Languages
Ghana is a multilingual country with over 80 languages spoken across its regions. While English is the official language, used in government, education, and media, Ghana's rich linguistic diversity reflects its vibrant cultural heritage.
Introduced during British colonial rule.
Used in schools, legal systems, business, and official communication.
These are widely spoken and often used in daily life, local governance, and media.
Twi (Akan)
Most widely spoken language.
Spoken by the Akan ethnic group (Ashanti, Akuapem, Akyem, Fante).
Common in central and southern Ghana.
Ewe
Spoken mainly in the Volta Region by the Ewe people.
Also found in neighboring Togo and Benin.
Ga
Spoken by the Ga people around Accra, the capital.
Common in urban and coastal communities.
Dagbani
Predominantly spoken in northern Ghana by the Dagomba people.
A key language in northern educational and cultural affairs.
Hausa
Widely spoken in the northern regions and by Muslim communities.
Serves as a trade and religious language.
Dagaare, Nzema, Gonja, Kasem, and others
Spoken in specific regions and ethnic communities.
Contribute to Ghana’s linguistic and cultural richness.
Children are often taught in their local language in the early years of schooling before transitioning to English.
Ghana promotes multilingual education to preserve indigenous languages while ensuring global communication through English.
Language in Ghana is deeply tied to ethnic identity, heritage, and oral tradition. Many Ghanaians are multilingual, often fluent in their mother tongue, another local language, and English.
Ghana's linguistic landscape is a testament to its cultural diversity. English unifies the nation officially, but the indigenous languages are the heart of community life, tradition, and cultural expression.
Culture
Ghana’s culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from its diverse ethnic groups, rich traditions, and deep-rooted history. Known for its hospitality, communal spirit, and colorful expressions, Ghana stands out as a cultural hub in West Africa.
Ghana is home to over 100 ethnic groups, each with its own customs, language, and traditions. The largest groups include:
Akan (Ashanti, Fante, Akuapem)
Ewe
Ga-Dangme
Mole-Dagbani
Gurma
Despite their differences, these groups share values of respect for elders, family bonds, and community cooperation.
Ghanaians celebrate numerous cultural festivals that highlight ancestry, harvests, and historical events. Notable festivals include:
Homowo (Ga people) – Celebrates overcoming famine.
Aboakyer (Effutu people) – A deer-hunting festival.
Odwira (Akan people) – A purification festival.
These festivals feature music, dance, drumming, colorful attire, and traditional rituals.
Extended families play a central role in social life.
Elders are respected and often make key decisions.
The concept of "communal living" promotes collective responsibility and support.
Music is essential in Ghanaian culture. Traditional instruments include drums (like the kete and talking drum), flutes, and xylophones.
Popular genres include:
Highlife – A fusion of African rhythms and Western instruments.
Hiplife – A mix of Highlife and hip-hop.
Afrobeats – Modern Ghanaian pop with global appeal.
Dance is expressive and often tied to storytelling, spirituality, or celebration.
Kente cloth, a handwoven textile from the Ashanti and Ewe people, symbolizes history, identity, and status.
Art includes wood carving, beadwork, pottery, and Adinkra symbols (each carrying philosophical meanings).
Ghana is religiously diverse:
Christianity (majority)
Islam
Traditional African religions – involving ancestors, nature spirits, and rituals.
Spirituality is often woven into daily life, influencing music, naming ceremonies, and funerals.
Ghanaian cuisine reflects the country's agricultural roots:
Common staples: fufu, banku, kenkey, jollof rice, and waakye.
Meals are typically shared and cooked from fresh, local ingredients.
Ghana’s culture is a living expression of unity in diversity marked by vibrant festivals, strong family ties, rich artistic traditions, and deep spiritual life. It reflects a harmonious blend of ancient customs and modern influences, making Ghana both culturally rich and socially dynamic.
Races and Tribes
The largest ethnic group in Ghana.
