Ghana is a vibrant and welcoming country known for its rich culture and warm hospitality. It’s important to understand some local customs and etiquette before visiting to ensure you show respect for the people and their traditions. Knowing how to greet, how to dress, and how to behave can go a long way in making your stay pleasant and helping you connect with locals.
Greetings and Social Interactions
How to Greet in Ghana
In Ghana, greetings play a significant role in daily life. It’s polite to greet people when you meet them, whether on the street, in shops, or when entering a home. The most common greeting is “Akwaaba,” which means “welcome,” and is often said with a smile.
People generally shake hands while greeting, but it’s done a little differently. After the regular handshake, Ghanaians often snap their fingers. Squeeze the middle fingers when leaving the handshake to produce a snapping sound. It’s a fun and important part of their greeting culture.
If you’re greeting someone older or in a position of authority, a sign of respect is to use your right hand and bow slightly. Avoid calling elders by their first names unless invited to do so; instead, use titles like “Sir,” “Madam,” or “Uncle” and “Auntie” for elders, even if they aren’t related to you.
Politeness Matters
Ghanaians appreciate politeness in conversation. It’s good to ask how someone is doing before getting into the topic you want to discuss. People usually say “How are you?” with the expected response being, “I’m fine, thank you.” Afterward, you can proceed with what you want to talk about.
Always smile when talking to people. A smile will go a long way in making a good first impression and showing that you’re friendly and approachable.
Dress Code in Ghana
Modesty First

In Ghana, wearing modest clothing is highly appreciated, especially outside of tourist areas. While in the cities, you might see modern, Western-style clothing, but in rural areas or when visiting churches and mosques, it’s better to dress conservatively.
For women, it’s best to cover your shoulders and knees, especially in religious settings. Men should avoid wearing shorts in formal or religious environments. Light, airy fabrics like cotton are ideal for the warm climate, and Ghanaian traditional clothes made from colorful fabrics are both respectful and comfortable choices.
Traditional Kente Cloth
Kente cloth is a traditional Ghanaian textile made of silk and cotton, with intricate designs and vibrant colors. Ghanaians wear Kente on special occasions like weddings, funerals, and other celebrations. If you get invited to a cultural event, wearing Kente cloth can show you appreciate the local culture.
Just make sure you’re aware of the specific designs and colors, as they hold different meanings and may be connected to specific regions or family groups.
Behavior Expectations
Using Your Right Hand
In Ghana, it’s considered polite to use your right hand to give and receive items, including when you shake hands. The left hand is traditionally reserved for personal tasks, so using it for public actions like handing money, giving a gift, or even eating is frowned upon.
If you accidentally use your left hand, don’t worry too much. Just apologize with a smile, and people will usually understand you’re not familiar with the tradition.
Respect for Elders
Respect for elders is a major part of Ghanaian culture. Always greet the eldest person in the group first, and offer your seat on public transport or in other places if they don’t have one. Showing respect through small gestures will endear you to the locals.

When visiting someone’s home, it’s polite to allow elders to sit or eat first. This shows that you recognize their importance in the family or community structure.
Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection (like kissing, hugging, or holding hands) are generally frowned upon in Ghana. While it’s fine to hold hands or give small hugs to friends in private settings, couples should avoid showing affection in public, especially in rural areas or formal settings.
This doesn’t mean you can’t show warmth in other ways. A friendly smile or handshake will be appreciated more than physical affection in public.
Respecting Religious and Traditional Customs
Religious Etiquette
Ghana is a deeply religious country, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions coexisting peacefully. Churches and mosques are everywhere, and it’s common to see people praying openly or attending religious services throughout the week.

If you visit a church or mosque, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Women might be given a scarf or shawl to cover their heads during certain times. If you’re attending a religious event, participating silently and following the lead of others is polite.
Traditional Ceremonies
Ghana is home to many traditional customs and ceremonies, including naming ceremonies, funerals, and festivals. These events are important to Ghanaian communities and often involve music, dancing, and large gatherings.
If you’re invited to a traditional event, it’s an honor. Be sure to ask what the appropriate attire is and bring a small gift, like a drink or food contribution. During the event, remain respectful by observing traditions, especially those that involve elders or religious leaders.

Dos and Don’ts in Ghana
Important Dos
• Do greet people warmly and use both verbal and non-verbal cues like smiles.
• Do dress respectfully, especially in religious or rural areas. Modesty is key in many situations.
• Do offer your seat to elders or people of higher social standing.
• Do try speaking a few words in the local language, like “Akwaaba” (welcome) or “Medase” (thank you). Ghanaians really appreciate it when visitors try to communicate in their language.
Important Don’ts
• Don’t use your left hand to give or receive items.
• Don’t wear revealing clothing, particularly in rural or religious areas.
• Don’t speak loudly or aggressively in public spaces. Ghanaians value polite conversation.
• Don’t touch people’s heads, especially children. In Ghanaian culture, the head is considered sacred.
Tips for Interacting with Locals
Learn Key Phrases
While English is widely spoken in Ghana, learning a few basic phrases in Twi, one of the most widely spoken local languages, will make locals appreciate your efforts. You can learn simple words like “Obruni” (foreigner) or “Medase” (thank you). Using even basic phrases can go a long way in creating a good rapport with the locals.
Be Patient and Polite
Life in Ghana moves at a slower pace than in many Western countries. Don’t expect things to happen quickly, whether at a restaurant or when catching a bus. Embrace the unhurried pace and be patient when delays occur. Ghanaians place a high value on remaining calm and polite, even in frustrating situations.
Photography Etiquette
If you want to take photos of people, it’s polite to ask for permission. Ghanaians are friendly and often willing to have their pictures taken, but always ask first. If you’re in a rural community, some people might feel uncomfortable being photographed, so take their response seriously.
When photographing religious or cultural ceremonies, always ask for permission and be discreet. In some cases, taking photos may not be allowed at all, especially during sacred rituals.
A Final Thought
Ghana is a fantastic destination filled with kind-hearted people, colorful traditions, and rich culture. By following simple etiquette rules like being polite, dressing modestly, and showing respect in both personal and public spaces, you’ll have a rewarding experience that will make it easy to connect with locals and appreciate the country’s beauty.
Leave a reply