🌍 Makola Digital Blog

University life in Ghana is exciting but expensive. Between rent, feeding, transport, data bundles and academic materials, most students struggle financially. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make extra money as a student in Ghana without sacrificing your studies. Here are the top 10 side hustles working right now in 2026.

1. Sell Products Online

One of the easiest ways to make money as a student is to buy and resell products online. You don't need a shop — just a smartphone and an internet connection. Popular products students sell include:

• Fashion items and accessories
• Skincare and beauty products
• Second hand phones and electronics
• Imported goods from Turkey, China or Dubai
• Homemade food and snacks

List your products for free on Makola Digital and reach buyers across Ghana. Many students make GHS 500–3,000 per month from online selling alone.

2. Freelance Graphics Design

If you know how to use Canva, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you can earn good money designing logos, flyers, social media posts and branding materials for businesses. Accra is full of small businesses that need affordable design work.

• Logo design: GHS 150–500 per logo
• Social media graphics: GHS 50–200 per post
• Flyer design: GHS 80–300 per flyer
• Platforms to find clients: Fiverr, Upwork, Instagram, LinkedIn

3. Tutoring & Teaching

If you excel in a subject, you can tutor JHS and SHS students. Parents in Accra pay well for private tutors especially in Mathematics, Science, English and French.

• Earnings: GHS 50–200 per hour depending on level and subject
• Weekend and evening sessions work best around your class schedule
• Advertise on Makola Digital under Services
• WhatsApp groups in your area are great for finding clients

4. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)

Ghana's creator economy is booming. If you're entertaining, informative or skilled at something, you can build an audience and monetize through brand deals, YouTube AdSense and TikTok creator fund.

• YouTube: monetize after 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours
• TikTok: brand deals start coming at 10,000–50,000 followers
• Instagram: reels and brand partnerships
• Popular niches: comedy, lifestyle, campus life, food, tech reviews

5. Ride-Hailing Driver (Bolt / Uber)

If you have a car or access to one, driving for Bolt or Uber on weekends and evenings can earn you GHS 500–2,000 per month depending on how many hours you put in. Many students with cars use this to pay their rent and feeding.

6. Photography & Videography

Events happen every weekend in Accra — weddings, parties, graduations, corporate events. If you have a decent camera (even a good smartphone), you can charge for photography and videography services.

• Event photography: GHS 300–1,500 per event
• Graduation photography: GHS 200–800 per session
• Product photography for businesses: GHS 100–500 per session

7. Web Development & IT Services

Ghana's digital economy is growing fast and businesses need websites, apps and IT support. If you study Computer Science or have taught yourself coding, this is one of the highest-paying student side hustles available.

• Basic website: GHS 500–2,000
• E-commerce website: GHS 1,500–5,000
• IT support and repairs: GHS 100–500 per job
• List your services on Makola Digital to find clients

8. Catering & Food Business

Students are always hungry and many don't have time to cook. If you can cook well, you can sell food to your fellow students. Jollof rice, waakye, fried rice and pastries are always popular.

• Cook and sell on campus or in your hostel
• Take orders via WhatsApp for delivery
• Many students make GHS 1,000–4,000 per month from food businesses
• Start small with GHS 200–500 capital

9. Social Media Management

Many small businesses in Ghana have Facebook and Instagram pages but don't know how to manage them effectively. You can offer to manage their social media, create content and grow their following for a monthly retainer.

• Monthly retainer: GHS 300–1,500 per client
• Start with 2–3 clients to fit around your studies
• No expensive equipment needed — just a smartphone and creativity

10. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products and services online and earn a commission for every sale or referral you generate. Many Ghanaian businesses and international platforms offer affiliate programs.

• Promote products on WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram or a blog
• Jumia Ghana, Telecel, MTN and many local businesses have affiliate programs
• Earnings vary — some students make GHS 500–3,000 per month
• Works well combined with content creation

Tips for Balancing a Side Hustle With Your Studies

• Set clear hours — dedicate specific times to your hustle so it doesn't affect studies
• Start with one hustle — master one before adding another
• Use school breaks — long vacations are the best time to hustle hard
• Save first — put at least 20% of your earnings into savings
• Network on campus — your classmates and lecturers can become your first clients

Start Your Hustle on Makola Digital

Whether you're selling products, offering services or looking for clients, Makola Digital is the perfect platform to start and grow your student side hustle. List for free and reach buyers and clients across Ghana today.