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Ghana is a country that I had on my travel wish list for so long. Nothing prepared me for the Ghana culture shock I experienced. It was both surprising and even exhilarating too.

There is still similarities between Ghana and Nigeria. Even from their online banter, I was not expecting much culture differences. Online we always joke that they are “our brodas” in Ghanian accent.

Anywho, I still love Ghana. I tried some of their dishes especially those similar to ours. And what is a trip to Ghana without trying out their Jollof. And I will keep thoughts to myself about which is best, Ghana jollof vs Nigerian jollof. Feel free to share your thought below. Book your tour in Ghana with my favorite tour company, Getyourguide. They will get you sorted with your travels and tours. I highly recommend.

Ghana Culture shock

Asides the currency of Ghana which I know as cedes. I really have no idea that we are so much different. Obviously, they claim to speak better english language and I don’t disagree with this. Now lets get into these Ghana culture shock.

The way they speak English is different.

As a Nigerian, it was interesting to hear how they speak. The way they pronounce words like “bus” among others. I had to rewire my brain to understand what they say.

The way we speak English is totally different. Many Ghanaians say it is because they taught English language during the colonial era but who knows. Do you feel Ghanian English is better? Let me know your thoughts below.

Tro-tro transport

I didn’t actually use public transport on my trip as my trip was with a Nigerian group tour company. Using Group tour to plan your trip makes your trip seamless. You get to meet people and also commute easily. Unlike when you plan your trip alone.

One of my favorite group tour company is Getyourguide. If you love the soft babe life and wants everything planned out for you, check them out.

Most of my pair on the trip wanted to go to other places not on our Itinerary. So they were advised to use Tro-tro for transport or simply use Uber.

Egg is a staple for meals

When I got to Ghana, I noticed most of their local dishes has egg in it. Their white soup . Also, egg is a snack too. You eat egg with vegetables and I must confess, it is delicious.

I thoroughly enjoyed food hopping in Accra Ghana. However, my least favorite meal is Kenke. And whatever meal, Kenke is made into even Banku.

I had to ask a native if egg is cheap in their country. However, he said not really. So get ready to find egg in soups at local food spots and restaurants.

They still spend coins

Okay I know most countries do spend coins. But we in Nigeria, we really don’t want to spend coins. The government has tried everything to get us to spend coins but we are stubborn.

I was surprised that they still coins. From my knowledge of Ghana, I know they spend GHS. Never knew if they spend pesewas. It was new to me. The last time I saw coins was in the 90s and the early 2000s.

Also, on my trip to the republic of Benin, I saw that they still spend coins in CFA. However, I was not surprised as it is a francophone country. But an English speaking country, I was new to me.

I just believe we are similar in most things. So, I was not expecting they spent coins. Also check out my ultimate guide to Ghana, a 3-day itinerary.

Elaborate Burial Ceremonies

From the villages in Ghana into Accra, burial ceremonies is a big deal. Like it is celebrated the same way African do elaborate weddings. They throw big parties and the corpse is dressed in an attire to show their handiwork when they lived.

We even saw shops that make coffins into shapes of occupations. I wonder if there are other African countries that do this. However, Ghana celebrates it differently and it is interesting to know.

They Observe a ritual for the beaches

Okay this one many will not know about. I am not sure all Ghanaians know this. We got surprised by this when we went to Sandbox beach, Accra. We were told that there will be no music playing. Neither can we play any music. This is because they are observing a ritual for the waters.

Yo!, we were shocked to say least. We had to enjoy the beach and get some food without having fun or dancing. It was boring AF. All we did was eat and take pictures. And some of us went for a swim in the pool.

Upon further inquiry, we were able to go to another beach front that has finished their own ritual which is one month long. Like wow. Do you know that Ghanian beaches observe this ritual. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Sand Box beach Accra Ghana

Which of these Ghana culture shock have you experienced? Which of these Ghana Culture shock is not new to you? Let me know your thoughts in the comment below. Ciao for now.