Web hosting is a service that enables your website to live on the internet. It allows customers to access your website. Think of it as a space online to store all your website files and make your website accessible to customers. In the absence of hosting, your domain name won’t yield any result when customers search for it online.
Hosting is made available by a web hosting provider and comes in various types, each affecting website speed, security and traffic. The type of web hosting you choose informs hosting costs and can influence website development costs, especially for sites with higher performance, security, compliance, or uptime needs.
The best web hosting provider ensures that your hosting plan is suitable and contributes to the performance of your website. That’s why careful scrutiny is required in choosing the best web hosting provider for your business in Ghana.
In this guide, we compare web hosting providers in Ghana, assessing performance, features, reliability, support and overall value to enable you choose the best hosting for your website.
Hosting Types Explained
Choosing the best web hosting in Ghana directly impacts the performance, visibility, cost and overall function of the website. There are different hosting types, with each offering specific benefits and limitations. By understanding each hosting type, you can make an informed choice and avoid common hosting mistakes that businesses in Ghana often make.
1. Shared Hosting
This is the common type of hosting where your website shares a single server with other websites. Remember, web hosting can be likened to a rented space on the internet where your website files are stored and made accessible to customers. In shared hosting, you use the same space as other websites, sharing resources such as RAM, CPU and disk space.
This hosting type is easy to manage and cost-effective, making it appropriate for small blogs and websites that attract low to moderate traffic. Limitations of using a shared server include poor performance when a website on the server has high traffic and little room for customization and sophisticated features. Overall shared hosting ensures that you have essential features at a low cost to keep your website running if you’re a small business.
2. VPS Hosting
Under VPS hosting, a single physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. This makes it possible for multiple websites to use a dedicated portion of the server’s resources. Picture a big space that’s divided into sections, where each section is allocated to a single website. That is how VPS hosting works. Unlike shared hosting where all the websites use the same resources, VPS ensures that each website has its separate resources, allowing for control, customization and optimum performance. This also means it’s more expensive than shared hosting and ideal for growing businesses that attract moderate to high traffic.
3. Dedicated Hosting
Unlike Shared and VPS hosting where one physical server is used by many, dedicated hosting allocates a physical server exclusively to one website. Here, a single website has access to all the resources without having to share with other websites. This leaves room for customization, optimum performance, extensive control, security and sophisticated features.
This impacts the cost making it more expensive than VPS hosting. Dedicated hosting also requires advanced skills to manage. This is ideal for websites that attract heavy traffic and businesses that are heavily relied on by customers 24/7. Examples include Large E-commerce websites, high traffic blogs and corporate websites.
4. WordPress Hosting
This is a specific type of hosting offered for WordPress websites. WordPress hosting offers features such as one-click installation, updates and enhanced security. These are tailored to improve the security, performance and ease of use of WordPress users. This hosting type comes with pre-configured settings, faster load times, and specialized support, making it ideal for WordPress users who desire a seamless experience.
WordPress Hosting is usually available in both shared and managed formats. Shared WordPress Hosting is cost-effective, allowing multiple sites to live on one optimized server. Managed WordPress Hosting provides advanced features such as expert WordPress support, dedicated resources and advanced developer tools. This is ideal for users who need more customization and control. Due to its flexibility, control and ease of use, WordPress remains the top choice of businesses searching for the best web hosting in Ghana.
Evaluation Of Hosting Types
| HOSTING TYPE | PERFORMANCE | COST | SCALABILITY | SECURITY | BEST FOR |
| Shared Hosting | Low | Very Low | Limited | Basic | Beginners, Small Websites |
| VPS Hosting | Medium | Moderate | Good | Strong | Growing businesses, E-Commerce |
| WordPress Hosting | Medium | Moderate | Good | Strong | Beginners, Small Websites and Growing Business |
| Dedicated Hosting | Very High | Expensive | Limited | Very Strong | Enterprises, Large Websites |
Best Web Hosting Providers In Ghana
Here are 4 web hosting providers in Ghana evaluated based on factors such as speed, support and sustainability. Understanding what each provider brings to table is an important step in choosing an appropriate web hosting provider.
