🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Accra, Ghana, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a unique energy that’s hard to resist, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality. Accra is a haven for remote workers, offering a great balance of affordability, internet connectivity, and lifestyle. With a Nomad Score of 56/100, Accra is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to experience the best of West Africa. From the bustling streets of Makola to the serene beaches of Labadi, Accra has something for everyone. As an Accra digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s laid-back atmosphere and low cost of living make it an ideal destination for remote workers.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Accra, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that stand out for their character, amenities, and proximity to coworking spaces:
- Osu: This trendy neighborhood is a hub for expats and digital nomads, with its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cafes. Osu is home to some of Accra’s best coworking spaces, including the popular Hub Accra. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Osu can range from GHS 1,500 to GHS 3,000 (approximately $250-$500 USD) per month.
- Labone: Located just a few kilometers from Osu, Labone is a charming neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It’s a great option for those who want to be close to the action but also enjoy some peace and quiet. Labone is home to several restaurants, cafes, and shops, including the popular Labone Coffee Shop. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Labone can range from GHS 1,200 to GHS 2,500 (approximately $200-$400 USD) per month.
- Abelemkpe: This up-and-coming neighborhood is a great option for digital nomads on a budget. Abelemkpe is located just a few kilometers from Osu and offers a range of affordable accommodation options, including shared apartments and guesthouses. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Abelemkpe can range from GHS 800 to GHS 1,800 (approximately $150-$300 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Accra is relatively low compared to other major cities in West Africa. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:
- Rent: GHS 1,200-3,000 (approximately $200-$500 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: GHS 10-30 (approximately $2-$5 USD) per meal for local cuisine, GHS 50-100 (approximately $10-$20 USD) per meal for mid-range restaurants
- Transport: GHS 5-10 (approximately $1-$2 USD) per ride for a taxi, GHS 20-50 (approximately $5-$10 USD) per day for a car rental
- Coworking: GHS 100-300 (approximately $20-$50 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Accra is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. As an Accra digital nomad, you can expect to spend around GHS 5,000-10,000 (approximately $1,000-$2,000 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Internet & Coworking
Accra has a relatively good internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 45 Mbps. There are several coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet, including:
- Hub Accra: a popular coworking space with high-speed internet and a range of amenities, including meeting rooms and a rooftop lounge
- iSpace: a coworking space with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, offering high-speed internet and a range of resources for startups
- Labone Coffee Shop: a cozy cafe with reliable internet and a great selection of coffee and pastries
For those who prefer to work from home, there are several internet service providers to choose from, including MTN, Vodafone, and Airtel. Prices for internet plans vary, but you can expect to pay around GHS 100-300 (approximately $20-$50 USD) per month for a decent plan.
Accra has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events organized regularly. Some popular groups and events include:
- Accra Digital Nomads: a Facebook group for digital nomads living in Accra, with regular meetups and events
- Hub Accra Events: a range of events and workshops organized by the Hub Accra coworking space, including networking events and skill-sharing sessions
- Ghana Tech Summit: an annual conference that brings together tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs from across West Africa
As an Accra digital nomad, you’ll find that the community is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.
Culture & Lifestyle
Ghanaian culture is rich and vibrant, with a strong emphasis on community and hospitality. As a digital nomad in Accra, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture, including:
- Food: Ghanaian cuisine is a fusion of traditional and modern flavors, with popular dishes like jollof rice, fufu, and banku. Be sure to try some of the local street food, including kebabs and plantains.
- Music and dance: Ghana has a thriving music and dance scene, with popular genres like highlife and azonto. You can catch live performances at venues like the National Theatre or the Accra Sports Stadium.
- Festivals and events: Accra hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Ghana Festival of Arts and Culture and the Accra International Film Festival.
When it comes to dating and nightlife, Accra has a lively scene, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular spots include:
- Osu: this trendy neighborhood is home to several bars and clubs, including the popular Republic Bar and Grill
- Labone: this charming neighborhood has a range of restaurants and cafes, including the popular Labone Coffee Shop
- Accra Mall: this modern mall has a range of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, including a cinema and a bowling alley
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Ghana. The visa process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to plan ahead and apply in advance. Here are the requirements:
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photos
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
Ghana does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, but there are plans to introduce one in the near future. As an Accra digital nomad, you can expect to stay in the country for up to three months on a tourist visa, with the option to extend your stay for an additional three months.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living in Accra:
- SIM cards: you can purchase a SIM card from any of the major telecom operators, including MTN, Vodafone, and Airtel. Prices start from around GHS 10 (approximately $2 USD) for a basic plan.
- Transport: taxis are a popular mode of transport in Accra, but you can also use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt. Prices start from around GHS 5 (approximately $1 USD) per ride.
- Safety: Accra is generally a safe city, but it’s essential to take precautions, especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use reputable taxi services.
- Weather: Accra has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (May to November). Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the hot summer months.