Includes subgroups like the Ashanti, Fante, Akuapem, and Akyem.
Known for powerful kingdoms (e.g., the Ashanti Empire), vibrant traditions, and the famous Kente cloth.
Speak Twi and Fante, both Akan languages.
Includes the Dagombas, Mamprusis, and Nanumbas.
Found mostly in northern Ghana.
Traditionally organized in kingdoms and known for their drumming, oral history, and unique architecture.
Located in the Volta Region (southeastern Ghana).
Known for their rich spiritual traditions, intricate dance, and the use of Ewe language.
Culturally tied to Togo and Benin due to pre-colonial migration patterns.
Found primarily in the Greater Accra Region.
Includes Ga and Dangme subgroups.
Known for the Homowo Festival, which celebrates overcoming famine.
Smaller group located in the Upper East Region.
Includes ethnic groups like the Kusasi and Bissa.
Speak Gur languages and are known for subsistence farming and traditional crafts.
One of the earliest ethnic groups in Ghana.
Scattered across various regions.
Assimilated aspects of Akan, Ewe, and other cultures.
Hausa, Zarma, and other West African groups are present, especially among Ghana’s Muslim population.
Small communities of non-African descent (e.g., Lebanese, Indian, Chinese) reside mostly in urban centers, often involved in trade or business.
Ghana is one of the most ethnically diverse and culturally rich countries in West Africa. While the population is largely of Black African descent, it is composed of various ethnic groups or tribes, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. Rather than being defined by "race" in the way it's understood in Western contexts, Ghana’s social identity is primarily shaped by ethnicity and tribal affiliation.
There are over 100 ethnic groups in Ghana, but the major tribes are grouped into broader ethnolinguistic families.
Despite tribal differences, intermarriage, urbanization, and national identity have created a strong sense of unity among Ghanaians. Most people identify proudly with both their ethnic group and as citizens of Ghana. Ghana’s people are overwhelmingly Black African, but deeply diverse in ethnic identity. The richness of Ghanaian culture, language, religion, and tradition is deeply rooted in its tribal heritage. Understanding these groups offers insight into the country’s social dynamics, values, and history.
Food
Ghanaian food is a flavorful reflection of the country's rich cultural diversity and agricultural abundance. Rooted in tradition and regional identity, Ghanaian cuisine blends local ingredients, ancestral cooking methods, and communal values.
The foundation of most Ghanaian meals is a starch, such as:
Fufu – a soft, dough-like food made by pounding cassava, plantains, or yams.
Banku and Kenkey – fermented corn-based doughs often served with fish and pepper sauces.
Rice dishes – including jollof rice, a popular West African tomato-based rice dish, and waakye, a flavorful combination of rice and beans.
Ghana is known for its hearty soups and stews, often made with local vegetables, spices, and proteins:
Groundnut (peanut) soup
Palm nut soup
Light soup (a tomato-based broth often served with fufu)
These are commonly served with goat, chicken, fish, or bushmeat.
Given its Atlantic coastline and numerous rivers, fish is central to Ghanaian diets both fresh and smoked varieties. Common proteins include:
Tilapia
Smoked mackerel
Dried fish
Goat, chicken, and occasionally beef
Ghanaian food is often spicy, thanks to generous use of chilies, ginger, garlic, and local seasonings like dawadawa (fermented locust bean). Ingredients like okra, eggplant, cassava leaves, and cocoyam are commonly used.
Food and Community
Eating in Ghana is typically a communal experience, especially during festivals, family gatherings, and ceremonies. Meals are often eaten by hand, and sharing food is a sign of hospitality and unity.
Ghanaian cuisine is more than just food it’s a cultural expression, a way of life, and a bridge between generations. Its richness lies in the use of fresh, local ingredients and in the communal spirit that accompanies every meal.
