Even if you're left-handed, don't hand money, food, or gifts with the left hand alone. Use the right hand, or offer both hands together when giving to an elder.

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Greet before you ask anything

Always say good morning / good afternoon / good evening before making a request — even in a shop or taxi. Jumping straight to business without a greeting is considered rude.

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Greet elders first

In any room or gathering, acknowledge the oldest person first. Going around to greet each person individually is polite — skipping someone is not.

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Both hands for elders

When receiving or giving something to an elder or person of status, use both hands — or hold your right forearm lightly with your left while extending the right. It signals deep respect.

Don't point at people

Pointing directly at a person with your index finger is rude. Gesture with your whole hand open, or indicate direction with a chin nod.

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Accept food when offered

If someone offers you food or drink, accept it or at least touch the vessel before politely declining. Refusing outright without reason can come across as dismissive.

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Remove shoes at the door

Take your shoes off before entering someone's home. A pile of shoes at the entrance is the standard cue — follow it.

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Ask before you photograph

Always ask permission before photographing people — especially at festivals, markets, and in rural communities. A smile and a simple request almost always gets a yes.

Don't eat while walking

Eating on the move in public is considered bad manners in many communities across Ghana. Find a spot to sit — or at least stop walking.

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Dress modestly in the North

In the Northern, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions — and at mosques anywhere — cover shoulders and knees. Casual beach wear belongs on beaches, not in traditional or Muslim communities.

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"Auntie" and "Uncle" show respect

Address unfamiliar adults as Auntie or Uncle. On the street, 'Boss', 'My guy', 'My sister', and 'My brother' are warm casual equivalents that open doors.

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Bargain at open markets

Haggling is expected at open-air markets and with street vendors — it's a normal social exchange, not an argument. Prices in labelled shops are fixed. Keep it cheerful: a smile and a counter-offer is the dance.

Ghana time is a thing

Social events — parties, funerals, church gatherings — typically start 30–60 minutes later than billed. Factor this in for informal meet-ups. Business meetings are generally more punctual.

Ghana English

Swipe — common expressions you'll hear all over Ghana.

Charley! / Chale!

— Hey mate! / Buddy! — the most common friendly address

e.g. "Charley, how far?"

How far?

— How are you? / What's up?

I dey fine / I dey

— I'm doing well / I'm here

e.g. "How far? — I dey fine."

Ei!

— Wow! / Oh! — all-purpose expression of surprise or emphasis

e.g. "Ei, the jollof be nice!"

Correct!

— Excellent! / That's it! / Spot on!

Sharp sharp

— Immediately / right now / without delay

e.g. "Do it sharp sharp."

No wahala

— No problem / don't worry about it

Make we go

— Let's go

Take

— Here you are — said when handing something over

e.g. "Take — your change."

You try / You dey try

— You're doing well / good effort / keep it up

Chop

— Food, or to eat

e.g. "We go chop? (Shall we eat?)"

Dash

— A small gift, tip, or sweetener

e.g. "Give me small dash."

Abeg

— Please / I'm asking you nicely

e.g. "Abeg, help me with this."

Check am

— Have a look / check it out

Like say / E be like say

— As if / it seems like

e.g. "E be like say e go rain."

The thing be say…

— The point is… / here's the thing…

Old man / Old lady

— Respectful way to address an elder — not an insult at all

Obroni

— Foreigner / non-Ghanaian — not offensive, often said warmly

e.g. "Hey obroni, welcome to Ghana!"

Bra / Come

— Come here — vendors and friends both use it to call you over

E dey fine

— It's nice / it's good / it tastes great

Asanka Local

Accra (Osu)

Chop bar

Mon–Sat · 11:00–22:00

Fufu, banku, grilled tilapia. Outdoor seating.

Emergency numbers

Culture & Etiquette

Right hand always

Never the left hand

Greet before you ask anything

Greet elders first

Both hands for elders

Don't point at people

Accept food when offered

Remove shoes at the door

Ask before you photograph

Don't eat while walking

Dress modestly in the North

"Auntie" and "Uncle" show respect

Bargain at open markets

Ghana time is a thing

Ghana English

Asanka Local

Buka Restaurant

Auntie Muni Waakye

Country Kitchen

Tasty Jerk

Vic Baboo's Café

Baobab House

SWAD Fast Food

Chopstix Kumasi

Aliyah Spot

Santoku

Skybar 25

Tatale (Kempinski)

Gold Coast Restaurant (Movenpick)

Maya Restaurant (Labadi Beach Hotel)

Bistro 22

Burger & Relish

Republic Bar & Grill

+233 Jazz Bar & Grill

Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Oasis Beach Resort Restaurant

View Bar & Grill

Vic Baboo's (Kumasi)

Captain Hook's

Lorenzo's Pizza

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel

Labadi Beach Hotel

Accra Marriott Hotel

Alisa Hotel North Ridge

Tang Palace Hotel

Villa Monticello

African Regent Hotel

Niagara Plus Hotel

Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Elmina Bay Resort

Oasis Beach Resort

Mighty Victory Hotel

Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel

Golden Tulip Kumasi City

Four Villages Inn

Raybow International Hotel

Protea Hotel Select Takoradi

Modern City Hotel

Radach Lodge & Conference Centre

Zaina Lodge

Mole Motel

Eredo Hotel

Wli Water Heights Hotel

Busua Beach Resort

Ko-Sa Beach Resort

The Chop Bar (Achimota Retail Centre)

Heavy Do Chop Bar

Azmera Restaurant

Chez Clarisse Mama Africa

Baobab Traditional Restaurant

Somewhere Nice Hostel

Ike's Cafe and Grill

Noble House Restaurant

Atonsu Agya Appiah Chop Bar

Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi

Oguaa Besiaba Chop Bar

Solace Fufu Joint