Visa & Immigration
PASSPORT
A valid passport is mandatory.
VISAS
Required of most non-residents. ECOWAS nationals are exempt. For more details, consult the Ghana Mission or Consular Office near you or the Ghana Immigration Service.
HEALTH
Yellow fever vaccination is required by all. Infants under one year are exempt.
Business
BUSINESS HOURS
General: 080:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00. Banks: 08:30 to 17:00 Mondays to Fridays. Except a few that close at 16:00. Saturday banking & 24hr ATM services are generally available.
LOCAL TIME
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
ELECTRICITY
220/240 volts
NATIONAL DIALLING CODE
+233
CREDIT CARD AND CURRENCY FACILITIES
Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit/debit(check) cards in Ghana. You can pay with your card at leading hotels, airlines, and supermarkets. Foreign currency can be exchanged at forex facilities and banks.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency in Ghana is the Ghana cedi (pronounced “CD”). There are 100 pesewas to a cedi.
Denominations:
• Notes- 1 cedi, 2 cedis, 5 cedis, 20 cedis, 50 cedis, 100 cedis and 200 cedis
• Coins- 1 pesewa, 5 pesewas, 20 pesewas, 50 pesewas, 1 cedi and 2 cedis
Climate
A WELCOMING CLIMATE
Ghana is an ‘any time’ destination thanks to its consistent climate, with only a slight variation in temperature throughout the year.
Lying just above the equator, Ghana has a tropical climate – typically hot and humid with seasonal rains.
The weather is generally warm and comparatively dry along the south-east coast, hot and humid in the south-west, and hot and dry in the north. In most areas, temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August.
Ghana’s high season for tourism is within the festive occasions and seasons (Christmas, Festivals, Special Events, etc.)
The coolest time of the year is the wet season, with clear skies, lush growth and temperatures of 23 to 31 degrees Celsius.
In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from April to June and September to mid-November. The dry months – and the easiest times for travelling within Ghana – are from November to March and during July and August.
In the hotter and drier north, there is one rainy season lasting from April to October.
CLOTHING
• Loose, cool clothing is recommended all year round. Even in coolest times, a long-sleeved shirt or light sweater is generally sufficient.
• Dress is conservative in Ghana and long trousers are generally worn. Shorts are acceptable only if they are at least knee-length. Revealing clothing or items with suggestive slogans are considered inappropriate.
• Rainwear is useful from April to September.
Safety & Security
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Ghana is considered a peaceful and safe country, but visitors are advised to be wary of strangers and to avoid secluded and quiet places. Personal effects and important documents must be kept secure.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Visitors are encouraged to take photographs but avoid taking pictures of the Flagstaff House (the seat of government), military installations and the airport.
Other Tips
GREETINGS, WAVING & RECEIPT OF THINGS
The right hand is the acceptable cultural practice of greeting, waving, and receiving items.
USEFUL ITEMS
• Mosquito repellent is a good precaution and you may wish to take medication for malaria prevention.
• A torch (flashlight) is useful in case of power outages or lack of streetlights.
• Birdwatchers should bring their own binoculars.
• If staying at an ecotourism site, bring a top sheet and towels.
• A spare toilet roll is a good idea.
DRIVING
Ghanaians drive on the right. visitors require an international driving license and insurance. Vehicles driven across the borders require a special permit. Night driving is not recommended because of poor road conditions outside cities.
MEDICAL AID
Modern private and public hospitals and clinics are available in all cities and big towns. Health insurance is advised.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water is generally used but bottled mineral water is recommended.
TIPPING
The quality of service should dictate your generosity to waiters, taxi drivers, porters, guides, etc.
HOTELS
Ghana’s hotels are classified according to the international star system, from one to five. There are also budget hotels with minimum standards of sanitation and comfort. The grade of a hotel is shown on the license issued by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and displayed at reception.
RESTAURANTS
There is wide choice of international restaurants, particularly in Accra and Kumasi. Visitors can also sample delicious spicy Ghanaian dishes at local restaurants (chop bars).
ENTERTAINMENT
Urban Ghana comes alive in the evenings with everything from cultural entertainment to theatres, cinemas, discotheques, pubs and casinos. Ask your hotel reception for details.
SHOPPING
There are many opportunities to shop for souvenirs at craft shops, art galleries, open markets, malls, jewelry shops and craft villages. A quick trip to Osu or the Art Centre will yield great results.