Remote work has become a way of life for many professionals in Ghana. Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or part of an international team, setting up a home office in Accra is one of the best investments you can make for your productivity and wellbeing. If you’re on the verge of moving to Ghana, this should be one of your main priorities.
Working from home offers freedom and flexibility, but in Accra it also comes with unique challenges like inconsistent power supply, variable internet quality, and getting used to the tropical climate. With some planning and creativity, you can design a space that keeps you focused, comfortable, and motivated.
This article offers practical tips for building a home office that maximizes efficiency, suits local realities, and keeps you focused.
Start with the Right Space
Our apartments at Green Views have the best atmosphere, finishings and spaces so you can set your home office in Accra
The foundation of any good home office is location. Try to find a quiet corner or, if possible, a separate room where you can shut out distractions. Even if you do not have a dedicated room, a carefully placed divider or piece of furniture can create a sense of separation.
Natural light will boost your mood and help reduce eye strain, but avoid direct sunlight that heats up the room or reflects on your screen. A room with an east-facing window is ideal, as it will brighten your mornings while staying cooler later in the day.
One of the perks of living at Green Views Residential is the serene setting. Peaceful surroundings make it much easier to find a comfortable spot that allows you to concentrate without interruptions.
Make Power Reliability a Priority
Anyone living in Accra knows that power outages, locally called dumsor, can disrupt even the best workday. To avoid losing momentum, it is worth investing in backup solutions. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) will keep your essentials like a laptop and router running for short outages. Inverter systems, which are more sustainable than generators, can give you several hours of power. For those who want a long-term solution, solar installations are becoming more accessible and offer a greener alternative. Even something as simple as a surge-protected power strip can safeguard your equipment from unexpected fluctuations.
Fortunately, our community in Accra features amenities such as a power generator and borehole, in case any power or water cut may occur.
If you want to dive deeper into Ghana’s energy options, check out our article Sources of Electricity in Ghana: A Renewable Energy Sector Analysis.
Stay Connected with Reliable Internet
A strong internet connection is the backbone of any home office. While broadband infrastructure in Accra has improved, the quality still varies by neighborhood and provider. If fiber is available in your area, it is often the most stable choice. Top internet providers in Ghana such as Vodafone, MTN, Surfline, and Busy all offer packages tailored to home users.
Because outages do happen, it is smart to have a backup, like a mobile hotspot or a MiFi device. If you live in an area where the signal is weak, a WiFi range extender or signal booster can make a big difference.
- Choose a reliable ISP: Providers like Vodafone, MTN, Surfline, and Busy offer fiber and 4G broadband packages. Fiber is more stable but may not be available in all areas.
- Have a backup option: Use a mobile hotspot (e.g., MTN Turbonet or a MiFi device) as a secondary internet source in case of primary network issues.
- Use a signal booster: For locations with weak signals, a WiFi range extender or mobile signal booster can help improve connectivity.
- Monitor your usage: Tools like GlassWire or built-in data monitors help track bandwidth use and avoid unexpected slowdowns.
Focus on Comfort and Ergonomics
Spending hours hunched over a laptop on the couch will eventually take its toll. A good ergonomic setup is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Choose an adjustable chair with proper lumbar support and a desk that allows your arms to rest comfortably while typing. Your monitor should be at eye level to protect your neck, and if you work primarily on a laptop, an external keyboard and mouse are a worthwhile investment.
Shops like Orca, Palace Hypermarket, and Jumia often stock ergonomic furniture, and our guide Best Shops in Accra for Home Décor will give you more inspiration for building a workspace that blends comfort with style.
Here are some useful setup tips:
- Invest in a good chair: Look for adjustable, cushioned office chairs with lumbar support. Local suppliers and marketplaces like Orca, Palace Hypermarket, or Jumia often stock ergonomic options.
- Desk height matters: Your desk should allow your arms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle while typing. Avoid surfaces that are too high or too low.
- Monitor position: The top of your monitor should be at or slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain. Use a stand, stack of books, or purchase a monitor riser.
- Use an external keyboard and mouse if you’re working from a laptop for long periods.
Stay Cool and Comfortable in the Tropical Climate
Heat and humidity can make it difficult to concentrate, especially in the afternoons. Ceiling fans are energy-efficient and perfect for most homes, while inverter air conditioners are a good choice if you want stronger cooling without high energy bills.
Whenever possible, keep your space ventilated with open windows fitted with mesh screens. If you live near the coast or in a particularly humid area, a small dehumidifier will protect your electronics and improve air quality. And do not forget the simplest tip of all: keep water nearby to stay hydrated and alert.
Also, knowing about the harmattan season in Ghana can save you a lot of trouble! Follow these climate control tips:
- Fans and air conditioners: Ceiling fans are energy-efficient and widely used. If you can afford an AC unit, choose an inverter model to reduce energy consumption.
- Ventilation: Keep windows open where possible to improve air circulation. Mesh windows help keep out insects.
- Dehumidifiers: If you live near the coast or in areas prone to humidity, a small dehumidifier can protect electronics and improve air quality.
- Hydration: Keep water nearby. Working in heat increases dehydration risks, which can sap your energy and focus.
Minimize Noise and Distractions
Accra is a busy city, and while the energy is infectious, it is not always conducive to focused work. Headphones with noise-canceling features can help during calls or deep work sessions. If outside noise is a recurring problem, simple fixes like thicker curtains or rugs can absorb sound and make the room quieter. Communicating your working hours with family or housemates also helps set boundaries.
One of the advantages of living at Green Views Residential is that the community itself is peaceful, which makes managing noise much easier. It’s located in the Airport Residential Area, one of Accra’s best neighborhoods.
Add Personality and Inspiration
A home office should not only be functional, it should also feel like your own. Personal touches can lift your mood and keep you inspired. Adding indoor plants like aloe vera or snake plants will freshen the air and create a calming effect.
A vision board or wall calendar can help you visualize your goals, while warm desk lighting creates a cozy atmosphere for early mornings or evening work sessions.
Build a Routine that Works for You
Even the best-designed home office will not keep you productive without discipline. Set a consistent start and end time for your day and include short breaks to stretch, hydrate, or step outside.
Tools such as Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar can help you manage tasks and stay organized. The key is to create a rhythm that balances focus with rest, so you remain energized and motivated throughout the week.
If at some point you need to change scenery, meet with clients or just need to socialize with other freelancers, check out these coworking spaces in Accra.
Designing a home office in Accra is about blending practical solutions with personal style. By considering power supply, internet connectivity, climate, ergonomics, and a few touches of inspiration, you can create a workspace that supports your goals and enhances your daily routine. In the end, a well-planned home office is not just where you work, it is where you thrive.
