Ghana Rules & Etiquette

Rules & Etiquette

Because Ghana was colonized by the British, English has become the official language, and many Ghanians (particularly in urban centres) you'll meet will be able to speak English. Official government documents are kept in English, but there over 40 distinct languages spoken in Ghana including English, Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, and so on. "Obruni", the Akan word for forigner literally means "white man", is generally shouted to greet any tourist in an unoffensive way (sometimes). Obruni is used in a similar way as the word "Toubab" is used further west in Mali, Guinea, the Gambia and Senegal.

Pidgin English is about the the most typical form of English you will find. Phrases like "My head is paining me" are some of the favorites.

In the Northern Regions and among Ghanaian Muslims in general, the Hausa language is used as a lingua franca.

Do try and pick up on respectful practice (such as not eating or offering with your left hand), but in general Ghanaians are quite accepting of tourists getting it wrong. Greetings are very important. Ghanians are not forgiving of people who do not take time to greet others.