- Faciotech
- StormerHost
- HostAfrica
- Web4Africa
Review of the Best Web Hosting Providers In Ghana
The web hosting provider you select impacts the performance, security and the traffic your website attracts. Understanding the pros and cons that comes with each provider is key to making the right choice. Here, we compare hosting providers in Ghana as well as international providers available to Ghanaian businesses.
Faciotech
Faciotech provides affordable and reliable web hosting in Ghana with outstanding uptime and expert support. Backed with advanced infrastructure and data centers across the USA and Canada, Faciotech guarantees 99% uptime. This ensures that your website is always accessible to customers, preventing low sales, bad reputation and poor search engine ranking. With shared hosting as a main product, Faciotech also provides WordPress and VPS hosting options.
The team works around the clock with clearly defined response time, addressing your enquiries and needs. They also provide a free website migration service that allows you to move your website from a previous hosting platform to Faciotech’s platform. Their hosting plans are affordable, making it suitable for Startups, NGOs and Growing businesses.
Faciotech is the first Ghanaian web hosting company to go green. This means that 4% of every hosting package is donated to tree planting initiatives, resulting in over 50 trees planted so far. Faciotech’s clients do not only get access to reliable and affordable hosting, they also make a positive impact on the environment.
Pros
- Green Initiative: 4% of each hosting package is donated to tree planting initiative
- Affordable and flexible plans: NGOs and growing business can access reliable hosting without breaking the bank
- Free Website Migration: Move your website from your current hosting provider to Faciotech with ease. We handle everything for you, including a full backup and secure transfer to Faciotech’s servers, free of charge. Your website stays live and accessible throughout the entire migration process, with no downtime.
- Expert Support: Support team is available to attend to all your needs and enquiries
- 99% Uptime: Ensures your website is always accessible online
- User-friendly Panels: Panels do not require sophisticated tech skills to manage.
Cons
- Not actively selling dedicated hosting currently
Stormerhost
StormerHost provides affordable web hosting in Ghana, guaranteeing high performance and 99.9% uptime. With servers located in the USA and UK, StormerHost ensures the smooth operation of websites, security and 24/7 technical support. From technical assistance to enquiries and general support, client’s needs are efficiently attended to. StormerHost provides Shared, VPS and Dedicated hosting making it suitable for individuals, businesses and enterprises of all sizes. The control panels are easy to manage and do not require high technical skills. Hosting packages are cost-effective while maintaining quality and seamless experiences for clients.
Pros
- Serves a wide range of customers: Hosting services are available for small businesses, growing businesses and large enterprises.
- 24/7 Support: Enquires are addressed by support team all around
- All hosting Types: Provides Shared, VPS, WordPress and Dedicated hosting
- Cloud Technology: Provides latest cloud hosting technologies
- 99.9% Uptime: Ensures your website is always accessible
CONS
- No Green initiatives
HostAfrica
HostAfrica is a web hosting provider in Ghana with a wide range of hosting services. With data centers in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa, HostAfrica provides hosting services that enhance performance, reliability and security. They provide Shared, VPS, Cloud and Dedicated Hosting to businesses and enterprises across Africa. The team offers 24/7 personalized assistance via the ticketing system and live chat, making it possible for customers to receive the support they require.
Pros
- Hosting across Africa: Hosting services are available in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya
- All hosting Types: Provides Shared, VPS, WordPress and Dedicated hosting
- 24/7 Support: Enquires are addressed by support team 24/7
- Affordable Plans: Small businesses can afford hosting plans without breaking the bank
- Cloud Technology: Provides latest cloud hosting technologies
Cons
- No Green Initiative
Web4Africa
Web4Africa provides web hosting solutions in Ghana and Africa. With its four data centers located in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, Web4Africa offers affordable hosting packages for businesses. The company is accredited by ICANN, enabling them to work directly with domain registries. This means business owners can directly purchase domain names and hosting services at affordable prices. Web4Africa provides free domain names for customers who subscribe to annual plans. The downside here is that they do not offer reliable support. There’s no live chat and the support team is extremely slow to respond to enquiries.
