hefty commission. But here in Ghana, it meant meeting with chiefs, elders, and landowners face-to-face.
You don’t just sign; you relate. I learned that five witnesses are often needed to complete the transaction. That struck me deeply—not only as a safeguard but as something spiritual. It reminded me of the Bible, where elders gathered at the gate to establish truth and trust.
After just one week, I knew this land was shaping me. So I’ve put together the best advice I can offer to anyone making this move. Not just to survive—but to belong.
1. Get a Local Buddy
“Your transition to Ghana will go smoother if you have someone who knows the ropes.”
After spending my first week in Ghana, I realized how important it is to have a local friend to help you navigate. Thankfully, on my first visit, I met a family that became like my own. One of them, Asare, was fully immersed in the culture and gracious enough to guide me during my first two weeks.
You’ll need someone who understands both the language and traditions of Ghana. This person helps you show proper respect—especially when dealing with elders or speaking to a chief. A good local buddy can also be your voice in the market. Otherwise, you’ll be quoted the “foreigner’s price.”
One example I’ll never forget was when we went to get meat in the Afienya market. Asare paid almost 50% less than what I’d paid for the same quantity a year earlier—100 cedis gone just like that, all because I lacked local insight.
More than a guide, a local friend becomes your bridge to the community. People are far more willing to do business with you when they know you’re connected to someone they trust. And trust is everything here.
After my first week, I came to this truth:
🗣 “A local friend isn’t just your guide—they become your compass.”
🟩 2. Get Connected
“In Ghana, communication is everything—from directions to transactions.”
On my first day, I was lucky enough to get a SIM card through my friend Asare. If you don’t have a local connection, you can still get a SIM as a foreigner using your passport. Just note—it may only be valid for about a month. After that, you’ll need to register properly through a local Ghana Card.
Once you have your SIM, load up with some local minutes and mobile data. I started with a Telecel SIM and was able to get 250 MB of data for 400 cedis. That was more than enough to get me going and stay connected during my first few days.
One thing you’ll soon discover is Mobile Money (MoMo)—a mobile payment system that’s essential in Ghana. While I wasn’t able to fully set up my MoMo account during my first week in Ghana, I’ll share more on that process in a future blog. Just know that without it, things like paying for goods can become much harder.
For getting around, apps like Uber and Bolt will be lifesavers, especially if you’re new to the area. Still, if you’re looking for a more immersive and budget-friendly experience, tro-tros (local minibuses) will teach you the real rhythm of Ghana.
📱 “Connectivity is key—not just for scrolling, but for surviving.”
🟩 3. Remember to Get Some Cash In Your First Week in Ghana
“Card machines are rare, but cash speaks fluently.”
Unlike the West, where cards and apps handle most payments, Ghana still moves by cash. Whether you’re buying fruit from a roadside stand or tipping someone for helping you with directions, having physical money on hand is essential—especially in your first week.
For me, I found a local ATM near a gas station along Afienya Road. I was able to use my foreign bank card without any issues. But like any ATM, they can run out of cash—so it’s wise to withdraw what you need while you can. The good news is that ATMs that accept foreign cards are fairly easy to find, especially in main towns and along commercial roads.
Another important tip: keep small change on you at all times. Many daily purchases—like street food, drinks, or transport—will cost anywhere from GHS 1 to 20. Having small notes or coins makes life easier, especially when you’re boarding a tro-tro, buying roasted plantain, or grabbing a quick sachet of water.
Until you’re fully settled and can explore digital payment options like Mobile Money, remember:
💵 “In Ghana, cash in hand is peace of mind.”
🟩 4. Cultural Awareness
“Respect is currency, and greetings are spiritual.”
I once wrote a blog on cultural etiquette in Ghana, based mostly on research. But now, I write from firsthand experience—and let me tell you, culture in Ghana is everything. During your first week, you might make a few missteps, but that’s okay. You’re learning.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how important greetings are. Saying “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is expected—and returning that greeting is a matter of respect. If someone greets you and you walk past in silence, it’s considered offensive. So go with the Akwaaba flow—the rhythm of hospitality.
