Ghana Slang Dictionary

Ghanaian slang mixes Ghanaian Pidgin English with Twi, Ga and other local languages into the everyday street talk of Accra, Kumasi and beyond. From university campuses to trotro rides, it's expressive, humorous and constantly evolving. Iconic words like chale, obroni, dumsor and eti sen capture Ghanaian warmth and wit. Browse the growing, community-built dictionary of Ghanaian slang below - and if you know a word that's missing, be the first to define it.

To be greedy or selfish (literally "eyes are red").
Example

His eye red, he no wan share.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Trouble or problem. Shared across West African pidgin.
Example

Chale, som wahala dey oo.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

Paa

Very, a lot, or intensely. Twi intensifier.
Example

The food sweet paa.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Chaley is a way to address a friend. It originates from the Ga language but is widely used in Accra and other parts of Ghana by both Ga speakers and non-speakers.
Example

As a Greeting: "Chaley, how far?" means "Hey my friend, what's up?"

To Emphasize a Point: Stretching the wordβ€”"Chaleyyyyy!"β€”is often used to express extreme surprise, admiration, or exaggeration.

Kofi • 17 July 2026
β€œMomo” is short for mobile money in Ghana.

The phrase β€œDo am momo” directly translates to β€œDo it mobile money”, meaning just send it via mobile money.
Example

Friend 1: Here is some gift for your birthday.

Friend 2: Do Am Momo.

Kofi • 17 July 2026
Currency of Ghana (GHS) issued by the Bank of Ghana. 1 Cedi = 100 pesewas.
Example

The current cedi was introduced in 2007 with a revaluation of 10,000:1.

Travel Admin • 21 July 2025
Ghana's coastal capital blending colonial history with pan-African cultural influence.
Example

Accra's Makola Market embodies the city's entrepreneurial spirit.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
A stable West African democracy known for gold, cocoa, and as a center of pan-African culture.
Example

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025

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