Tourism
Black Expats in Ghana: A New Wave of Diaspora Migration Is Shaping Lives
Ghana’s rise as a preferred destination for African diasporans continues to reshape both its tourism landscape and its global reputation.
A decade after the country launched the landmark “Year of Return” in 2019—a campaign inviting people of African descent to reconnect with their ancestral homeland—Ghana is still experiencing a steady influx of Black expats seeking healing, purpose, and a slower, more grounded way of life.
Reports say an estimated 1,500 Black Americans have relocated since 2020. And in late 2024, the government granted Ghanaian citizenship to more than 500 members of the diaspora, cementing the country’s role as a continental gateway for cultural reconnection.
For many, the draw goes beyond tourism. It’s a quest for belonging.
A New Life Through Food—and Citizenship
When Deijha Gordon left New York City in 2019, burnout had already taken a toll. The post office worker was longing for a change when a 2015 trip to Ghana opened her eyes to a different rhythm of life.
“When I first stepped off the plane, I was amazed by the welcoming atmosphere and culture,” she recalled.
Five years after immigration, Gordon—now a Ghanaian citizen—owns Deijha Vu’s Jerk Hut, a Jamaican food truck that has become a favorite among both locals and tourists. But the journey wasn’t easy. She poured her savings into building a restaurant before the pandemic stalled her progress. When the business faltered, she “had to go back to the drawing board,” ultimately restarting her dream with a food truck.
That decision changed everything. A surprise visit from celebrities including influencer Jessie Woo propelled her business forward—and today she’s planning to franchise, with potential expansion into Nigeria.
Gordon says Ghana forced her to unlearn the “constant pressure to have it all figured out.” What replaced it was a calmer, more communal lifestyle. “In Ghana, people want to help you, even with the little things. I had to learn to accept that.”
Healing in a Place Where “the Weight Falls Off”
For illustrator Nicole Updegraff, Ghana was less a fresh start and more a profound emotional reset. She moved to Accra in 2015 with her family after her husband took a U.S. Embassy assignment—and what she found fundamentally reshaped her understanding of freedom.
“When you grow up in the U.S., there is an armor you have to put on as a Black person,” she said. “Those feelings were gone in Ghana.”
Her years in Accra coincided with nationwide protests in the United States over the police killings of Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, and others. Watching the news from Ghana, she felt the magnitude of the contrast:
“Being there was more than relief; it was safety.”
Life wasn’t without its challenges—power outages, mosquito nets gone rogue, or adjusting to local rhythms—but she says the community made the transition bearable. A nanny, housekeeper, and gardener became “lifelines” who held her family together. “They became our family.”
Updegraff now lives back in the U.S., but says Ghana imprinted something permanent: “Ghana anchored me as a Black American. It made me feel like I always had a place to go home.”
Ghana as a Tourism and Cultural Haven
As tourism continues to rebound globally, Ghana stands out—not for luxury resorts or tropical beaches alone, but for its cultural gravity. For travelers of African descent seeking reconnection, the country offers more than sightseeing. It offers grounding.
Visitors today can explore everything from bustling markets in Accra to the somber historical sites along the Cape Coast. But increasingly, the country is attracting people interested in long-term stays, community, entrepreneurship, and spiritual restoration.
Advice for Would-Be Movers
Both expats share similar wisdom:
- Visit first—walk the markets, talk to locals, learn how the city hums.
- Manage expectations—Ghana is growing, evolving, and wonderfully imperfect.
- Be open-minded—especially if you’re coming from Western fast-paced cultures.
- Let go of hyper-independence—community support is woven into daily life.
“Don’t compare it to the places you’ve been,” Updegraff stressed. “That can be a recipe for disappointment.”
A New Kind of Homecoming
A decade after the Year of Return, Ghana’s call to the African diaspora remains strong. For some, the journey offers peace. For others, opportunity. And for many more, it offers the one thing they didn’t realize they were missing: a place that feels like home.
As Gordon put it, “I am not the same person I was a few years ago. Ghana changed my life tremendously.”
For the growing number of Black expats making the move—or dreaming of one—Ghana continues to promise not just travel, but transformation.
Editor’s note: This story has been culled from an article published on Travel Noire. Read the original article here.
Taste GH
From Palm Fruit to Pot: The Story Behind Ghana’s Iconic Palm Nut Soup
Few dishes capture the soul of Ghanaian cooking quite like palm nut soup. With its deep orange colour, velvety texture and unmistakable aroma, it is a meal that tells the story of the country’s connection to its land, traditions and family tables.
The soup begins with the fruit of the oil palm, a tree that has shaped West African cuisine for generations.
The ripe palm fruits are boiled and pounded before their rich extract is transformed into a luxurious broth.
The result is a soup with a distinctive nutty flavour, balanced by savoury spices and a richness that lingers long after the last spoonful.
Across Ghana, palm nut soup is often prepared with meats such as goat, beef or chicken, while fresh or smoked fish adds another layer of depth.