Respect for elders is also non-negotiable. One day, I went to inspect some land in a village. I had something in my right hand, so I raised my left to greet the elders nearby. They looked at me but didn’t respond. I was puzzled—until later, when my friend Asare explained that greeting with the left hand is considered disrespectful. Apparently, they were murmuring their disapproval in the local dialect.
That moment brought me right back to my first point: get a local buddy. Asare told me not to worry—he would smooth it over. But imagine if I didn’t have someone to explain what went wrong.
In your first week in Ghana, focus more on adapting than judging. You made the move—so now, make the transition.
🌍 “When you walk with respect, doors open in unexpected ways.”
🟩 5. Ask for Help
“You’re not weak for asking—you’re wise.”
One of the best things you can do in your first week in Ghana is ask for help. Sounds simple, but for many of us in the diaspora—especially those who’ve grown used to figuring things out alone—it’s not easy. We come from systems that taught us independence is power. But here, humility opens more doors than pride ever could.
I’ve found that when you ask sincerely, Ghanaians are incredibly helpful. They’ll go out of their way to walk you to the right tro-tro station, explain something to you twice, or even speak on your behalf in situations you don’t fully understand. But you have to be open.
There’s no shame in not knowing. What causes unnecessary struggle is pretending that you do.
Not everyone will have the answers, of course, so ask the right people—people who live the life, not just talk it. Asking one wrong person can cost you money. Asking the right one can save you time, stress, and even your peace of mind.
There’s a beauty in leaning on the wisdom of those around you. And sometimes, it’s not just about help—it’s about connection. You weren’t meant to figure it all out alone.
🤝 “Don’t pretend to know. Ask, and you’ll grow.”
🟩 6. Food + Water Are Essentials In Your First Week In Ghana
“Your stomach is not as African as your spirit—take it slow.”
For your first week in Ghana, you’ll need food and water to help you settle in well—and it’s not just about survival, it’s about adjustment. Thankfully, at the place I was staying, there was a kind local woman who cooked for me whenever she had time. But if you don’t have that, you’ll find yourself buying food from street vendors or small restaurants.
My advice? Start slow. Go for more reputable or well-known vendors in your first week, and gradually transition into trying new spots. Ghanaian food is rich, spicy, and made with heart—but your body might need time to adapt to spice levels, cooking oils, and local ingredients. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the food. No one will be offended.
Water is another important consideration. Most people drink bottled water or sachets (commonly called “pure water”). Tap water is rarely used for drinking, and while I’m still trying to get to the root of why, I’d recommend you stick to bottled or sachet water for now. Thankfully, water is very affordable—you can get a sachet for just 20 to 50 pesewas.
One thing you’ll notice quickly is Ghanaian generosity. When people serve you food, it’s not just a plate—it’s a portion of culture, a gift of hospitality, and sometimes even a spiritual offering.
🍽️ “You won’t just eat food—you’ll taste heritage.”
🔚 Conclusion
My first week in Ghana was amazing, to say the least. At first, the reality was kicking in—but I smoothly transitioned into the second week like I was prepared for it. It’s as if my spirit had arrived long before my body did. The land welcomed me not just with sun and sound, but with lessons—quiet, loud, and in between.
Ghana doesn’t just invite you to live—it asks you to unlearn, to listen, and to lean in. You won’t figure everything out in seven days, but you’ll begin to realize what truly matters. You’ll shed some habits, face a few frustrations, but also feel a deeper sense of purpose rising within you.
This place is more than a location—it’s a homecoming. Not just to Africa, but to yourself.
So if you’re planning your own journey, take heart. Your first week in Ghana will stretch you—but it will also shape you. And as you adapt, remember: you’re not just adjusting to Ghana. You’re becoming more of who you were always meant to be.
Welcome home.
