Website Builder vs Coding in Ghana: What’s the Smarter Choice in 2025?
Ghana’s tech ecosystem is booming—Accra is quickly becoming a vibrant hub for startups, freelancers, and small businesses driving the country’s digital transformation.
As local entrepreneurs seek to establish their online presence, they face a common dilemma: should they use a website builder or learn to code their site from scratch? Or perhaps hire a developer?
This article aims to help Ghanaians decide the most practical, affordable, and scalable way to build websites in 2025.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of website builders and coding, analyse local costs and internet conditions, and offer guidance tailored specifically for Ghanaian users.
How Ghanaians Are Building Websites Today
Common Website Needs in Ghana
Ghanaians build websites for a range of purposes, including:
- Portfolio sites for freelancers like photographers and graphic designers looking to showcase their work (check our guide on the best website builder for artists)
- E-commerce stores selling clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and more as online shopping grows rapidly
- Informational sites for churches, NGOs, and community events providing timely updates and contact info
Builder, Dev, or DIY — What’s Popular?
While many businesses started online using Facebook or WhatsApp pages, there’s a growing shift toward professional websites. Popular platforms among Ghanaians include:
- HostAfrica’s website builder for quick and local hosting
- Google Sites for simple personal or nonprofit sites
- Shopify and WooCommerce for e-commerce ventures
- Truehost Ghana for domain registration and hosting services
This variety shows that many users prefer a low-barrier entry point via website builders, while some freelancers and businesses still opt for custom-coded solutions depending on their needs.
Website Builders in Ghana – Fast, Simple, and Low-Risk
Benefits for Ghanaian Users
Website builders have surged in popularity in Ghana because they offer:
- No coding skills needed, enabling non-technical users to create websites
- Bundled services like hosting, SSL certificates, and professional emails, ideal for solo entrepreneurs
- Fast turnaround times—from zero to a live site in just a few hours
- Lower data and internet usage compared to coding projects, important in regions with limited bandwidth
Locally Recommended Builders
Some Ghanaian-friendly website builders include:
- HostAfrica Website Builder — offers local hosting, domain support, and easy billing in Ghanaian cedi (GHS)
- Truehost Ghana — known for .gh domain registration and simple site creation tools
- Flutterwave Store — for small online shops with integrated payments
- Google Sites — a free, simple option for informational or portfolio websites
When choosing, look for builders that support .com.gh or .gh domains and offer billing options in GHS for easier payments.
When Learning to Code May Be the Better Route
Who Should Learn to Code in Ghana?
Learning to code is a rewarding investment for:
- Aspiring tech professionals and freelancers aiming to build a career in software or web development
- Business owners requiring complex, customised functionality such as advanced booking or payment systems
- Anyone who wants to scale without the limitations imposed by website builder platforms
Learning & Access Barriers in Ghana
However, coding has its challenges locally:
- Mastering coding takes months of dedicated learning
- Frequent power cuts, high data costs, and limited access to modern devices can disrupt study and development
- Developers need to manage hosting setups and content management systems (CMS), which require additional skills and time
Despite these hurdles, coding empowers Ghanaians to create highly customised and scalable websites beyond what builders can offer.
Cost of Website Builders vs Coding vs Hiring in Ghana
| Option | Typical Costs (GHS) | Pros | Cons |
| Website Builder | 30–250/month | Easy, affordable, all-in-one solution | Limited customisation |
| Coding Yourself | 0–2,000 (courses, tools, hosting) | Full control, skill-building | Time-consuming, requires effort |
| Hiring a Developer | 1,500–10,000+ one-time | Hands-off, custom results | High upfront cost |
In Ghana, website builders provide an affordable way to launch online quickly without hiring expensive developers. Learning to code requires investment in courses and hosting but builds valuable skills. Hiring a local developer or agency can deliver bespoke websites but may be costly depending on complexity. Local hosting providers like StormerHost, DTech Ghana, and Hubtel Hosting offer reliable services that can reduce latency and improve site speed for Ghanaian users.
Use Case Scenarios
Understanding real-life scenarios helps clarify which website solution fits best:
- Ama, the Freelance Photographer (Builder User): Ama needed a professional portfolio quickly to attract clients. She used a website builder like ours, launched her site in a day, and managed everything without coding skills.
- Kojo, the E-commerce Store Owner (Hybrid User): Kojo started with a Shopify store but wanted more control over design. He combined a website builder with freelance developer help to add custom payment integration.
- Nana, the Aspiring Developer (Coder User): Nana is learning coding through online courses and building websites from scratch to prepare for freelance work and tech job opportunities.
Hosting Considerations
Choosing the right hosting is crucial for website speed and reliability, especially in Ghana where internet infrastructure varies:
- Local hosting reduces latency: Hosting your site in Ghana or nearby African data centers speeds up access for local visitors.
- Beware of billing in foreign currencies: Some providers charge in USD or Euros, which can be costly due to exchange rates and card restrictions.
- Compatibility with payment methods: Support for Mobile Money services like MTN MoMo and Vodafone Cash is essential for Ghanaian businesses.
Choosing a provider such as ourselves ensures support for local domains (.gh) and convenient billing.
Top Mistakes Ghanaians Make When Choosing a Website Solution
Avoid these common pitfalls to get the most from your website investment:
- Jumping into coding without understanding the ongoing maintenance and hosting requirements.
- Selecting website builders that don’t support Ghanaian domains (.gh) or popular local payment methods like Mobile Money.
- Overlooking hosting uptime and customer support quality, which can cause frustrating downtime.
- Relying solely on Instagram or WhatsApp pages without a professional website, limiting growth potential and credibility.
Combining Both: Best of Builder and Code
Many Ghanaians find success blending website builders with coding:
- Start with a website builder to launch quickly and keep costs low.
- Transition to WordPress with drag-and-drop builders like Elementor to gain more control over design and features.
- Hire developers for specific customisations such as payment integration, advanced booking, or blog setup.
- Use tools like Webflow, which offer design freedom with the option to access and export code, ideal for those scaling up.
This hybrid approach lets you balance speed, cost, and customisation while growing your digital presence.
Ghana-Specific Recommendations: What to Choose & Why
When deciding between a website builder and coding, consider your immediate needs, resources, and long-term goals within the Ghanaian digital landscape.
Use a Website Builder If:
- You need to launch a website quickly without technical skills.
- You’re working with a tight budget but want a professional online presence.
- Your business is a small shop, freelance portfolio, or CV site with straightforward needs.
- You prefer an all-in-one solution with hosting, domain management, and support bundled.
Learn to Code If:
- You are a student or freelancer aiming to build a career in tech.
- You want advanced control and customisation beyond what builders offer.
- You’re prepared to invest time and effort into learning a valuable future-proof skill.
- Your business requires complex features like custom booking, integrations, or scalable e-commerce.
Wrapping It Up: Which Method Fits Your Ghanaian Reality?
Choosing between website builders and coding isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer in Ghana’s fast-growing tech ecosystem. Website builders like our Website Builder offer an affordable, fast, and easy way to get online, especially for solopreneurs and small businesses. Meanwhile, learning to code opens doors to advanced customisation and long-term career opportunities.
Start with what fits your current reality—whether that’s launching a site in hours with a builder or investing in coding skills for the future. Remember, you can always upgrade or combine methods as your goals evolve.