Every region and household has its own variation, but the heart of the dish remains the same: a celebration of bold, natural flavours and time-honoured cooking techniques passed from one generation to the next.
Palm nut soup is traditionally served with foods such as fufu, omo tuo (rice balls) or boiled rice, making it a centrepiece of family meals, festive gatherings and special occasions.
Its hearty nature makes it especially comforting on rainy days or during weekend lunches when families gather around a shared bowl.
Beyond its satisfying taste, palm fruit is valued for nutrients including vitamins A and E and natural antioxidants, contributing to its place in a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
For visitors discovering Ghana through its cuisine, palm nut soup is more than a meal. It is an invitation to experience the country’s warmth, hospitality and culinary heritage—one rich, flavourful bowl at a time.
Sights and Sounds
When the Compound House Was Home: The Quiet Disappearance of Ghana’s Communal Living
Long before gated estates and high walls redefined urban living in Ghana, the compound house was more than a place to sleep.
It was a social ecosystem where neighbours became family, children belonged to an entire community, and daily life unfolded in full view of everyone.
In many Ghanaian towns and cities, several families shared a common courtyard, creating spaces where conversations, celebrations and disagreements naturally became collective experiences.
If children climbed a mango tree or wandered too far from home, any passing elder felt responsible enough to intervene. Discipline was communal, and parents rarely questioned a neighbour who corrected their child. Looking out for one another was simply part of everyday life.
That shared way of living extended beyond parenting. Someone always had food to spare, advice to offer or company to keep. Family was defined as much by proximity and trust as by blood ties, giving many people a built-in support system that softened life’s challenges.
Today, Ghana’s housing landscape has shifted. Modern homes prioritise privacy, while gated communities and apartment living have become increasingly common, particularly in growing cities.
Nuclear families now spend more time behind closed doors, and even within the same household, conversations are often replaced by text messages and phone calls.
The transformation reflects changing lifestyles and growing urbanisation, bringing greater independence and personal space. Yet it also raises an important question about what has been left behind.
As communities become more disconnected, many Ghanaians look back on the compound house not simply with nostalgia, but as a reminder that strong neighbourhoods were once built on shared responsibility, open doors and the comforting certainty that someone was always looking out for you.
Sights and Sounds
Sunsets, Kayaks and Heritage Cuisine: The Coastal Magic of Lou Moon Resort
On Ghana’s picturesque western coastline, where dense tropical forest meets the calm waters of the Gulf of Guinea, Lou Moon Resort offers a rare kind of getaway—one that combines luxury with an unmistakable sense of place.
Located near Axim in the Western Region, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery that creates an atmosphere of peace from the moment visitors arrive.
Rather than relying solely on lavish amenities, Lou Moon draws its appeal from its setting, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts of an upscale retreat.
The accommodation reflects this philosophy. Richly designed rooms take inspiration from Ghana’s cultural heritage, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.
The result is a stay that feels both elegant and deeply rooted in local identity, offering visitors an experience that goes beyond the typical beach holiday.
Food is equally central to the experience. Guests can savour locally inspired heritage dishes that celebrate Ghana’s diverse culinary traditions, adding another layer of cultural discovery to their stay. Every meal becomes an opportunity to explore regional flavours while overlooking the tranquil coastline.
For travellers seeking adventure alongside relaxation, Lou Moon delivers. Kayaking across the calm waters offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, while the resort’s spectacular sunsets provide the perfect finale to the day.
Whether shared with a partner, family or a group of friends, the golden evening skies transform the shoreline into an unforgettable setting.
As Ghana continues to attract travellers looking for authentic experiences, Lou Moon Resort stands out as a destination where nature, culture and understated luxury come together, proving that the country’s most memorable escapes are often found far from the crowds.
-
Ghana News15 hours agoMiddle East Tensions Won’t Trigger Fuel Shortages, Says Ghana’s Petroleum Regulator as GH¢2 Diesel Cushion Takes Effect
-
Ghana News2 days agoXenophobia in South Africa Exposes Deep Rifts Within AU Leadership Ahead of October Summit
-
Taste GH2 days agoFrom Palm Fruit to Pot: The Story Behind Ghana’s Iconic Palm Nut Soup
-
News2 days agoTop Headline Stories from Ghanaian Newspapers: Thursday, August 6, 2026
-
Health & Wellness2 days agoThe Hidden Reason Your Back Hurts May Be Sitting in the Middle of Your Body
-
Business2 days agoFrom Raw Minerals to Luxury Brand: Ghana’s Gold Value-Addition Strategy Gains Global Momentum with UK Showroom
-
From the Diaspora1 day ago‘This Moment Is Bigger Than Relocation’: Kea Wakesho Simmons Says Africa-Diaspora Connections Should Be Built on Legacy
-
Reels & Social Media Highlights1 day agoFrom Political Protests to Viral Memes: The Stories Defining Ghana’s Online World
