It’s 2024 and things have changed; the Ghana Cedi has depreciated against the US Dollar. And internet services are now expensive. Let’s take a deep dive into the cost of websites in Ghana.
One of the first questions that comes to mind when planning on getting your first website is: “How much is the cost of a website in Ghana?”
If you happen to know a web developer, then you are just a phone call away from knowing the cost. If you don’t know anyone in the web space, then you probably turn to Google to get that question answered.
If that’s the question you’re currently asking, you’re at the right place. This article seeks to guide you to know the cost of a website in Ghana.
How much does it cost to develop a website in Ghana?
“It depends” but the price of a website in Ghana is still affordable. Before I break it down for you, know that the cost of a website in Ghana could be anywhere between GH₵ 1500 and GH₵ 8000 a year.
Yes, it depends on the kind of website you desire to get built and the kind of web applications you want on your website.
This article aims to explore the costs associated with creating websites for service organizations, including hotels, restaurants, gyms, clinics, NGOs, personal blogs, and product businesses like boutiques, pharmacies, beauty shops and more.
The article will not cover the costs associated with more complex websites such as social media, betting, or music streaming platforms. These types of sites are intricate, time-consuming to develop, and consequently, more costly.
Below are factors that will determine how much you pay for a well-functioning website:
## Domain Name Registration
Selecting and registering a domain name are the initial steps toward establishing your online presence. A domain name serves as the address for your website, allowing users to navigate to your site.
Typically, you would register your brand name or a name that is closely associated with your brand. There are numerous domain registrars available to determine if your desired domain name is available or already in use. If it is available, you should register it without delay.
Since most single-word brand names are already taken, it is recommended to append ‘gh’ to your brand name when registering a new domain.
Additionally, you can select a domain name that concludes with .com.gh.
GoDaddy and Namecheap are registrars that offer an easy process for purchasing your domain name. Registering a domain with a .com or .org extension typically ranges from GH₵ 175 to GH₵ 240 annually. However, the com.gh extension usually incurs a higher cost.
You can personally purchase your domain name on any of the above sites or let a web agency in Ghana take care of it for you.
There are other local Ghanaian company like CediCloud who can register a domain name for you.
## Web Hosting
A web host can be defined as a location where web files are stored. It securely houses your files, ensuring that when a visitor wishes to access your website, the web pages are delivered from the web host’s servers.
There are different hosting packages, and web hosting companies charge various fees for hosting your web files.
If you plan on starting a personal blog or a website for your business, then the price you pay for your website shouldn’t be more than GH₵ 1500 a year.
Many web hosting providers offer flexible plans, allowing you to upgrade your hosting package as your website begins to attract more visitors. This enables you to begin with an affordable, basic plan and upgrade as needed.
Selecting a reliable web hosting service provider is crucial. Beware of free or extremely cheap hosting packages, as they often lack reliability and security. For a quality service, you should expect to invest a minimum of GH₵ 1000 annually.
Before selecting a web hosting service, ensure you read online reviews to assess their credibility. Additionally, do not compromise on speed and customer support when choosing your hosting partner, as these elements are crucial to your website’s success.
## Web Designing and Development
Web design companies will have to design and develop websites that suit your desires.
It takes skills and time to come up with design ideas. And a designer/developer will have to code and/or use paid-for software to turn those ideas into a beautiful and functional website.
Often, clients may change their minds on the design and features they want on their websites, and web agencies would have to listen and develop the website according to their clients’ preferences.
Web agencies therefore charge for designing and building websites. In Ghana, some may charge as low as GH₵ 1000 or a high as GH₵ 4500 for the development process.
User experience (UX) and User interface (UI) are very important when it comes developing a website.
## Web Maintenance
Web agencies play a crucial role in web maintenance, which includes adding content such as pictures, articles, and products, updating software and plugins, creating new pages, and monitoring websites for security issues.
In addition, web design and development companies offer web support services.
Some web agencies offer basic maintenance and support services at no cost, while others charge for premium services, such as 24/7 call support and daily website backups. These additional services could cost around GH₵ 1000.
| Personal Blog (WordPress) | GH₵ 1000 to GH₵ 1500 |
| Organisation (NGO) | GH₵ 1800 to GH₵ 3000 |
| Dental Clinic (With Appointment) | GH₵ 2000 to GH₵ 3500 |
| One Page Website | GH₵ 1500 to GH₵ 1800 |
| New Restaurant (E-commerce) | GH₵ 3500 to GH₵ 8000 |
| Bridal Services (Without Ecommerce) | GH₵ 2500 to GH₵ 3500 |
But need an affordable web design agency to work with, I recommend Xtottel Ltd. for your business to turn your ideas into reality.
## Competition and Promotions
Due to the lack of monopoly in Ghana’s web design industry, many agencies frequently offer discounts, which typically results in lower costs for website creation.
Many of these promotions are available for a limited time; therefore, it’s important to inquire with the agency about the charges for the following years.
## Conclusion
As you can see, creating an effective website involves significant effort and investment. To acquire such a website, one must be prepared to spend money.
Exercise caution with any web design company that offers to build a website for free or for less than GH₵ 900.