5 Ways To Make Money Online In Ghana

Table of Contents

• Freelancing
• Crypto Trading
• Affiliate Marketing
• E-commerce
• Online Courses & Tutoring
• Step-by-Step Checklist for Beginners
• To Recap
• FAQs

The Ghanaian online economy has grown rapidly over the past few years. 

This growth increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic when digital technology came to the forefront of daily operations in Africa and worldwide. 

The transition from on-site to remote work led to home-based work, e-commerce, telecommuting, and content marketing. This, in turn, gave rise to numerous online jobs that have boosted the nation’s economy.

According to the International Trade Administration, the ICT sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ghana’s economy, consisting of subsectors such as fintech, health-tech, ed-tech, software, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and more. 

Interestingly, the individuals found within these sectors are from a diverse demography that includes entrepreneurs, professionals, side hustlers, and even students. 

So, if you are looking for a way to become part of the Ghanaian demography that earns from online ventures, you are in the right place.

This guide will walk you through five of the most practical and safe ways to make money online with minimal investment. 

It doesn’t matter if you are just a student or a newbie unfamiliar with the online space. 

This article will serve as a practical guidebook on your journey to making money online.

1. Freelancing

What It Is:

Freelancing allows people to offer their skills or services to clients around the world while staying in their own country. 

Common freelancing jobs include writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, data entry, and virtual assistance. 

Many Ghanaians earn money by freelancing through global platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

Where to Start:

To start freelancing, sign up on platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.com. You’ll need to create a profile, list your skills, and showcase samples of your work to attract potential clients. 

Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also be used to promote your services to a wider audience.

Income Potential:

Freelancing income in Ghana can vary depending on the job type, experience level, and client base. 

For example, freelance writers can earn between GHS 500 and GHS 2,500 per project, while graphic designers or web developers can charge even more. 

Experienced freelancers can earn thousands of Ghanaian cedis monthly from regular clients or larger projects.

Tools & Resources:

Freelancers typically need a computer or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. 

Apps like Zoom and Google Meet are also essential for client meetings, while PayPal and Payoneer are popular for receiving payments. 

Canva can also help social media managers with graphic design, and Grammarly can help writers.

Challenges & Solutions:

One common challenge for freelancers in Ghana is receiving payments from international clients due to banking limitations. 

This can be solved by using platforms that allow PayPal withdrawals or by setting up Payoneer accounts. You can also use your Obiex account to receive payments in USDT and USDC.

Another issue is the inconsistent inflow of jobs and gigs, but you can overcome this by offering quality work and asking satisfied clients for referrals or reviews.

2. Crypto Trading

What It Is:

Crypto trading is the process of buying and selling digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT to make a profit. 

Crypto trading is becoming one of the best ways to make money online in Ghana, especially for tech-savvy individuals. 

Traders make money by purchasing cryptocurrency when its price is low and selling it when it increases. 

Some traders also earn through peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, day trading, arbitrage trading, or scalp trading. 

Where to Start:

To start crypto trading in Ghana, you can open an account on a crypto exchange like Obiex. 

You’ll also need a mobile phone or computer and an internet connection to sign up and use your wallet and other services. 

The Obiex platform allows you to buy crypto using Ghanaian cedi (GHS) and features over 25 cryptocurrencies you can select for your trades.

The Obiex interface is very easy to use. Obiex also provides robust security that protects user accounts and a dedicated customer service available to assist you anytime.

Once registered and verified, you can deposit funds and begin buying and selling cryptocurrency. 

Income Potential:

Crypto trading offers high-income potential, but it also comes with risks. 

Traders can earn between GHS 500 and GHS 5,000 per month, depending on the size of their investments and market trends. 

Some experienced traders in Ghana reportedly earn even more, but profits depend on timing, strategy, and market knowledge. 

Tools & Resources:

• Essential tools you need for crypto trading include a secure cryptocurrency wallet and internet access.
• The Obiex blog provides dedicated resources and content to educate you on different aspects of crypto trading and finance-related topics.
• Ghana-based communities on Telegram and social media groups can also help traders stay informed about the latest trends.

Challenges & Solutions:

• One major challenge in crypto trading is price volatility. Cryptocurrency prices can rise or fall rapidly, leading to potential losses. To minimise this risk, start with small investments and trade only what you can afford to lose. 
• Another challenge is security. Ensure that you use two-factor authentication (2FA) and avoid sharing sensitive account details with anyone. Additionally, always trade on trusted exchanges to avoid scams.

3. Affiliate Marketing

What It Is:

Affiliate marketing involves promoting a product or service through a referral link. Whenever someone clicks on that link and buys the product, you earn a percentage of the sale as a commission. 

