Moving to Africa after a lifetime in the UK was never going to be easy. Elvina Quaison shares some of her experiences as she settles into her new life in Ghana.

Coming to live in Ghana is a whole new world...literally!!! It is a case of leave all preconceptions, ideas and thoughts of Africa you had at the door and prepare yourself to be thoroughly re-educated. Whoever you are, no matter what knowledge or experience you think you have, you haven't. Open your mind, build your reserves of strength and be prepared to exercise vast amounts of patience!

Speaking the language helps BUT, as I am finding, speaking words and REALLY understanding the meaning is two VERY different things. English is spoken in Ghana but I have encountered many situations where our understanding of the conversation that took place was definitely not in sync.

This is because of context and meaning; your 'now' and the perception of 'now' of the person you are conversing with may vary – and, for instance, when I say 'may', I really mean 'will'. So I have learnt (and am still learning) to be very specific and say what I want to convey in different ways and, if it's REALLY important, I ask for it to be repeated back to me so I am as certain as possible that we are all on the same page.

For me and even for the development of my management skills, this process can be frustrating, but helpful. Being clear, concise and specific about what you want is key in managing people and something I have struggled with in the past.

I think I am being clear or that the person will know what I want, and then we clash when I realise my assumptions were unfounded. In my life in Ghana, I am being forced to address this and work on it. To be honest, that is the best attitude to adopt; reflect on a situation and see where you may have been at fault or misunderstood.

This won't always be the case of course, and your point of reference about how to act and what you think is common sense will still be driving you. If that's the case, STOP NOW or prepare to be thoroughly frustrated!

'Common' sense is only common in a certain geographical and cultural context...common sense in Ghana is very different to common sense in the UK. It is influenced by practical, environmental and social experiences and generationally and so if this hasn't been the place where you were socialised, you are not going to 'get it'.

HOWEVER, the energy in Ghana is vibrant and exciting! There is so much to do and people in Ghana are doing it, both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians. The above are kind words of preparation; I won't even say warning as I'm not saying these things to put anybody off, just to help you clear off those rose-tinted glasses of the 'motherland'.

There are communities of people developing out here, supporting each other, working with each other and just being there for each other. The amenities and services are changing rapidly, reflecting the changing interests and inhabitants in Ghana and which, in turn, is also making more space for entrepreneurs with ideas, attitude and the ability to exercise patience.

I have had a number of trials, tribulations and very good times. That is what it is to live in Ghana and yet through everything I haven't thought I want to go home, because I am home (although I will be popping UK side for a breather...ahem...I mean holiday). I have been repeating a phrase throughout this piece and it is a statement that you will hear often in a number of places and spaces in Ghana.

This is because everyone in Ghana knows that to live, breathe and make it through another day without blowing a blood vessel, you will need to EXERCISE PATIENCE. You have been advised....I look forward to seeing you soon!