Ghana is a hospitable country and a model of peace and political stability in the West African region. It has a presidential system of government, with presidential elections held every four years. As in any foreign country, it is, however, important to know what and what not to do under certain circumstances. This guideline contains health and security guidelines to help you enjoy your stay in Ghana.
APPLICATION FOR VISA
Please visit the website of the nearest Embassy of Ghana for the latest updates on visa requirements. Please plan to obtain your visa four weeks before traveling.
Australia: Ghana High Commission (AUS)
United Kingdom:- Ghana High Commission UK
United States:- Ghana Embassy (USA)
Travel Information
Among some of the major airlines that service Kotoka International Airport in Accra are:
- Emirates, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Alitalia, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Virgin Airlines, South African Airways etc.
- Travel to Kumasi can be undertaken by road or by Air – please check your preference.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Health
IMPORTANT: Malaria prevention medication (mefloquine [Lariam] or doxycycline), to be taken daily or weekly.
IMPORTANT: Mosquito repellent, with at least 20-30% DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide). Optional: flying-insect spray or mosquito coils to help clear rooms of mosquitoes (product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide). It is also advised that medical precautions in the form of prophylaxes are taken against malaria prior to arrival in Ghana.
DELEGATES should obtain a valid Medical Certificate showing vaccination against Yellow Fever. Good medical facilities are found in all major towns and cities. Delegates are advised to carry sufficient quantities of any prescription drugs they need to take.
You may take along a radio or other electronic equipment, but note that Ghana uses 220-240 volts, the same as Australia and the UK, but America uses 120 volts. Most bathrooms at the Guest Centre and Hotels, however, have dual voltage sockets for driers and shavers. Remember to take along two European-style adapters (around one and a rectangular one) to plug into the sockets.
PHONE CALLS
Telephone: You may bring a mobile phone. The phone type that will work in Ghana has the following specifications:
GSM phone (World Phone), 900 and 1900 frequency (dual or quad-band); it must be unlocked. Upon arrival, you can buy a SIM-Card to be placed in it for use (a simple procedure). One may also purchase a new or used the phone easily upon arrival.
Additionally, at most hotels, you can receive or send calls directly from your room. These options are more expensive.
Codes: Ghana – 233; Accra – 302
To dial within Ghana, you need to include 0 for city code: e.g. 0302 555-2366
To call Ghana from overseas, exclude 0 from the city code: e.g. 233 302 555…
MONEY
The local currency is called Cedis. You will not be able to cash any personal cheques drawn on most banks while in Ghana. Cashing traveller’s cheques can also be troublesome, so it is recommended that you carry a little bit of cash (dollars, pounds, euro), which you can readily exchange at Forex Bureaus. You can also withdraw money at ATMs. A lower rate applies when exchanging “small” denomination U.S. bills ($50 or $100 bills are ideal). There is no problem changing Cedis back to foreign currencies.
Even though the most widely accepted credit cards are Mastercard and Visa, you are dissuaded from using these cards: they can attract heavy surcharges and they can attract fraud. Use them mainly to get cash advances.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport is local mini-buses for intra-city use called “tro-tro” as well as taxis are widely available. Taxi prices are negotiable and best get a local to negotiate before you depart.
Uber is also available in Accra. you can find out more from Uber Ghana
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
- If possible, always lock your handbags/baggage. If the item has a shoulder strap, wear the strap across your body.
- Do not wear or carry expensive items, including expensive luggage. Do not wear attractive jewellery.
- As a foreigner in a metropolitan area, you need to be aware of pickpockets, as they tend to prey on people who look lost or are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Do not put valuables in the exterior pockets of your pants, your backpacks, or in bags that are open at the top. You may keep your wallet in your exterior pocket only if the pocket is buttoned. Hold on tightly especially to your camera and mobile phone. On the bus, in taxis, or in crowds, hold your handbag or wallet tightly to your body (do not hang them loose).
- At the Hotel or Guest Centre you may keep important belongings and money in a safe deposit box at the bursar’s office.
- It is alright to walk at night but avoid dark areas. If you go out at night, it is a good idea to do so in company; it’s also better to stay on heavily traveled streets.
- Beware of traffic; do not always expect a driver to wait for you as a pedestrian. Driving is on the Left hand side. Avoid walking too close to streets or buildings. Walk against the flow of traffic so oncoming vehicles can be observed.
Private Tourism
Unless participants have their own means of transportation, other long-distance tourism should be arranged with care. Still, one can always form a small group and hire a taxi (no more than US$50) or rent a car with a driver (about US$80 plus petrol) and visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens, a small town 30 minutes away from the University of Ghana campus. The drive there offers beautiful scenery with rolling hills. The garden itself is attractive and has a restaurant inside the garden. Entrance fees are minimal. The town also has an arts-and-crafts market where you can shop affordably.
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