Many companies in Ghana and worldwide offer affiliate programs. Some popular options are Jumia Ghana and Amazon.

Where to Start:

To begin, choose an affiliate program that fits your interests. For example, if you enjoy tech gadgets, you can join a program that sells electronics. 

Sign up for the program and get your unique affiliate link. 

Share this link through social media, blogs, or WhatsApp groups.

Income Potential:

Commission rates from affiliate marketing can range from 5% to 30%, depending on the product and company. 

Let’s say you promote a GHS 500 item with a 10% commission. You’ll earn GHS 50 for every sale. Some Ghanaian affiliates make over GHS 2,000 monthly by promoting high-demand products.

Tools & Resources:

• For better conversion rates, use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach more people. 
• A blog or YouTube channel can also help you create engaging content to promote your affiliate links. 
• There are also tools like Google Analytics to track your sales and see what’s working.

Challenges & Solutions:

• One common challenge affiliate marketers face is low traffic. If few people see your link, you won’t make many sales. To fix this, learn basic digital marketing strategies to increase traffic. 

💡Extra Tip: Be transparent with your audience about your affiliate relationship to build trust.

4. E-commerce

What It Is:

E-commerce is the buying and selling of products or services online. This has become a popular way to make money due to increased internet users and smartphone penetration. People now prefer shopping online for convenience and variety. 

Whether you sell clothes, electronics, handmade crafts, or beauty products, e-commerce can be a reliable income source. 

Some popular platforms for selling products in Ghana are Jumia and Tonaton, as well as social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.

Where to Start:

To start with e-commerce, first, choose a product in demand. Conduct basic research on what people in Ghana are buying online— fashion, groceries, electronics, and beauty items are popular options to consider. 

Next, take clear pictures of your product, write a simple description, and list your prices. You can then upload these on platforms like Jumia, Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp Business, or Instagram.

Income Potential:

E-commerce in Ghana has the potential to generate a steady income. For example, sellers on platforms like Jumia can make between GHS 1,000 to GHS 5,000 per month, depending on product demand and marketing efforts. 

High-demand items such as electronics and fashion can bring in even higher revenue with consistent marketing and excellent customer service. 

Some sellers earn enough to run their e-commerce stores as full-time businesses.

Tools & Resources:

• To run an effective e-commerce business, you need a smartphone or computer, reliable internet, and a payment method such as mobile money or bank transfers. 
• Tools like WhatsApp Business, Instagram Shops, and Jumia Seller Center can help you manage orders and communicate with customers. 
• You’ll also need delivery services—companies like Glovo and Bolt Food offer reliable delivery options in Ghana’s major cities.

Challenges & Solutions:

• One common challenge in Ghana’s e-commerce space is trust—customers may be hesitant to pay before receiving products. To solve this, you could offer a “pay on delivery” option where possible. 
• Another challenge is delivery logistics, especially in rural areas. To manage this, partner with multiple delivery companies and always communicate delivery times to your customers. 

💡Extra Tip: Stay competitive by offering reasonable prices and occasional discounts to attract more buyers.

5. Online Courses & Tutoring

What It Is:

Another way to make money online is to teach or share knowledge through the Internet. 

You can teach subjects like editing, writing, languages, content creation (another way to make money online) or even skills like baking or graphic design. 

You could also create pre-recorded courses and sell them on platforms like Udemy and Coursera. 

With more Ghanaians utilising the internet, this has become a popular way to make money online. Why? Many students and working professionals are turning to online learning because it is more flexible and often cheaper than in-person classes.

Where to Start:

To get started, think about the topics you are good at or passionate about. 

You can begin by creating short lessons using a smartphone or video camera, if you have one. 

Uploading your lessons to platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or even YouTube can help you reach a wider audience. 

You can also consider private one-on-one tutoring sessions through video conferencing apps like Zoom or Google Meet. 

Promoting your courses through social media and WhatsApp groups can help attract more students.

Income Potential:

Income from online courses and tutoring depends on the number of students you teach or the number of individuals that buy your course, and the price of your course. 

You can charge between GHS 50 and GHS 200 per hour for private tutoring, depending on the subject and level of expertise. 

If you upload a course on Udemy, the platform typically takes a percentage of the sales, but you can still make hundreds or even thousands of cedis monthly if your course is popular. 

Some tutors make over GHS 5,000 monthly by offering premium courses or private lessons.

Tools & Resources:

• You’ll need basic tools like a smartphone, laptop, reliable internet, and a microphone for clear audio. 
• Editing apps like Canva can help you create visually appealing course materials, while apps like Zoom and Google Meet make online tutoring simple. 
• You can also use Google Classroom to organise your lessons and assignments. 
• Udemy and Coursera are great platforms to upload and sell pre-recorded courses.

