By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Welcome to Ghana — the only place where your ability to survive, thrive, or even park your car legally depends on a magical network called “Who-You-Know Logistics.”
You want to get a contract? Do you have a cousin who once fetched water for a Minister’s niece?
You want to open a store in Osu? Do you know someone who once dated the landlord’s uncle’s neighbor?
You want a government payment processed? Better call Kojo. Not because he works there — oh no — but because Kojo “knows people” in procurement. Kojo has never actually been inside the Ministry, but trust me, he knows which gate to knock on. And that gate might open if you arrive with just enough humility… and data credit.
The Ghana Puzzle: Who You Know vs What You Know
Ghana has some of the most brilliant minds in Africa. People with Ivy League degrees. People who can build an entire app while frying plantain. But in many sectors, meritocracy is still on vacation.
Want a job? Your first qualification is your referral letter. The rest — GPA, experience, and degrees — is just decoration for your CV.
Want an official document processed quickly? The fastest-growing career in Ghana isn’t software engineering. It’s “Protocol.” Yes. Protocol is now a profession. And protocol is a person who’s not officially on the payroll — but somehow knows exactly when your file will move and what kind of “tea” the approving officer likes.
Fun Fact: WhatsApp Is Ghana’s Official Business Platform
In the U.S., business happens over Zoom or Teams. In Ghana? WhatsApp.
- Contracts are negotiated on WhatsApp.
- Proposals are sent via voice notes.
- Even the final invoice? JPG via WhatsApp. If you dare ask for a PDF, you might be labeled “difficult.”
Your network must be active, strategic, and status-posting-ready. Because in Ghana, people don’t just scroll — they monitor. Your next opportunity might depend on your last WhatsApp status.
Did you post your new office? A photo with someone “important”? Or that you just landed from Dubai? Congratulations. Someone might now “take you serious.”
Extra Fun Fact: LinkedIn is for foreigners. Ghanaians trust WhatsApp more than their banks. You can ghost your bank app but if your WhatsApp crashes? Panic across 10 districts.
Insider Tip: Networking Is the Real National Sport
Ghana may love football, but networking is the unofficial national sport.
There are unspoken rules:
- Always smile when entering an office — even if you’re boiling inside.
- Never mention price first. Ask them: “What do you think is fair?”
- Don’t show desperation. Instead, say: “Oh I was just passing by.”
- And if all else fails, casually mention that you know the VP’s old driver. Game changer.
Another Twist: Don’t forget to speak in parables. Directness is considered rude. Instead of asking “Did you sign the contract?”, say: “I know the journey of papers is long, but even ants find their way.” Boom. Progress.
The Moral of the Story?
In Ghana, it’s not who you are — it’s who remembers your name when they’re handing out opportunities.
You don’t need to be the best. You just need to be in the room. And if you’re not in the room, find someone who can slide your name under the door.
It’s exhausting. It’s hilarious. And somehow… it works.
Until Chapter 5 — keep your protocol guy close, and your WhatsApp data bundle closer.
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a licensed public accounting and management consultancy firm. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in auditing and advisory work, including service as Auditor General of Liberia and FAR and DCAA compliance work at Unisys Federal Systems. The firm’s technology products include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), built for finance and operations teams.