Geography:

Ghana is a West African country bordering Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina and the Atlantic Ocean.  It covers an area of 238,000km.

Capital:

Ghana’s capital is Accra, with a population of 2,000,000 persons

Overall population: 18,000,000 persons

Climate:

In Southern Ghana (Accra area) rainy season is between April and June, with a mild period between June and September, then resuming from September to October with temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees, Fahrenheit. The rest of the year is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching as high as 100 degrees, Fahrenheit.

In the Northern region the rainy season last from April to October.

Time:

Ghana is on GMT

Airport:

Kotoka International Airport is situated 12km from Accra city center.  Hotel shuttle buses  and taxis are readily available.

Airport tax:

A departure tax of about 20 USD is payable by all departing passengers on international flights, and 5 USD on all domestic flights.  Rates change without notice.

Visas:

All visitors require a valid passport and visa.  These can be secured at the Ghanaian Embassy in your country or neighboring country.

Health:

Visitors must provide proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever & Malaria.  The officers are not too strict, but it is suggested that you receive at least the homeopathic vaccination if  not the injection.

Customs:

Tourists can bring in personal items duty free, but for details of trade goods and specialist equipment please contact the  Customs Excise and Preventative Service, or the nearest Ghanaian Embassy.  Customs # 021-666-841 – 4.

Currency:

Ghana’s currency is the Cedi.  Banks and forex bureaus post rates of exchange daily.  There are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought into the country.  It is suggested that you never change more than is necessary for 2-3 days, as the rates change frequently.

Photography:

Photographs of the airport or military sites are forbidden.  Also, it is expected that the consideration given to the natives is no less than you would expect in your own hometown.

Language:

English is the official language, although in more rural areas, you might be challenged to learn some of the more indigenous languages such as Akan, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, and Dagbani.

Religion:

Ghanaians consist mainly of Christians or Muslims, with few followers of traditional faiths.

Electricity:

Electrical supply is normally 220 volts, meaning you can expect surges of higher magnitudes, thus a surge protector is essential.  120-volt appliances will require an adapter.

Communications:

E-mail centers and phone centers are everywhere in the city, with less frequency in the rural areas.

Transportation:

Buses, mini-buses, and taxis are available to take you short and long distances on roads that are mostly good, subject of course, to your definition of good.

Driving:

Ghana drives on the right and requires a current international driving license.

Traditional courtesies:

Visitors to remote villages should pay particular attention to respect the order by first addressing an elder regarding your intentions and bringing a small gift of blessings to show gratitude for the welcome you will no doubt receive.