Challenges & Solutions:

• One common challenge is attracting students when you are just starting. To overcome this, offer free trial lessons or create short, free courses to build your reputation. 
• Another issue could be internet connectivity problems in some parts of Ghana. In this case, consider pre-recording lessons so students can download and watch them offline. 

💡Extra Tip: Pricing your courses competitively can also help you stand out in the crowded online learning market.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Beginners

1. Identify Your Skills and Interests:

Start by writing down what you are good at or interested in. Are you good at writing, speaking, designing, or teaching?

Identifying your strengths will help you choose a method that fits you best. For example, if you enjoy writing, freelancing or blogging may be one of the best ways to make money online for you.

Before monetising these skills, you have to ensure that you go through some training to attain a professional status so that you don’t offer sub-standard services.

2. Choose A Money Making Method:

Once you know your strengths, choose a way to earn money that matches your skills.

If you want safe ways to make money online, consider options like virtual assistant jobs, selling products, or crypto trading through e-commerce. Selecting the right method can increase your chances of success.

3. Set Up Necessary Accounts or Platforms:

Depending on your chosen method, you will need to create accounts or profiles. 

For example, if you choose freelance writing, editing, graphic or UI/UX design, create a profile on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. 

If you’re exploring e-commerce, you can create a store on popular Ghanaian marketplaces like Tonaton or Jumia. Ensure you use secure, trusted platforms.

If you would love to be a crypto trader, sign up on Obiex, and verify and fund your account to get started.

4. Start Small and Scale Up:

Begin with small, manageable tasks. If you are offering services, start by taking a few projects at a time. 

Once you are comfortable, increase the number or size of your projects. 

For example, if you are trading crypto, invest a small amount first and gradually scale as you gain more experience.

5. Promote Your Business Online:

Promotion is essential for making money online. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your skills or products. 

If you have a small budget, consider using affordable Ghanaian advertising services to promote your work. 

Consistent promotion can help grow your customer base and increase your earnings.

To Recap

• You can earn online in Ghana through freelancing, crypto trading, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and online courses or tutoring.
• Freelancing allows Ghanaians to offer services globally through platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, depending on skills and experience.
• Freelancers need reliable internet, payment tools like PayPal or Payoneer, and platforms such as Canva or Grammarly to work effectively. 
• Crypto trading involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for profit. Ghanaians can trade on platforms like Obiex, with potential monthly earnings of GHS 500 to GHS 5,000, depending on market trends and investment size.
• Crypto traders need secure wallets, reliable internet, and trading apps to scale crypto trading. 
• Affiliate marketing involves promoting products for a commission. Ghanaians can earn up to GHS 2,000 monthly by promoting popular items through affiliate programs.
• Tools like Facebook and Google Analytics help affiliate marketers increase traffic and track sales. The main challenge is low traffic, which can be improved with basic digital marketing strategies.
• E-commerce allows Ghanaians to sell products online through platforms like Jumia and Facebook Marketplace. Sellers can earn between GHS 1,000 and GHS 5,000 monthly with high-demand products.
• E-commerce sellers need product listings, reliable delivery services, and payment options like mobile money to get started. 
• You can create and sell courses on platforms like Udemy or provide one-on-one tutoring sessions through Zoom to earn money online.
• Promoting courses on social media helps attract students and increases earning potential.

Sign up on Obiex to start your crypto trading journey, or subscribe to our blog for more online business tips!

FAQs

Q1. How do I make money in Ghana as a student?

Freelancing, content creation, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and tutoring are great options for students.

Q2. How to make money online in Ghana for free?

Freelancing and affiliate marketing require no upfront fees.

Q3. What is the fastest way to make money online?

Freelancing often provides the quickest returns as some tasks can be completed within a day.

Q4. What are the top 5 ways to make money online?

Freelancing, crypto trading, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and online courses.

Q5. What are the best ways to make money online in Ghana?

All five methods listed above are practical for Ghanaians.

Q6. Are there legal ways to make money online?

Yes, all the methods in this guide are legal.

Q7. What does it cost to start these methods?

Most methods can be started with just a smartphone and internet connection.

Q8. What are creative ways to make money online?

Content creation and online tutoring are creative options.

Q9. What happens if I face challenges?

Reach out for help, use online resources, and adjust your approach.

Q10. Can I do multiple methods at once?

Yes, combining methods can help you diversify your income.

Disclaimer: This article was written to provide guidance and understanding. It is not an exhaustive article and should not be taken as financial advice. Obiex will not be held liable for your investment decisions.