2 March 2026
What to Look for When Hiring a Web Developer or Agency in Ghana
Not all developers are equal — and price alone is a terrible filter. Here's what to actually evaluate before you hand over a deposit.
Hiring a web developer or agency in Ghana can feel like a gamble. Stories of abandoned projects, unusable websites, and disappeared freelancers are common. Most of these situations could have been avoided with better due diligence upfront. Here's what to look for.
1. A Portfolio With Real, Live Work
Anyone can claim they build websites. Ask to see live examples. Visit the sites they built. Are they fast? Do they look good on your phone? Are they still online and maintained?
Be cautious of portfolios showing only screenshots or mockups — these could be designs that were never built, or sites that have since been taken down.
2. A Clear Process
A professional developer or agency should be able to explain their process:
- How do they gather requirements?
- Do they show you work in progress before the final delivery?
- How many rounds of revisions are included?
- What happens if you want changes after launch?
Vague answers to these questions are a warning sign. Clear answers signal that they've done this before and know what to expect.
3. Transparent Pricing
Be wary of quotes that are suspiciously low — they often come with hidden costs or corners cut. Equally, expensive doesn't automatically mean better.
A good quote should clearly itemise what's included: design, development, hosting, domain, SSL, mobile optimisation, basic SEO, training. If the quote is a single lump sum with no breakdown, ask for one.
4. Communication and Responsiveness
How quickly do they respond to your initial enquiry? Do they ask good questions about your business and goals, or do they jump straight to quoting?
The responsiveness you experience during the sales process is usually a preview of what you'll get during the project. Slow responses at the start often mean slow responses when you have a problem six months after launch.
5. Post-Launch Support
A website needs maintenance: security updates, content changes, the occasional fix when something breaks. Ask explicitly what happens after the site goes live:
- Who do you call if the site goes down?
- Is maintenance included, or is it charged separately?
- How quickly do they respond to support requests?
A developer who disappears after collecting payment is unfortunately common. A support agreement — even a simple one — provides some protection.
6. They Ask About Your Business, Not Just Your Website
The best developers and agencies treat a website as a tool for your business, not a creative exercise. They should ask: Who are your customers? What do you want them to do when they land on your site? What's working or not working with your current setup?
If a developer only talks about design and technology without understanding your business goals, the final product may look impressive but fail to actually help you.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No portfolio or only mockups
- Reluctance to put the project scope in writing
- Asking for 100% payment upfront
- No mention of mobile optimisation or SEO
- Unable to explain the technologies they use
- No clear timeline or milestones
The Bottom Line
A website is an investment in your business. Take the same care you would hiring any other professional. Ask for references, read the contract carefully, and make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.
MIGT provides full transparency at every stage — from scoping to launch and beyond. Get in touch to discuss your project.