Stepping into a new country for the first time is rarely just about ticking off tourist spots. It’s about noticing the little rhythms of life that make a place feel alive. In Ghana, that might be the hum of tro-tros weaving through traffic, the laughter spilling from a bustling street corner, or the aroma of fresh waakye being prepared at a roadside stall. Each day brings small discoveries, ways the culture feels familiar yet distinct, and moments that make you pause, take a deep breath, and simply watch.
First-time experiences here are about curiosity, movement, and tasting life in its local flavor. From navigating markets to sampling new dishes, from discovering hidden alleys to joining local festivities, there’s a story around every corner. We asked Tobi to share his first impressions and experiences in Ghana, from the small surprises to the unforgettable moments.
1. The moment you land in a new country often sets the tone for everything that follows. What was the first thing that made you realize you were really in Ghana? Was it a sight, smell, sound, or street rhythm that hit you instantly?
Tobi: The first thing that really hit me about being in Ghana was the energy at the border. I travelled by road, so we had to go through a lot of due process, and the place was packed with people. It almost felt like everyone was moving toward Ghana at once, like it was a place people genuinely wanted to be. That moment made me pause and think, Ghana must be doing something right. The sheer number of people, the movement, the urgency, immediately made me realise I was stepping into a different kind of space, one with a strong pull and presence.
2. Moving through a city is an adventure in itself, especially when trying local modes of transport. How did your first ride on local transport, taxis, or motorbikes, compared to what you expected, and did it teach you anything about navigating the city?
Tobi: I arrived at night, and that alone changed everything I expected. I couldn’t find a ride directly from the border, so I had to walk out to join a bus and sort out a new SIM card. The whole scene instantly reminded me of Lagos, specifically the Agege bus vibe.
It was busy, loud, and full of movement, but what surprised me was how organised it felt. The bus was white, people queued more calmly, and there was a sense of order within the chaos. That first ride taught me that while the city’s energy felt familiar, navigating it required paying attention to its own rules and rhythm rather than assuming it worked exactly like home.
3. It’s often the small cultural details that leave the strongest impression. Was there a cultural habit, custom, or everyday gesture, a greeting, smile, or ritual, that caught you off guard but you quickly adapted to?
Tobi: Because I stayed in a private apartment, my interaction with people was quite limited. But whenever I did come in contact with locals, what stood out was how nice and easy-going they were. There was a warmth in the way people spoke and helped, especially when I asked for directions. I think they could tell I was a tourist based on the places I was trying to get to, and instead of impatience, I was met with friendliness. It wasn’t something loud or dramatic, just small everyday kindnesses that made it easy to adapt and feel welcome.
Read: Tasty Ghanaian Dishes You Must Try
4. Tasting local cuisine is one of the fastest ways to connect with a place. Which local dish or street snack surprised you the most in flavor, presentation, or experience, and how did it make you feel?
Tobi: I’ll be honest: Ghana jollof was the dish I was most curious about, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. Because of that, I didn’t feel as motivated to explore too many other local dishes during that trip.
5. Sometimes the best memories are the ones you never planned for. Did you ever get “lost” or stumble onto a place that wasn’t on any tourist map but ended up becoming a highlight of your trip?
Tobi: Yes, very much so. We randomly ended up at a zoo, purely out of curiosity, just to see the animals. What we didn’t expect was that the zoo came with a mandatory tour guide, mainly so visitors don’t wander off and accidentally put themselves in danger. Apparently, that has happened before.
The real highlight came at the end of the tour, when they brought out snakes, and people were eagerly lining up to put them around their necks. It was fascinating to watch, but as a Nigerian, I knew better than to test my village people’s abilities, so I stayed firmly on the sidelines. One Nigerian man, however, forgot all about spiritual consequences and tried to be brave. The snake tightened and then bit him, and in almost lightning speed, the man vanished toward the exit.
For a moment, I genuinely thought I’d just witnessed The Flash in real life. It was a very funny moment.
6. It’s the small, seemingly ordinary details that often linger in memory. Were there small details, a sound, color, street scene, or pattern in markets and neighborhoods, that stuck with you long after leaving?
Tobi: One detail that stayed with me was a visit to the market to buy a few items as tokens for people back home. The materials there were incredibly beautiful, rich in colour, texture, and pattern. Walking through the stalls, everything felt vibrant and alive, from the fabrics hanging in layers to the way they caught the light. Long after I left Ghana, that burst of colour and creativity stayed with me, reminding me of how everyday places can leave the strongest impressions.
Read: Kente – Ghana’s Symbolic Cultural Brilliance
7. The people you meet can make a trip unforgettable. Can you share a conversation or interaction with a local that left a lasting impression, shaped your perspective, or made you laugh?
Tobi: Like I mentioned earlier, I didn’t have many deep conversations with locals since I stayed in a private apartment, but the small interactions really stood out.
8. Even routine tasks can become stories in a new environment. How did navigating logistics, directions, payments, schedules, or bargaining, teach you something new or give you a memorable story?
Tobi: Navigating everyday logistics in Ghana taught me how powerful local systems can be when you understand them. The MoMo app was honestly a lifesaver throughout my trip, it felt like the equivalent of Opay back home, maybe even better at the time I visited. I used it for almost everything: paying for food, ordering rides, and handling daily expenses. Once I got comfortable with it, moving around the city became much easier, and it showed me how quickly adapting to local tools can completely change your experience in a new place.
9. Every city has corners that reveal themselves only to those curious enough to explore. Which landmark, neighborhood, or hidden gem surprised you the most, revealing something about Ghana you hadn’t expected?
Tobi: What surprised me most was the everyday neighbourhoods rather than a single landmark. Moving through different areas, I noticed a quiet sense of order and intention in how spaces were used; homes, shops, and streets all felt purposeful. It challenged my expectations and showed me a side of Ghana that wasn’t about spectacle, but about how people live day to day. Those moments revealed a country that values structure, calm, and community in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Read: Exploring the Undiscovered Beaches of Ghana and Senegal
10. After all the sights, sounds, and experiences, some moments simply capture the essence of a place. If you had to capture the “spirit” of Ghana in one scene, feeling, or interaction, what would it be, and why?
Tobi: If I had to capture the spirit of Ghana in one moment, it would be the feeling of movement with order. From the crowded border full of people heading in, to the organised bus rides, to using MoMo for almost everything, there was always energy, but it was guided, not chaotic.
People were warm, patient, and quick to help, even when it was obvious I was a visitor. The colourful markets, the calm way people navigated daily life, and even small moments like asking for directions all reflected a country that balances vibrancy with structure.
That blend of liveliness and ease is what stayed with me most, because it made Ghana feel both exciting and surprisingly comfortable to move through.