If you’re heading to Ghana, get ready for an amazing adventure! One of the best ways to connect with the locals is by using Pidgin, a language that blends English with elements from Ghanaian languages like Twi and Ga. It’s fun, easy to pick up, and will make your experience in Ghana a lot more memorable.

In Ghana, Pidgin is used in everyday conversations, and learning a few key phrases will help you feel like you belong. Although similar, Ghana Pidgin is slightly different from Nigerian Pidgin. Here’s a list of over 30 common Pidgin phrases that will make you sound like a local!

Pidgin Phrase	Meaning
Wossop?	How are you? or What’s up?
I dey	I’m fine/I’m good/I’m alright
What dey go on?	What’s going on? or How are things?
Abeg	Please
You chop?	Have you eaten?
I dey hung!	I’m hungry!
Padi	Friend
He be ma Padi	He’s my friend
Ma Woman	babe/girlfriend/wife
You for relax	Calm down or Take it easy
Make you no bore	Don’t be upset
Abeg, Make you no bore	Please, don’t be upset
Mama	Mother
Papa	Father
Chale	My guy or My Bro
Biz	Ask
Am	Him/her
Go biz am	Go and ask him/her
Kai	Remember
You dey Kai..	Do you remember when…
What be your own?	What’s your business? or Why do you care?
Gbɛkɛ T	Evening Time
Morning T	Morning Time
Afternoon T	Afternoon Time
Kidi/Kiddie	Child, Kid
Look sharp	Be careful, Stay alert
What you go chop?	What do you want to eat?
Suck	Drink
I want suck water	I’m thirsty/I want to drink water
Bof	Bath
I dey bof	I am bathing
Barb	Understand/Grasp
I dey barb!	I get you
You dey barb me?	Do you get me?
Righdee	Right now
E be righdee he lef	He just left
I sati!	I’m full
We go crosh	See you later/Till we meet again
Sake of	Because
I go fit	I can
I no go fit	I can’t
Make we link up	Let’s meet up

Now that you’re armed with over 30 essential Pidgin phrases, you’re ready to explore Ghana like a local! Whether you’re chatting with the friendly people you meet, bargaining in the markets, or just soaking in the culture, knowing Pidgin will make your experience that much richer.

So when someone asks, “Yo Chale, Wossop?” you’ll be able to respond confidently with “I dey!” and keep the conversation flowing. Enjoy your trip to Ghana, and don’t forget to practice these phrases—you’ll be talking like a pro in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Pidgin an official language in Ghana?

No, Pidgin is not an official language in Ghana. The official language is English, though Pidgin is widely spoken informally, especially in urban areas.

2. Is Ghanaian Pidgin similar to Nigerian Pidgin?

Yes, Ghanaian Pidgin and Nigerian Pidgin share many similarities, such as vocabulary and sentence structure. However, there are regional differences in pronunciation and certain expressions.

3. Is Pidgin taught in Ghanaian schools?

No, Pidgin is not formally taught in schools in Ghana. It is learned informally through social interactions, music, and media. Most people learn it when they go to Junior high school and perfect it when they move to Senior high school.

4. Is Pidgin similar to Patois?

While both Pidgin and Patois are forms of creole languages, Patois typically refers to the Jamaican form, which has roots in English and African languages. Pidgin, including the Ghanaian variety, has similar characteristics but varies by region.

5. How do you say “I miss you” in Ghana Pidgin?

“I dey miss you.” Or “I dey miss you waa” to emphasize the feeling.

6. How do you say “I love you” in Ghana Pidgin?

“I dey love you.” Or “I dey love you waa” to emphasize the feeling.