GHANA TODAY:

Ghana is located on the West Coast of Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea, and is bordered by the Ivory Coast on the West, Togo on the East and Burkina Faso on the North. The total land area of Ghana is: 93,030 sq. miles.

 

Ghana's average temperature shows little variety. It fluctuates between 72 F and 84 F.  Ghana has two major seasons (1) Dry Season, which occurs from December - January, and (2) The Rainy Season which takes place from April - June.  The typical temperature for October/November is 78-86 degrees. 

 

Ghana is a friendly and stable multiparty democratic republic that enjoys an expanding and vibrant economy built on gold, precious minerals, cocoa, timber and tourism. Ghana is rapidly developing an economy and infrastructure that will allow her to join the newly industrialized African economies shortly. Ghana practices a laissez faire economy with a floating currency and wide use of foreign exchange bureaus and credit card facilities. Ghana’s stock exchange is booming with much of its trading accomplished by external investors. Ghana also has attractive investment incentives and guarantees for local and foreign investors.

 

GHANA AT A GLANCE:

* Land Area: 238,540 sq. km (93,030 sq. miles)

* Population: 24 million

* Capital City: Accra (Pop. 3 million)

* People: Akan, Mole-Dagbane, Ewe, Ga, Gonja, Dagoma.

* Languages: Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbane, Hausa and English as official language.

* Religion: Christianity, Muslim, and African Traditional Religion

* Government: Democracy

* President: John Mahama

* GDP per head: US $2,310

 

WHAT TO WEAR:

Lightweight cotton and or breathable/quick-dry clothing is always preferable.Comfortable footwear is a must, hats caps or visors are recommended if sensitive to direct sunlight (bring your preferred sunscreen if needed). A jacket and tie may be required if you plan on conducting some form of official business; otherwise, Ghanaian dress casually on most occasions. * At least one “Business-Casual” outfit is recommended. *Don't forget Luggage restrictions (see Luggage) when packing, please factor that the hot climate/perspiring may necessitate specific to preference, more than one outfit per day.

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CURRENCY/BANKS:

Ghana’s currency is the “Cedi”. Banks and Foreign Bureaus post rates of exchange daily. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency (cash) that can be brought into Ghana. Banking institutions are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

Currently the exchange rate for the US Dollar to Cedi is 5.20 Cedis per each US Dollar, so it is almost one to one. Traveler’s checks are always recommended for safety; however, it is not easy to cash because you can only cash them in few International banks. If you are carrying more than $2,000.00 (US), it is recommended that you divide your funds between Visa check card and cash. There are many ATM machines where you can take cash with your Visa card. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club credit cards are also accepted in hotels, banks and some shops. Ensure that the US currency (cash) in your possession is in the form of new/newer bills in serviceable condition and in larger denomination ($50 and $100 notes).

 

TIPPING/GRATUITY:

Tipping as in the United States is permitted in hotels, restaurants, etc. Gratuity however is rarely formally added to a bill. Therefore the quality of service should dictate how you demonstrate your generosity to the waiters, porters, taxi drivers, tour guides, etc.

 

ELECTRICITY:

Electrical supply to outlets is normally 220 volts. The 120-volt appliances used in the United States (electric razors, clocks, cell phone chargers, laptops hair dryers etc) will require adapters.

 

INOCULATIONS/HEALTH AIDS:

You are required to receive Yellow Fever and can request a Malaria immunization for the trip to West Africa. Bring along the highest strength of the mosquito repellent (Dee repellent is a good brand to use) and anti-malaria tablets (see your Doctor).

 

OVER SEAS MEDICAL CARE/MEDICAL FACILITY:

*On-call Physician: Dr. Adrian Oddoye (MB ChB) General Practice

*Medical Clinic experience in treating American visitors: Akai House Clinic; Tel/Fax: 763821/2

Email: aoddoye@africaonline.com.gh

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SHOPPING:

Ghana is a great place to shop for authentic African goods. Local Ghanaian fashion is world-renowned and Ghana is the home for KENTE and ADINKRA clothes. Markets are the place to buy excellent handicrafts, art, instruments, jewelry and souvenirs of every description. They also provide you with a great opportunity to practice your bargaining skills.

 

SHIPPING:

Arrangements to ship purchases too large to carry back can easily be made. Pricing is directly related to method of shipping (sea or air)

 

AIRPORT CHECK-IN TIME:

Counter opens 5 hours before departure and closes 2 hour before departure. This is very important - We recommend that you be at the counter at least 3 hours before departure.

 

AIRPLANE BOARDING:

Boarding is 1 hour before departure. The aircraft door closes 20 minutes before departure and will not be reopened for late passengers.

 

LUGGAGE:

Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage weighing 50Ibs each with a dimension of 62ins. You are also allowed 1 piece of hand luggage weighing 12Ibs. Anything more will attract excess baggage charges.

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO GHANA:

• OFFICIAL UNITED STATES PASSPORT (Valid for at least six months before departure)

• GHANA VISA

• YELLOW FEVER SHOT

• MALARIA PILLS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Contact Physician)

• TRAVEL VISA APPLICATION (for travel to Ghana)

• 2 PASSPORT SIZE PICTURES NEEDED

• VISA APPLICATION FORM AND PROCESSING FEE; ($60.00 for single and $100.00 for multiple entry)

Time Difference – five hours in Winter, four hours in Summer