If you ask Rashad McCrorey, he’ll tell you that becoming an expat happened by chance.
As the owner of Africa Cross-Culture tourism, a company that centers its travel experiences to African counties Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda, McCrorey was in Ghana during a business trip when the country’s borders shut down to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“I just happened to be on a business trip when the COVID-19 pandemic reached America,” McCrorey told Travel Noire during an interview. “Rather than returning to the United States, I decided to stay in Ghana indefinitely and face the coronavirus pandemic in Africa.”
He’s been traveling to Africa since 2015 and has been living in Ghana for almost five months.
McCrorey says he has plans to move to Ghana indefinitely and talked to Travel Noire about his experiences to help others who want to do the same.
Travel Noire: What ultimately led to your decision of becoming an Expat in Ghana?
McCrorey: I recently decided to stay in Ghana until all my business and land settlements are completed. I started renovating the Ghanaian component of my business in 2019. I began replacing staff members, changing locations of my primary places of operation including hotel accommodations, transportations services we use, the restaurants we dine at, and more. In addition to forging new relationships. I have now been acquiring land and making preparations to clear the land to start building.
For me, it doesn’t make sense to travel back and forth between Ghana and the United States. With travel restrictions and the world still at a standstill, I am more productive in one of my countries of operation.
Both fortunately and unfortunately due to COVID-19. work is being done at a reduced cost and is completed quickly since contracted work is slow. Many expats are leveraging the current economic environment.
Travel Noire: What are some of the most common misconceptions people have when moving abroad?
McCrorey: People think moving abroad is dangerous. People worry about being kidnapped but fail to acknowledge that the United States has the highest rate of human trafficking in the world.
People worry about it being expensive. If you build an income flow in the United States then live off that income source in Ghana, you can live like a king or queen.
People also assume that Ghana is an undeveloped country. Ghana has several cities that are developed and continue to grow. That includes well know cities such as Accra and Kumasi but they are other hidden places such as Takoradi and Koforidua. Thank me later!
Travel Noire: What are the most common or frequently asked questions you get from those looking to move abroad?
McCrorey: The majority of the questions I receive are usually requesting information regarding dual citizenship, Ghanain citizenship, the job market, real estate opportunities, investment opportunities, and marriage.
Travel Noire: What advice do you have for people who are considering the expat life in Ghana?
McCrorey: I believe the number one tip I can give someone who would like to move to Ghana would be to create an online or remote income stream. I fear many individuals who plan on finding a job in Ghana will be disappointed in the lack of opportunities. Even those who find a job will be even more disappointed in the pay. Create an online stream of income or create a way to work remotely because setting up solid cash flow and solid savings can put you in the upper class of social living.
They are two Primary ways of relocating to Ghana. One is applying for a work permit, and the other is applying for a residential permit. With both, you need to find a “donor” which acts as your primary “caregiver” while you and/or your family are in the country. That person or organization can be your job or Ghanaians who vouch for your stay in the country. Another way to gain a residency permit is to open up an NGO (Non-Government Organization) an alternative which takes personal resources to build
In terms of living, real estate is in abundance in Ghana. You can sell or purchase land “lone wolf” style in isolation from other Americans or you can join properties and projects in joint communities with other American Diaspora members. You have options.
Follow Rashad and his adventures on social media here.