Ghana, the second largest economy in West Africa, after Nigeria, had a GDP of $67bn in 2019. The Ghanaian economy relies mainly on the exploitation of commodities such as gold, oil and cocoa. Due to its political stability, Ghana offers an attractive business environment that is favourable to direct investment abroad.

Source: Business France country profile

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Languages Spoken: English
Local Currency: CEDI GHS (1 EUR = 6.757GHS)
Capital: Accra

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Ghana

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?
Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Ghana

To go to Ghana as a V.I.A participant, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.  
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in Ghana

To work in Ghana, an employment contract for any engagement exceeding 6 months is mandatory. Furthermore, foreign employees must have a work and residence permit issued by the Ghana Immigration Service, which costs approximately USD 1,500 per year.

In so far as concerns working hours, Ghanaians work 40 hours a week. Ghanaians are early risers - Ghana wakes up at 5 a.m. and traders and customers are out and about from 6 a.m. to serve and eat breakfast.

As in all the countries in the region, relationships are very important. To fit in and make a good impression, you need to adapt to local habits and customs. The good news is that you will have no difficulty in communicating with people, as English is spoken fluently by the population.

Things that may surprise you in Ghana

- While English is the official language of Ghana, the country has nearly 40 languages and more than 90 local dialects, including twi and its many variants.

- Christianity is a very important part of all aspects of life.  This is why Ghanaians are very surprised if you are not interested in religion. 

- In Ghana, funerals are done in joy and with good humour. Thus, Ghanaians dance during the funeral ceremony and build original and colourful coffins for the deceased. Expect to see coffins shaped like antelopes, trucks or even coca-cola bottles! What is the idea behind these creative initiatives? To allow the deceased to have a better place in the afterlife.

- Smoking is rare and even frowned upon in the South of the country. Indeed, the Church describes tobacco as an obstacle preventing people from entering paradise. In fact, it can be difficult to buy a lighter and if you do manage to buy one this may provoke reactions of surprise or even disapproval.

- The banks we are used to in France are not well represented in Ghana. Only Société Générale has a subsidiary - SSB SG. The main banks in Ghana are Standard Chartered, Barclays, Ecobank and Bank of Ghana.

- Ghana has a genuine popular culture. For example, there has been an explosion of low-budget films, shot by film directors who sometimes use family members. These very popular films are sold as video cassettes and shown in garages, churches and multi-functional rooms.

- Ghana's art and crafts are heavily imbued with Akan and Ashanti traditions. The repertoire of symbolic and mythological motifs permeates architecture, weaving, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, painting, etc.

- The art of weaving, such as "kente", a piece of cotton fabric decorated with geometric patterns, as well as the use of pearls, a bargaining chip and a mark of social distinction are also inseparable from Ghanaian culture.