Remote work can open better pay and new opportunities for people in Ghana. It can also bring new risks. This guide gives practical steps you can use today. Read each section and act on the checks that apply to you. Follow the plan and you will reduce risk, improve your chances of steady work, and keep your earnings safe.
Is remote work right for you?
Before you search for jobs, start with a clear view of your skills and daily routine. Remote jobs demand self-discipline. You must manage time, meet deadlines, and communicate well in writing. Many employers expect fast email replies, clear progress updates, and reliable internet. If you do not yet have a stable workspace or reliable internet, plan to fix that first.
Next, match your skills to common remote roles. Employers hire remote workers for software, design, writing, support, marketing, data entry, and translation. Many roles require specific tools such as Git, Google Workspace, Slack, or Zoom. Learn the basic tools for your target role and highlight them on your CV and profile.
Finally, set realistic goals. Start with a part-time remote role or short contracts. Build a track record of completed work and on-time payments. Use each contract to gather references and a portfolio. These items will make you more attractive for full-time remote positions.
Where to find legitimate foreign remote jobs
You can find foreign remote work in three main places: official government or labour portals, major job boards, and freelance marketplaces. Use a mix of sources so you do not rely on a single channel.
Government and labour portals show vetted opportunities and can list remote roles. Ghana’s labour market information system provides job listings that include remote and hybrid roles. Check national portals when you want verified public or NGO roles. (GLMIS)
Large job boards also list foreign remote roles. Sites such as Jobberman publish many openings that allow remote work or international applicants. Use job boards to find full-time remote roles and to see which skills employers request. (Jobberman)
Finally, freelance marketplaces and specialist remote sites give short contracts and project work. These platforms let you build a reputation one client at a time. Use them to gain testimonials and to test payment methods before moving to larger contracts. Also keep an eye on government-run vacancy portals for higher-trust positions and verified projects. (Jobs Ghana, GLMIS)
How to vet a foreign employer
Do not accept an offer without basic checks. Follow this due diligence checklist for every new employer.
- Verify the company identity
Search for the company on official registers or business directories in the company’s country. If the employer claims a Ghana office, check Ghana’s Registrar General’s Department to confirm registration and the listed address. Official registries will show the company status and contact details. (Ghana Registered General Department) - Check the website and domain
Look for a professional domain, contact page, and business address. A real company often lists team members and social links. Confirm domain age and records with a WHOIS lookup if you suspect the site is new or fake. - Use LinkedIn and social proof
Check the employer’s LinkedIn page. See employee profiles and past hiring activity. Look for consistent company posts and real employee accounts. Fake firms often show few followers and no staff. - Ask for references and previous client names
Request two references from people who worked with the company. Contact them. Ask about workflow, payment habits, and deliverable quality. - Test with a paid trial task
Offer to perform a small paid trial task. Do not work for free. A paid trial reduces risk and proves how they pay. - Confirm payment terms and currency
Agree on the exact pay, currency, invoice schedule, and payment platform. Do not accept vague promises about payment. - Review contract terms
Get a written contract. The contract should state deliverables, timelines, termination terms, and dispute resolution.
If the employer refuses to provide verifiable information, do not proceed. Use your network or public channels to ask if others have worked with the company. Trust your checks over a persuasive pitch.
How to apply and follow up
Write clear applications that match each job. Keep your messages short. Show relevant results and links to your work.
- Application structure
- One short paragraph that explains who you are and what you do.
- One short paragraph that lists the skills the job asks for and how you meet them.
- One short paragraph with links to work samples and your availability.
- Email subject and opening
Use a clear subject line such as: Application for Front End Developer, Remote. Start the email by naming the role. - Follow up timing
Wait seven business days after you submit. Send one polite follow-up that restates interest and asks if they need more information. If you do not hear back after a second follow-up, move on. Avoid sending repeated messages that may harm your reputation. - Templates
Use short templates that you adapt for each role. Avoid copy-paste messages that do not address the employer’s needs. Read the job ad and mention one point that shows you read it. - Record keeping
Track every application in a simple sheet. Note the date, company, job title, response, and next action. This list helps you follow up and manage offers.
