Business News of Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Source: InterNations GmbH

Off to Ghana – Expats discover a top business location

When future expats and global minds try to decide which country they should pick to open their own business or start a new life, Ghana is usually not on top of the list. This is somewhat surprising, considering the economic boom the country has experienced throughout the last few decades. Today, Ghana has a lot to offer to expats and global minds looking for a new place to live.

A competitive business environment and a sound macro-economic management have ensured a strong and steady growth of Ghana’s economy. Throughout the last quarter century, both Ghanaians and expats in Ghana have benefited from that trend. The country’s economy even survived the financial crisis in 2008, sustaining a stable GDP growth. It has indeed come a long way from the turbulent political upheavals and economic changes of the 1950s. Today, the economy is quite stable which is largely due to an abundance of natural resources, such as gold, oil, and cocoa. Ghana is now one of the 23 African countries which have reached a middle-income status.

Thus, expats who have decided to move to Ghana and Ghanaians returning to their home country will find many employment opportunities and many largely “untapped” sectors in this country. The financial sector, for instance, has a lot to offer to foreign employees and chances of finding an exciting job are high for expats who bring a lot of experience and expertise to the table. It is the perfect opportunity for them to broaden their professional horizon. Ghanaians who have spent several years abroad may now find that the time is right to return and settle down in Ghana again. But keep in mind that, after spending a long time abroad, you might be more prone to experience reverse culture shock.

Moving to Ghana, many expats will also find the perfect business environment for opening their own business and being their own boss. With the country’s strong economy, there are new opportunities on the horizon. People love relying on locally produced goods and services and they have the money to afford it. Those who were born in Ghana and have decided to return to their home country will often find that the discrimination they experienced throughout their life abroad is no problem anymore.

Another aspect which makes Ghana an attractive expat destination, aside from the strong economy and the career opportunities, is the multiculturalism in the country. Various local tribes and different ethnicities exist side by side, while following their own traditions and speaking their own language. Ghana is famous for its multiculturalism and, unlike in other countries, the various ethnic groups co-exist peacefully. As a result, foreigners will be surprised by the unique, vibrant atmosphere in Ghana as well as its flavorful cuisine, cultural festivities, and the more than 70 languages which are spoken all over the country.

InterNations is the largest expatriate network worldwide. It was created to help members meet other high-profile expatriates from around the world living in their city and connect with them, both online and in real life through events and activities. InterNations also offers its members the know-how and support to make moving abroad more manageable. InterNations was founded in 2007 and now has over 900,000 members in more than 360 Local Communities around the world.