Working in Ghana
Though expats are more apt to volunteer in Ghana than work in Ghana, opportunity to be a member of this West African nation's economic climate isn't as much of a long-shot as many would imagine.
Ghana abounds with natural resources, from Gold to bauxite to cocoa to recently discovered offshore oil reserves. It follows that the country has about twice the per capita output as the poorest countries in West Africa, although it is still dependent on international financial and technical assistance.
The domestic economy still revolves around agriculture, which accounts for more than a third of GDP, and remains the main source of income for more than half of the work force.
That said, farming isn't exactly tempting foreigners to leave their homeland and come work in Ghana, but other private sector opportunities in mining, oil, gas and shipping are certainly luring expats abroad. Furthermore, in Ghana there is huge diplomatic representation, given the relative peace and stability in the country, and expat politicos can find a place and a purpose in this sector.
Expat expertise is usually sought in project management, financial control and general management positions. Hiring employers and organisations do assume that through skills transfer many of these positions will eventually be handed over to locals, thus expats should prepare themselves to share their know-how with colleagues.
Ghana's position as a developing country also necessitates a large government funding and NGO sector, and it follows that many expats come to volunteer or use their skills in a more meaningful way.
Work permits are essential for employment in Ghana, and are issued by and limited to the company that arranges for the expat’s employment.
Foreign companies in Ghana are allowed an expatriate work permit quota based on the amount invested in the country. For example, companies who’ve invested more than 500,000 USD are entitled to a quota of up to four expatriates.
Finding a job in Ghana can be quite difficult, as there is no comprehensive resource listing, and most expatriates are hired before coming to Ghana.
Sites like Findajobinafrica.com and Wazobiajobs.com tend to advertise good senior level positions for Ghana, as well as Devnetjobs.org for NGO positions.
It is also advisable to get registered with a senior recruitment agency.
Ghanaians are early risers, and due to the traffic in the cities they start off quite early for the office. A normal work week in Ghana is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, though this varies widely from company to company and embassies keep much shorter hours in general.
Dress code in most offices is quite formal and smart, and Fridays are generally traditional dress and/or casual day. Punctuality is not a priority culturally, and this can take some getting used to by expats. A meeting scheduled for 9am might happen well after 10.
Shaking hands and exchanging business cards is common practice, and Ghanaians always shake hands from right to left when entering a room.
Generally, working in an office atmosphere in Ghana is quite similar to the western world, but those in rural areas will find that culture shock permeates the workplace as well as in all aspects of life.
Ghana abounds with natural resources, from Gold to bauxite to cocoa to recently discovered offshore oil reserves. It follows that the country has about twice the per capita output as the poorest countries in West Africa, although it is still dependent on international financial and technical assistance.The domestic economy still revolves around agriculture, which accounts for more than a third of GDP, and remains the main source of income for more than half of the work force.
That said, farming isn't exactly tempting foreigners to leave their homeland and come work in Ghana, but other private sector opportunities in mining, oil, gas and shipping are certainly luring expats abroad. Furthermore, in Ghana there is huge diplomatic representation, given the relative peace and stability in the country, and expat politicos can find a place and a purpose in this sector.
Expat expertise is usually sought in project management, financial control and general management positions. Hiring employers and organisations do assume that through skills transfer many of these positions will eventually be handed over to locals, thus expats should prepare themselves to share their know-how with colleagues.
Ghana's position as a developing country also necessitates a large government funding and NGO sector, and it follows that many expats come to volunteer or use their skills in a more meaningful way.
Work permits in Ghana
Work permits are essential for employment in Ghana, and are issued by and limited to the company that arranges for the expat’s employment.
Foreign companies in Ghana are allowed an expatriate work permit quota based on the amount invested in the country. For example, companies who’ve invested more than 500,000 USD are entitled to a quota of up to four expatriates.
Finding a job in Ghana
Sites like Findajobinafrica.com and Wazobiajobs.com tend to advertise good senior level positions for Ghana, as well as Devnetjobs.org for NGO positions.
It is also advisable to get registered with a senior recruitment agency.
Business etiquette in Ghana
Ghanaians are early risers, and due to the traffic in the cities they start off quite early for the office. A normal work week in Ghana is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, though this varies widely from company to company and embassies keep much shorter hours in general.
Dress code in most offices is quite formal and smart, and Fridays are generally traditional dress and/or casual day. Punctuality is not a priority culturally, and this can take some getting used to by expats. A meeting scheduled for 9am might happen well after 10.
Shaking hands and exchanging business cards is common practice, and Ghanaians always shake hands from right to left when entering a room.
Generally, working in an office atmosphere in Ghana is quite similar to the western world, but those in rural areas will find that culture shock permeates the workplace as well as in all aspects of life.