When you reach interview stage, prepare questions about the team, tools, and the first project. Ask about their onboarding process and who will review your work. Teams that plan onboarding usually treat remote staff with more structure and respect.
Getting paid safely from foreign clients
Choose payment methods that you can use in Ghana and that the client accepts. Here are common options and a simple comparison.
Payment options
- Payoneer: Widely used by freelancers and marketplaces to receive USD and withdraw to local banks. Many Ghanaian freelancers use Payoneer to receive international payments. (Payoneer)
- Wise: Offers borderless accounts and local bank details for several currencies. Wise lets you receive funds in GBP, EUR, and USD and move them to your local account. (Wise)
- Direct bank transfer: Works for large payments but can cost more in fees and take longer.
- Freelance platform escrow: Platforms like Upwork hold funds in escrow until you deliver work. These systems add a layer of protection.
Short comparison table
| Method | Speed | Fees | Buyer protection |
| Payoneer | Medium | Medium | Low to medium |
| Wise | Fast | Low | Low |
| Direct bank | Slow | High | Low |
| Platform escrow | Fast | Platform fees | High |
Choose the method that balances client convenience and your security. If possible, ask for an initial payment through an escrow or Payoneer to prove they pay. Avoid agreeing to checks drawn on foreign banks if you cannot verify clearance.
Taxes and legal steps in Ghana
If you earn from foreign clients, record your income. Ghanaian law requires residents to pay tax on local and foreign income. Register with the Ghana Revenue Authority if you work as a freelancer or run a small business. Keep accurate invoices and bank records. Consult an accountant for the correct tax treatment of freelance income and for advice on VAT or National Insurance if your income crosses thresholds.
If you form a business, register with the Registrar General’s Department or use a simple sole trader structure. Registration gives clients confidence and helps with invoices. The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations also publishes guidance on workplace standards and contract norms; check official channels for updates. (Ghana Registered General Department, Melr)
Remote work setup and productivity
Remote work depends on reliable internet and a calm workspace. In Accra and major towns you will find co-working spaces and cafes that support remote work. Outside these areas, plan for backup internet and power. Use a mobile hotspot, a second ISP, or a data plan that you can switch to when the line fails. Keep a power bank and an inverter if you face frequent outages.
Set a daily routine and use tools that help you log time and communicate status. Share daily standups or brief check-ins. Use shared documents for work and use video calls for complex feedback. Clear status updates reduce friction and avoid long email threads.
Red flags and scam examples
Scams often follow patterns. Watch for these red flags.
- The employer asks you to pay for a job or training fee before you start. Real employers do not ask applicants to pay.
- The offer promises extremely high pay with few skills required. If it sounds too good, treat it with suspicion.
- The company uses a free email address and refuses to provide a company website or registration details. Real companies use business email domains and can show past work.
- The client requests that you use unusual payment channels or intermediaries. Use trusted platforms and confirm payment before you deliver large work products.
- The employer pressures you to start immediately with no signed contract. Insist on a written agreement and a paid trial.
If you suspect fraud, stop communication and report the ad to the job board. If you paid money up front, contact your bank and report the transaction. Share the details on community forums to warn others.
Final checklist before you accept an offer
- Confirm company identity and registration where possible.
- Get a written contract that states pay, currency, deliverables, and timelines.
- Agree on a safe payment method and test with a small payment.
- Set clear communication channels and a reporting schedule.
- Check tax rules and how you will record income.
- Save the employer’s public profiles and any reference contacts.
Use this checklist for every new hire or client. It will protect your work and your money.
Conclusion and key takeaway
Working remotely for foreign companies can be a reliable path to higher pay and better career growth. The key is to combine good sources for jobs, careful checks, and clear payment plans. Use verified portals and known marketplaces, verify employers before you accept work, and always get payment terms in writing. Keep records and consult an accountant when your earnings grow.
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