SURVİVAL GUİDE İN GHANA

 1. Water İs Everything.

Do not trust the water from the tap. Always drink bottled water. Don’t waste it — water is very important here. Sometimes there is no running water, only a tank. Check your tank often or you will stay thirsty.

2. Don’t Fight The Sun, Make Peace With İt.

The Ghanıan sun kisses you in the morning and burns you at noon. Use a hat, sun cream, and drink water all day. The sun rises around 5:30 and sets around 5:30. Respect it — it is strong and always there.

3. Time İs Flexible Here.

“Meeting starts at 10” means “maybe 11.” In the office, things can start late. But for outside meetings, be on time. Always watch and learn how people around you do it.

4. Insects Are Your Friends.

Yes, there are many insects. You will see big grasshoppers flying — I was shocked at first! Buy insect spray on your first day. Don’t kill spiders, they eat flies for you.

But ants… you must fight them! Use a mosquito net or you will sleep with bugs.

5. Dance!

Don’t be shy. Everyone here can dance. During breaks, they have “energy time” and people really dance with joy. You will not look funny — just enjoy it!

6. Be Brave With Food.

Banku, fufu, jollof rice… They look strange at first but try them! Maybe you will love them (I didn’t, but maybe you will 😄).

7. Smile To People.

Smiling is not just polite — it is culture. Maybe this is why I feel so good here. Ghana is not Europe or Turkey; here, a smile opens many doors.

8. Make A Plan, But Be Ready To Change İt.

Life here is full of surprises. Sometimes I say, “This week I will stay in the office, I have work to finish” and then I spend all week in the field!

9. Don’t Get İnto Drama.

But if somehow you are in it… just laugh! Because here, nothing is serious enough to break your smile.

And of course, in life too, there is no problem that a laugh cannot fix. Especially be careful with Ghanaian men. Culturally, having more than one wife is normal for them, and you need to know that.

10. Don’t Trust The Wi-Fi.

You will mostly have Wi-Fi only in the office, and it can be slow. You will use mobile data a lot. GDCA will help with that. Sometimes in the field, there is no signal — stay calm, it’s normal.

11. Don’t Be Afraid, Don’t Hide, Don’t Frown.

Here every day feels like summer — warm, busy, full of energy. Catch that energy and be part of it.  Don’t be afraid to go ın the field — it’s the best part of the job. Some Ghanaian women may not speak English, but they will always welcome you. They are the ones building this country’s true strength    

 

12. Your Friends Will Keep You Sane.

Sometimes life here can feel overwhelming — culture shock is real! But talking with my roommate Alessandra always makes me feel like I’m home again. Louis, one of our volunteer friends, is basically our mentor — he somehow finds time to help with everyone’s problems. And then there’s Océane, the quiet one, but honestly the strongest support we have. You’ll see — these friendships will mean more than you can imagine.