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Planning my return home

tonymoss8591

Hello all,

I'm 63, African-American, a longtime attorney in Miami,  and planning to relocate to West Africa in four or five years, once financial and other matters fall into place. Right now Ghana is the clear front-runner, although I'll be exploring Liberia and a few other countries during this time.

I'm especially interested in hearing from my fellow diaspora members who have returned to the homeland, just to share observations and make notes.

I practice criminal defense, an area of law that in the U.S. is drenched with racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and discrimination against the poor, disabled, and anyone else whom the system deems as expendable. Our prison system replicates many of the worst aspects of slavery, with the blessing of our legislators and courts; and I've reached the point that I often feel embarrassed to be an officer of this same unjust system. For that and so many other reasons, it's time to plan my escape to a place where I can finally breathe as a free man.

See also

Living in Ghana: the expat guideMy experience so far in AccraExapts friends in cape coast,Very lonelyIndonesians in Kumasi or anywhere in GhanaReady to come home, at last!
Guest9765

I made the move too, from Toronto Canada, 2 years ago. I think you will find life in Accra to be an adventure. You will indeed feel more free and feel less racism. There isn't much market competition so you can start a business here with an innovative idea and succeed. Overall standard of living will be lower than Miami however. Paradoxically, you'll likely find cost of living will be about the same as Miami. I'm a realtor here. Reach out to me if you need specific help in that area.

Asare.v

I’m trying to move from Canada too. What types of real estate do you deal with? And are there month to month rent available in Accra for GHS and not USD?  I find rent to be expensive and not worth what you get. Luxury in Accra is not actually luxurious especially if they’re trying to appeal to expats.

Guest9765

Asare,
I do property management, sales and rentals.

Month to month rentals in Ghana are rare.  For rent, landlords typically ask for 1 year's rent upfront. (Legally, they can only ask for up to 6 months. But renters here are accustomed to paying 1 year+ and so the practice continues.)

You're right, Accra can be expensive for expats.  I always share that there are cheaper options for everything, including housing, but that comes with sacrifices (comfort, convenience, safety, etc) . It's just a matter of the lifestyle you require.

In any case, Ghana's a welcome change of pace from Canada - even if just for a few years. :)

DrDarpoh

Hello. Lord willing, I will be 70 in October,  have been coming to Ghana since 1998 and have been married to a Ghanaian man for 23 years. I’m a retired professor and researcher. We too desire to permanently move back home, so with that in mind we purchased land in Abia/Prampram in 2005 and built our retirement home. We finished in 2017 and the entire process lasted about 12 years. Construction only took place when my husband was in Ghana for about 2 months each year. It is HIGHLY ADVISABLE that you be on-site if you decide to build.

Extended stays in Ghana have significantly improved my mental and physical well being since my life is free from the stressful macro and micro aggressions that I experienced in higher education and corporate America, as well as foods grown using pesticides and other unhealthy additives. However, Ghana has its own set of unique challenges.  Bring lots of patience, empathy, humility and motivation. And remember that you’re living in Ghana (or elsewhere) and not in the states! Convenience may be sacrificed in many instances. Having said that, I love this country and am looking forward to obtaining my permanent residency or duel citizenship.

Good luck with you move, wherever you decide to plant roots.
Dr. Gwen

hkann

I'm 74 and retired to Ghana 11 years ago.  I have no regrets and enjoy my life here. I have permanent residency which I got after living here 5 years.
I'm sure you will enjoy your retirement here and hope to welcome you to a life in Ghana soon

DrDarpoh

Thanks. Looking forward to the move and making new friends.

tonymoss8591

Thanks for the encouraging words. I know there'll be some adjustments as far as everyday conveniences that we take for granted in the States, and a little humility and flexibility are also a must.

I'm currently planning a trip to Accra and the region during the first week of December. Will be reaching out to you and other members of the forum to plan a few personal meet-and-greets while I'm in town. I'll have more on that once my plans are finalized.

DrDarpoh

Sounds good. I may not come back this December due to a short consultancy I have, but Lord willing, I will return in June for a long stay now that all of our construction projects have been completed. Take care!