Pros
- Free Domain for annual plans: Businesses that purchase annual hosting plans don’t have to pay for a domain name
- Hosting across Africa: Hosting services are available in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya
- All hosting Types: Provides Shared, VPS, WordPress and Dedicated hosting
- Affordable Plans: Small businesses can afford hosting plans without breaking the bank
Cons
- Support Team are slow to respond
- Slow servers
International Hosting Providers
Aside from the web hosting providers in Ghana reviewed, there are international web hosting providers that are available to Ghana businesses. There are some differences between using local and international hosting providers. Here, however, we only focus on the pros and cons that comes with international hosting providers.
Hostinger
Hostinger provides affordable long-term hosting plans, owning data centers across the world. They offer strong performance, high speed and reliable uptime. The control panel is beginner friendly and supports WordPress websites. Businesses get access to shared, cloud and VPS hosting based on their needs. The downside is that support for customers enquiries are usually slow, requiring improvement.
Bluehost
Bluehost is suitable for small and growing businesses with WordPress websites. They provide a free domain for the first year as well as a free SSL certificate. Hosting plans are affordable and support is available 24/7. The main downside is the limited storage on the starter plans. Also, migrating your website from a different hosting platform is a bit costly.
Dreamhost
DreamHost guarantees100% uptime making it suitable for businesses that require reliable access to the website regardless of traffic. Hosting packages come with free domain and daily backups. The drawback is that the starter account does not come with email accounts. They must be purchased separately.
How to Choose the Best Web Hosting Provider in Ghana: A Practical Checklist
Choosing the best web hosting provider in Ghana requires taking into consideration specific factors such as Payment options, Cedi pricing and Customer Support Time zone.
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Website type
You can only identify the best web hosting for your business when you understand the type of website your business needs. Website type is determined by the number of visitors you aim to attract and the kind of information you require on your website. Most hosting providers in Ghana offer different types of hosting based on the kind of website your business needs.
Here’s a list of hosting type recommendations based on website type:
a. Small Business Website
This website attracts fewer visitors and requires low storage due to fewer images, videos and files.
Shared Hosting
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- Cheaper
- Easy to Manage
- Best for low traffic
b. E-commerce and Growing Businesses Website
This website attracts moderate to high customers, requires speed and large storage due to a high number of images
VPS hosting
- Better speed and large storage
- Best for moderate to high traffic
- Moderate Cost
c. Large Companies
These are companies like Banks that attract heavy traffic.
Dedicated Hosting
- Maximum control, speed and security
- Best for high traffic
- Expensive and complex to manage
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Payment Option
It’s important to consider if the hosting company provides payment options that are easily accessible to Ghanaian businesses. For instance, some hosting providers require PayPal for payment but PayPal is not available in Ghana. The best web hosting should make it easy and comfortable to pay for hosting plans. Faciotech and StormerHost allow business owners to make payments via mobile money.
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Cedi Pricing
Many web hosting providers quote in dollars making it unfavorable for Ghanaian customers. Prices in dollars results in a lack of certainty on the amount to pay each time you need to renew your hosting. When choosing a hosting provider, it is important to verify if the hosting plans are in cedis. Faciotech provides hosting plans in cedis making it easy for business owners to budget ahead for hosting payments.
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Customer Support Time zone
Purchasing hosting for your website usually comes with questions and requests. Most hosting providers provide support during different time zones, making it difficult for Ghanaian business to access support on time. It’s important to ensure that the hosting provider you choose provides support using GMT. Faciotech has a support team specifically for Ghanaian customers, making it easy to get your enquiries and requests addressed on time.
To choose the best web hosting provider for your business, it’s important to assess hosting types, features, prices, security, ease of use and customer support. It’s important to consider if the hosting provider caters specifically to the needs of Ghana business owners.
Faciotech provides Shared, VPS and WordPress hosting at affordable costs for Startups, Small businesses and NGOs. They also make prices available in cedis and accept payments via mobile money. Their support team operates during Ghanaian hours, making it the best choice for businesses that are yet to build their first websites and those that need to migrate their website from a different hosting platform to Faciotech. If you need hosting for your website or free migration from a previous hosting provider, Faciotech is the best web hosting provider for businesses in Ghana.
