Social conduct in Ghana

Ghanaians' individual conduct is seen as impacting their entire family, social group, and community; therefore everyone is expected to be respectful, dignified, and observant in public settings and most aspects of life.^[1]

When greeting people in a home, it is considered improper if the guest ignores anyone present. Guests are expected to acknowledge and greet every person at a social occasion, including children and babies.^{[citation needed]}

When shaking hands, it is appropriate for the guest to first greet the person on their right-hand side, and then work their way left. This ensures that the guest's palm makes contact with the palm of the person receiving the handshake – touching the back of the hand instead of the palm is considered insulting or unlucky. Guests are expected to greet the most elderly person present first.^[1]

The same ritual is expected to be observed upon departure and should be carried out until sufficient familiarity has been established, at which point the ritual becomes redundant.^[1]

When greeting dignitaries, this procedure is expected to be carried out by all persons present regardless of age or status.^[1]

Asking a person to a social event (e.g. a bar or a restaurant) implies that the person offering the invitation will pay for everything. Inviting people out and then expecting them to pay for themselves is considered extremely rude. When a foreigner is invited to visit a home or community, the guest is expected to bring a gift, commonly a bottle of Schnapps or Kasapreko gin which is available in any shop.

Naming ceremonies and marriages are marked by family ceremonies. Seasonal festivals serve to bring people together in a spectacular fashion.^[1]

When attending funerals, weddings, or naming ceremonies; women, including foreign women, must cover their heads with a hat or simple black cloth wound around the head. A man must not have his head covered.^[1]