Family Life

Family Life in Ghana

Ghana's strong family-oriented culture makes it welcoming for expat families. While infrastructure challenges exist, the community support and affordability create positive family experiences.

Childcare Options

Nannies/House Help:

• Very common for expat families
• Cost: GHS 800-2,500 ($73-230) monthly
• Live-in or live-out options
• Often include light housekeeping
• Background checks recommended
• Can be found through agencies or recommendations

Daycare/Crèche:

• Growing availability in Accra
• International standard facilities in expat areas
• Cost: GHS 500-2,000 ($45-180) monthly
• Some offer early childhood education programs

Advantages vs. Western Countries:

• Significantly more affordable
• Allows both parents to work
• Common practice, not stigmatized
• Can hire multiple help (nanny + cleaner)

Parental Leave

Ghanaian Law:

• Maternity leave: 14 weeks
• Paternity leave: Limited/not standard
• Applies to formal employment

For Expats:

• Check employer-specific policies
• May be governed by home country if remote worker
• Negotiate during hiring

Healthcare for Children

Pediatric Care:

• Private hospitals have pediatric departments
• Nyaho Medical Centre, Trust Hospital recommended
• Regular checkups available
• Vaccinations available

Insurance:

• Include children on international health insurance
• Ensures access to best facilities
• Medical evacuation coverage essential

Common Health Concerns:

• Malaria (mosquito protection essential)
• Dengue
• Stomach bugs (water quality)
• Heat-related issues

International Schools

See Education section for details

Family Considerations:

• Strong parent communities
• Extracurriculars: sports, arts, music
• After-school programs available
• School bus service typically offered
• Parent involvement expected

Activities for Families

Recreation:

Beaches:

• Labadi Beach: Popular, facilities
• Kokrobite Beach: Quieter, weekend getaway
• Busua Beach: Beautiful, 4-hour drive
• Swimming caution: Strong currents

Parks and Playgrounds:

• Oxford Street park (Osu)
• Various play centers in East Legon
• Less common than Western countries

Children's Venues:

• Fun Factory (indoor play)
• Kid's Land
• Genesis Gardens
• Birthday party venues

Cultural Sites:

• Kakum National Park (canopy walk)
• Cape Coast Castle (age-appropriate)
• Mole National Park (safari)
• Aburi Botanical Gardens

Weekend Trips:

• Akosombo (dam and lake)
• Shai Hills (nature reserve)
• Boti Falls
• Various beach resorts

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Common Features:

• Some have play areas (limited)
• Outdoor seating often available
• Kids menus not standard
• High chairs sometimes available

Popular Spots:

• Santoku (East Legon)
• Skybar 25 (has play area)
• Pirates Beach Club (Labadi)
• Various hotel restaurants

Community and Social Life

Family Networks:

• School communities very important
• Church groups (if religious)
• Expat family Facebook groups
• Playdates common
• WhatsApp groups active

Cultural Benefits:

• Extended family culture supportive
• Community looks out for children
• Ghanaians generally love children
• Social activities often family-inclusive

Challenges for Families

Infrastructure:

• Limited playgrounds and parks
• Traffic complicates activities
• Power outages affect routines
• Water supply inconsistent

Health:

• Malaria risk requires vigilance
• Stomach adjustments for children
• Limited specialized pediatric care

Educational:

• High international school costs
• Waiting lists for good schools
• Less extracurricular variety than Western countries

Entertainment:

• Fewer organized children's activities
• Movie theaters limited (Silverbird cinemas)
• No major theme parks
• Creativity needed for activities

Safety for Children

Generally Safe:

• Community watching out for children
• Gated compounds provide security
• Supervised play important
• Traffic main danger

Precautions:

• Always supervise near roads
• Mosquito protection essential
• Sun protection important
• Swimming supervision critical

Cost of Raising Children in Ghana

Monthly Breakdown (Per Child):

Compared to Western Countries:

• Childcare much cheaper
• Education (international) similar or higher
• Overall lower if using local schools
• Healthcare variable

Domestic Help Culture

Common Practice:

• Nanny for childcare
• Housekeeper for cleaning
• Cook (sometimes)
• Driver (some families)

Cultural Notes:

• Expected to provide employment
• Relationships often long-term
• Can become part of extended family
• Proper treatment and fair wages important

Legal Considerations:

• Formal employment contracts recommended
• Salary negotiations
• Time off and benefits
• Social security contributions (recommended)