Entertainment
Ghana’s entertainment scene is a dynamic mix of cultural heritage, creativity, and modern influence, making it one of the most vibrant in West Africa. From traditional drumming and dance to contemporary film, music, and digital content creation, Ghana’s entertainment industry plays a central role in national identity and global appeal.
Music is at the heart of Ghanaian entertainment and cultural life. Key genres include:
Highlife – a rhythmic, jazzy genre that originated in Ghana and blends African rhythms with Western instruments.
Hiplife – a fusion of Highlife and hip-hop, often rapped in local languages like Twi or Ga.
Afrobeats – Ghana contributes significantly to this pan-African genre gaining global traction.
Traditional music—especially drumming and singing remains essential in festivals and ceremonies.
Famous Ghanaian musicians like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, M.anifest, and Efya have helped bring Ghanaian sounds to the international stage.
Dance is a vital part of Ghanaian life, often used in storytelling, rituals, and social events. Traditional dances like:
Kpanlogo (from the Ga people),
Adowa (Akan people), and
Bamaya (Dagbani culture)
...are performed at festivals and cultural events.
Modern dance troupes and choreographers are also blending traditional styles with contemporary techniques, gaining attention on global platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Ghana’s film industry, known as Ghallywood, produces a range of local-language and English-language films. Though not as large as Nigeria’s Nollywood, it is growing steadily with rising stars and directors exploring social issues, romance, and folklore.
Ghanaian TV also features:
Dramas
Talk shows
Music programs
Political satire
Streaming services and YouTube channels are expanding the reach of local creators.
Stand-up comedy and spoken word have become powerful forms of expression, with performers like OB Amponsah and Poetra Asantewa using humor and poetry to discuss everything from politics to relationships.
A growing number of young Ghanaians are engaging in digital content creation from skits to podcasts to video game development. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are helping new voices emerge and connect with diasporic and international audiences.
Entertainment in Ghana often centers around festivals like:
Chale Wote Street Art Festival – a major urban art and performance event in Accra.
Homowo, Aboakyir, and Kundum – traditional festivals rich with drumming, dance, and storytelling.
Ghana’s entertainment scene is a bold and colorful expression of the country's soul. It fuses ancestral rhythms and stories with modern talent and technology, creating a cultural force that celebrates identity, creativity, and connection—both locally and globally.
Caution
Ghana is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming countries in West Africa, especially for tourists and members of the African diaspora. However, like any country, there are important precautions to keep in mind for safety, cultural respect, and successful integration.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams can occur in crowded areas like markets and public transport.
Be cautious in busy city areas at night, especially in Accra or Kumasi. Use trusted taxis or ride apps rather than walking alone.
While violent crime is relatively rare, home break-ins or fraud targeting foreigners (including romantic or business scams) have been reported.
Tip: Stay alert, avoid flashing valuables, and build relationships with locals who can offer guidance.
Ghana has strict drug laws with severe penalties for possession or trafficking.
Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized, and public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity may face strong societal disapproval, although the level of enforcement and community response can vary.
It's illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military sites.
Tip: Learn and respect local laws to avoid legal trouble or misunderstandings.
Ghanaian society highly values respect for elders, modesty, and politeness. Speaking with humility and addressing people by titles (like "Auntie" or "Uncle") is common.
Some foreigners may unintentionally offend local customs. For example, using the left hand for greetings or transactions is seen as disrespectful.
Religion plays a strong role in daily life (especially Christianity and Islam), so discussions around faith should be approached respectfully.
Tip: Observe and ask questions. Most Ghanaians are happy to explain cultural practices if approached with humility.
Land disputes are common, especially involving multiple claims to the same property or miscommunication between buyers and local chiefs or family landowners.
Many returning African Americans or diasporans have faced challenges around land ownership, contracts, and unclear expectations.
Tip: Always conduct thorough research, use local legal professionals, and work with trusted community members when making major purchases or investments.
Tap water is not always safe to drink bottled or filtered water is recommended.
