Last week, I had the incredible honor of sharing the stage with the one and only Ayo Jones at the Expat Life Summit Ghana, a gathering dedicated to helping diasporans and expats navigate the journey of relocating to Ghana.
Ayo Jones, a prominent voice in the relocation space, has helped countless people make the leap to Ghana. Her work is inspiring, and to stand beside her and speak to a room full of people ready to call Ghana home was truly special.
Language as the Bridge to Belonging
My session focused on something I believe deeply: learning the local language is the bridge that turns relocation into true belonging. You can move to Ghana, find a place to live, and set up your life, but until you can greet your neighbor in Twi, bargain at the market, or understand the jokes your colleagues are making, there will always be a small gap between you and genuine connection.
I shared with the audience the most essential Twi phrases that every new resident should know. Not just the words, but the cultural context behind them, because language without culture is just vocabulary.
β’ "Mema wo akye" β Good morning (The key to starting any conversation)
β’ "Ζte sΙn?" β How are you?
β’ "Medaase" β Thank you
β’ "Wo din de sΙn?" β What is your name?
β’ "ΖyΙ ahe?" β How much is it? (Essential for market shopping!)
Market Bargaining: A Ghanaian Art Form
One of the highlights of my talk was diving into the culture of market bargaining in Ghana. For many expats, haggling feels uncomfortable at first, but in Ghana, it's not just about the price. It's a dance, a conversation, a way to build rapport.
I taught the audience how to bargain respectfully, not aggressively, and how a simple "Mema wo akye" before asking the price can completely change the interaction. I shared real-life examples from my own market experiences in Kumasi, where a friendly attitude and a few Twi phrases can turn a transaction into a connection.
What Ayo Jones Shared
Ayo spoke powerfully about the practical side of relocation, from finding housing to understanding Ghanaian systems. But what struck me most was her emphasis on community. She reminded everyone in the room that moving to Ghana isn't just about logistics; it's about finding your people, your support system, and your new home.
Her energy was contagious, and the audience was fully engaged. It was clear that everyone there was hungry for this kind of guidance, both the practical and the emotional.
Why This Matters for Speak Ghana
At Speak Ghana, our mission is to help diasporans and anyone interested in Twi to reconnect with the language and culture. This summit was a perfect reminder of why we do what we do.
When you learn Twi, you're not just learning words. You're unlocking access to jokes, proverbs, relationships, and a sense of home that no amount of logistics can provide. You're telling Ghanaians: "I see you. I respect you. I want to be part of this."
And that is powerful.
A Special Thank You
Thank you to the Expat Life Summit Ghana team for organizing such a meaningful event. Thank you to Ayo Jones for being a gracious co-speaker and for the work you do. And thank you to everyone who came to listen, ask questions, and take steps toward their Ghanaian journey.
If you were in that room and you're reading this, Mema wo akye. I hope you left feeling more prepared, more connected, and more excited to make Ghana your home.
And if you weren't there but you're planning to relocate or just want to learn Twi, your journey starts now. Reach out. Let's talk. You don't have to do this alone.
Join our group classes, private lessons, or self-paced portal. Whatever your goal, we're here to help you speak Twi with confidence.
