Greet before you ask
Walking straight into a request or a transaction without greeting is read as rude. The sequence is greet, ask how they are, answer the same, then state your business. Morning, afternoon and evening greetings differ, and in the north and among elders the exchange can go several rounds. The same applies on the phone, where a call starts with greetings before anything else.
- Even if you only manage 'good morning', say it before anything else.
- Use your right hand for greeting, giving and receiving, the left is considered impolite.
Useful Twi phrases
Twi (Akan) is the most widely understood local language, especially in Accra, Kumasi and the south. 'Ɛte sɛn?' (eh-teh sen) means how are you; 'Me ho yɛ' (meh ho yeh) is I am fine; 'Medaase' (meh-daa-see) is thank you; 'Aane' is yes and 'Daabi' is no; 'Ɛyɛ' means it is good or okay; 'Akwaaba' means welcome; 'Wo din de sɛn?' asks your name, and 'Me din de…' answers it. Pronunciation is more forgiving than the spelling suggests.
- 'Medaase' and 'Akwaaba' will get you a smile almost anywhere in the south.
- 'Chale' (mate, buddy) and 'ei!' are everyday slang you will hear constantly.
Ga, Ewe and northern greetings
In Accra, Ga is the indigenous language of the coast: 'Ojɛkɛ?' (oh-jeh-keh) means how are you, 'Oye' is fine, and 'Oyiwaladɔŋ' is thank you. In the Volta Region, Ewe is common: 'Ɛfɔa?' means how are you, 'Mele nyuie' is I am fine, and 'Akpe' is thank you. In the north, Dagbani greetings such as 'Desiba' are widely used. English is the official language and is spoken almost everywhere.
- In Accra either a Ga or a Twi greeting lands well; in Ho and Anloga, try Ewe.
- Church, market and radio are painless places to hear the language in use.
Body language and social norms
Handshakes are the default greeting, and after shaking an elder's hand a finger-snap is a mark of respect in parts of the south. People are often addressed by title or as Auntie, Uncle, Brother, Sister, Oga or Chief rather than by name. Direct eye contact is fine in conversation, but respect for elders is often shown by a slightly lowered gaze. Public displays of affection are common among young people in cities and more restrained in rural areas and the north.
- Do not beckon with your index finger; beckon with the whole hand, palm up.
- Showing the soles of your feet or offering your left hand to an elder causes offence; avoid both.
Time and 'Ghana man time'
Ghanaian timekeeping is relaxed for social occasions and strict for work, church and transport. Social events often start late, while formal meetings usually begin on time, and the phrase 'Ghana man time' is a self-aware joke about the gap between the two. If you are invited to a social event, arriving at the stated hour may mean arriving first; for anything official, be early.
- Ask what time people actually expect to eat or start, not just the stated time.
- For buses and flights, be early, those leave on schedule.
Rules, fees and opening hours change. Confirm anything that matters before you rely on it.