Healthcare quality varies; urban hospitals are better equipped than rural clinics.
Malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses are common use mosquito nets and repellents.
Tip: Travel with basic medicines and consider health insurance that covers international treatment if needed.
Overstaying your visa can result in fines or deportation. Visa extensions must be done formally at Ghana Immigration.
Residency permits for those wanting to stay long-term require documentation and can be time-consuming.
Tip: Keep your travel documents updated and work with reliable advisors when navigating immigration.
Ghana is rich in culture and opportunity, but success in moving or visiting requires respect, awareness, and preparation. Understanding local norms, legal systems, and social expectations will help you integrate more easily and enjoy your time safely and meaningfully.
Repatriation Experiences in Ghana - Year of Return Tensions
In 2019, Ghana launched the "Year of Return", an international campaign inviting people of African descent, especially Black Americans, to reconnect with Africa 400 years after the first enslaved Africans were taken to the Americas. The initiative was celebrated globally, drawing thousands of visitors and generating cultural, emotional, and economic excitement.
However, since then, complex challenges have surfaced, especially around land ownership, expectations of resettlement, and cultural misunderstandings. These tensions are fueled by actions and sometimes missteps on both sides.
Unclear Land Policies and Legal Complexities
In Ghana, land is not owned solely by the government. Much of it is controlled by stool (chief) lands, family lands, and private lands, with varying degrees of documentation and legal clarity.
Land title systems are inconsistent, and disputes over rightful ownership are common even among Ghanaians.
Some returnees have purchased land without understanding local processes, or from unauthorized sellers, leading to loss of money and land reclamation.
Lack of Structured Resettlement Support
While the government welcomed diaspora returnees emotionally and symbolically, it did not fully prepare long-term infrastructure, legal protections, or educational outreach to support relocation and land acquisition.
Bureaucratic delays, changing policies, and a lack of communication have added to frustrations.
Local Frustrations and Misunderstandings
Some local Ghanaians feel excluded from the economic opportunities created by the Year of Return.
There’s a perception among some communities that returnees are wealthy or disconnected from local realities, leading to miscommunication, jealousy, or resentment.
Traditional authorities may feel bypassed or disrespected if cultural protocols are not followed during land transactions.
Unrealistic Expectations
Some returnees arrived with idealized views of Africa or expected special privileges without fully understanding Ghanaian culture, law, or social norms.
Others assumed that a Pan-African welcome would automatically include citizenship, land grants, or tax-free investment privileges.
Lack of Due Diligence
In some cases, returnees trusted the wrong intermediaries or did not seek legal guidance when buying land, entering into partnerships, or starting businesses.
Others relied on emotion or social media narratives over factual, on-the-ground research.
Cultural Miscommunication
A few returnees unintentionally offended local customs or acted with a sense of entitlement, creating cultural clashes.
Statements that downplay the experiences of Ghanaians or elevate returnee status have sometimes been interpreted as condescending or divisive.
Orientation Programs - Pioneers, Pillars & Source Ambassadors: Our culturally grounded programs will help repatriates learn local customs, legal systems, languages and community expectations.
Mutual Respect and Dialogue: Ghanaians and repatriates within our program will approach each other with humility, openness, and a shared goal of unity and mutual upliftment. This will create a domino effect that will start within APM and spread to the community through formal and informal interactions.
Community-Based Development: At APM, our mission is rooted in fostering local collaboration, building community capacity, and promoting inclusive economic growth. We are committed to uniting, not dividing, by creating spaces where people can connect, collaborate, and grow stronger together. Through shared efforts and mutual respect, we aim to uplift communities across the continent and the diaspora.
The challenges around land and resettlement in Ghana stem from a mix of legal gaps, cultural miscommunication, and unmet expectations from both returnees and local stakeholders. These tensions are not insurmountable, but they require honest dialogue, structured support, and a renewed commitment to mutual respect and long-term cooperation.