The 10 Things I Learned about Ghana this week

It's amazingly safe

Most African countries (and cities) have a shaky security situation at best. Accra is safe in the better neighborhoods during both day and night. If you avoid the beach and the few bad neighborhoods then the security precautions are minimal.

Extremely friendly, laid-back locals

There are few places anywhere in the world with such laid-back and friendly people. It's not Indonesia yet, but people are helpful, affable and usually speak decent English.



It's expensive

Expect a price level from the US with few exceptions like transport to be lower and excellent food to be higher.



Decent infrastructure

While it's not Japan, the infrastructure in Ghana is decent and helps you to get where you want to be without constant roadblocks. Taxi drivers are a hassle, though, and they will honk at you at any time.

Temperate Weather

The weather is hard to beat - 82 degrees everyday (albeit with high humidity). It's hard to find a day that does not have any sun.



Africa in the movies

Ghana feels like the Africa you see in the movies - one that's easy to explore, has red earth and friendly locals who are always happy to help out.

It's (somewhat) developed

Accra has its decent share of development, like new roads, high-rises and malls that make it look more like a middle income country.



Poverty isn't a big deal

While Ghana is still a rather poor country, extreme poverty (and extreme wealth like in Lagos) isn't an issue.

It feels very relaxing

Ghana may one day become as successful in attracting tourists like a Southeast Asian country; it has all the potential to do so.