Apart from English, there are six major Ghanaian languages which are Ga, Twi, Fanti, Ewe, Dangbe and Akan. English is one of the most spoken, (but a lot of it is Pidgen English). It may be a little hard to understand at first (especially if it is your first ever time in a West African country), so here are the most common slang words in Ghana which will help you integrate better and even surprise a few Ghanaians!

Slang words in Ghana you should know

1. Chale /Charlie / Charley

Charlie (pronounced Chale) is probably one of the most popular Ghanaian slang words. It is widely used among friends during informal conversations. It would be the equivalent of “dude”. If you’re new in Ghana and you’re still ih the phase of networking and connecting with expats in Accra, you should know this one.

The origin of this word is pretty interesting and dates back to colonial times when Ghana was known as the Gold Coast and was under British imperial rule. Two of the most used names by British lords were Charlie and Jack.

These names became so popular amongst the Ghanaians (Gold Coasters during those times) that they began to refer to strangers as Charlie and/or Jack, the same as Americans would use “dude”.

• Overtime, Charlie converted into “Charley” whilst Jack remained Jack.
• Nowadays, if you do not know someone’s name or forgot their name, “Charley” could be a pretty good escape because almost anyone can be “Charley”, except for when you refer to older people to whom you need to show respect.
• You may also find the word “chale” in “Chale Wote”. Currently Chale Wote is a very popular festival which takes place in James Town, Accra every August, bringing together an alternative platform with art, music, dance and performances out on the streets.
• The literal meaning of the word Chale Wote is flip-flops. It is also a Pidgen English expression meaning “hey man, let’s go!”.

Next time you see your friend, why not greet them with a “Wassup Chale!”

From the word Chale, there is also Chalewote, which are actually Ghanaian made slippers.

2. Comot

Although it is originally a Nigerian word, you will hear Ghanaians using the word “comot” pretty often. It can be used in a more rude way – “comot for der” meaning “move from there” or “go away”. It can also be used in everyday normal speech – “chale comot, make we go” meaning, “Dude/man, let’s go”.

3. Yawa Dey

Yawa dey (Pidgen word) is another way of saying “there is a problem” or that something wasn’t good. So you could say something like “Chale, yawa dey oooo”, and someone would respond to you saying “wey yawa” meaning “what happened”.

You will also find that the “ooo” at the end of many phrases is very common. They use it to stress the importance of the statement being referred to and if one ignores this, there will be a consequence following soon! Some more examples, ‘I don’t like that ooo’, ‘He said he will bring it ooo’.

4. Abeg

Literally meaning “I beg” but for Ghanaians it means “please”. One of the first sayings you may actually hear or learn is “chale abeg” meaning “please, dude”. It can be practically used in any situation; when you are at the local market and you want to know the price of a mango, “abeg how much be the mango” or even when asking the time, “abeg what be the time?”

5. Abi?

This is a rhetorical word often used at the end of a sentence to ask for agreement or confirmation. It’s derived from Nigerian Pidgin but is widely used in Ghana as well.

• Example: “The thing no be easy, abi?”
• Meaning: “It’s not easy, right?”

It’s not standard English, but it’s as Ghanaian as fufu and light soup.

6. I’m coming

“I’m coming” may be one of the most confusing slang words in Ghana because to us it may mean that you are going somewhere right? “I’m coming” is another way of saying “give me a second”. So for example if you ask a question to a person and that person is in the middle of something, he or she may respond “im coming”.

They may also use “i’m coming” when they are going somewhere. Very funny because instead of saying “I am going” they start walking away and tell you “I am coming”, how confusing and funny is that?!

7. Goro

In the broader meaniing of the word, it stands for “informal business”. Goro is a term often associated with the informal sector of the Ghanaian economy. It can include street vendors, small businesses, and other entrepreneurial activities, so knowhing this slang word might come in handy if you visit any of the local markets in Accra.

8. Dash me

The person saying this expects you to give him/her a gift either monetary or otherwise.

9. Paa

Paa is used to add emphasis to whatever you’re saying (a bit like “ooo”). They can say “Ekom di mi paa” meaning “I am REALLY hungry”. Sometimes you might even hear “papaaapa” which is really heavy emphasis.

10. Chop

“To chop” means to eat. You will also hear this word in “chop bars”, local Ghanaian food joints serving local dishes at affordable prices. A Ghanaian may ask you “you chop?”, meaning “have you eaten?”

If you visit a chop bar you should try akpeteshi, also locally known as “Apio” or “kill me quick”. This is a Ghanaian spirit made from fermented palm wine. It is pretty strong. We warned you!

11. Oga

Borrowed from Nigerian Pidgin, “Oga” is a title of respect, usually for a boss or someone in authority.

• Example: “Oga, make you no vex.”
• Meaning: “Boss, please don’t be angry.”

It’s often used sarcastically when someone is acting bigger than they are.

12. Obroni/Blofoniyo

This may be one of the first words (apart from “Akwaaba”) you will hear as soon as you land at the airport. “Obroni” in Twi and “Blofoniyo” in Ga, is the term used for a white person. Before even asking your name, Ghanaians may straight away call you by “Obroni” – “obroni where are you from”. Do not take it personally because it is not used in an offensive way.

13. Dumsor

A relatively new but painfully familiar term, “dumsor” comes from the Twi words “dum” (to turn off) and “sor” (to turn on). It refers to Ghana’s erratic power outages.

“Ei chale, last night was serious dumsor oo.”

It became a part of national conversation during major power crises and even inspired protests and T-shirts.

14. Tro Tro and mate

These are two terms used for the local transportation in Ghana. “Tro tro” being like the public bus used to move around inside the city and from city to city, and “mate” being the person inside of the tro tro in charge of calling out the direction the tro tro is going and collecting the money.

15. Obolo

Obolo is the word for fat. Unlike in many other parts of the world, being called “obolo” is actually something good. Being curvy in Africa is seen as beautiful!

The Blue Kiosk: Ghana’s Social Cornerstone

We cannot bypass Ghanaian slang words without exploring a physical word that’s as culturally rich as any phrase—the blue kiosk. Why blue? You may be asking yourself.

Historically, many beverage companies painted kiosks blue when they sponsored them, especially alcohol companies. Over time, the color became associated with local drinking spots.

Every Ghanaian neighborhood has at least one. Typically painted bright blue (thanks to a historical connection with brands like Tigo and Club Beer), the blue kiosk is a makeshift bar, local gathering spot, or corner store.

But when someone says, “I’m going to the blue kiosk,” they usually mean something specific—it’s where you go to drink akpeteshie, socialize, and let the weight of the day drop off your shoulders.

Cultural Significance

• It’s a place of community. Farmers, carpenters, teachers, and traders gather here to share news and unwind.
• It’s a forum. Politics, football, funerals, and gossip are all discussed over tiny glasses of firewater.
• It’s democratic. There’s no dress code, no gate fee. Just come, sit, and pour.

The blue kiosk is more than a building—it’s Ghana’s version of a village pub, shaped by sun, sweat, and stories.

If you happen to know other slang words in Ghana, don’t hesitate and drop us a comment below! We’re Green Views, a residential complex in Airport Residential Area, offering deluxe accommodation options in Accra.