DESTINATION ACCRA, GHANA
Ghana, nestled along West Africa's Gulf of Guinea just a few degrees north of the equator, is a vibrant country at the heart of the West African coast. It shares borders with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, encompassing a total area similar in size to the United Kingdom or slightly smaller than Oregon.
Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana, is a lively cosmopolitan city and the primary entry point through Kotoka International Airport. Situated on the Gulf of Guinea near the Greenwich Meridian, Accra spans an area of approximately 225 square kilometers (87 square miles).
Accra embodies a captivating blend of old and new, where tradition mingles with diverse cultures. This metropolis is continuously evolving, characterized by its burgeoning skyline of high-rise buildings, ongoing road constructions, and burgeoning urban developments like shopping malls and residential complexes.
"AKWAABA" echoes throughout Ghana, welcoming visitors to a haven that harmonizes tropical beach allure with a compelling historical heritage, diverse cultural tapestry, and intriguing wildlife in national parks. Accra invites exploration, promising an experience that lingers with a smile long after departing its shores.
USEFUL TIPS
Getting to Ghana: Several international airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwanda Airways, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa World Airlines, ASKY, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airline, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines and Delta Airlines, operate regular scheduled flights from Ghana to major cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Climate: Ghana sits in the tropics, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the south, La Cote d'Ivoire in the west, Togo in the east, and Burkina Faso in the north. The country has varied climates: the southwest is like the warm, rainy Amazon forest, while Accra, the capital, is in a dry equatorial area. Kumasi lies in a wet savanna. Ghana spans from 4° to 11° North at the equator and has 540 km of coastline.
In the north, Ghana experiences a rainy season from April to October, while the rest of the year is hot and dry, reaching temperatures of about 38°C. Southern Ghana gets rain from April to June and again from September to October. Temperatures generally range from 21°C to 31°C. During the rainy season, showers come at specific times each day, not continuously throughout.
Packing the Right Clothing: The warm, tropical climate means light, washable cotton clothing and casual wear are your best bet. Don't forget sunglasses and comfy walking shoes. There are no dress restrictions; both men and women can wear slacks and shorts.
Electricity: Ensure your electrical appliances work on or can be adapted to 220/240 volts. Ghana's electric outlets accommodate either 3-pronged or sometimes 2-pronged British or Continental European plugs, or converters.
Money/Currency: Ghana's currency is the cedi, available in GHS 200, 100, 50, 20, 5, and 1 denominations. Coins include 2 and 1 GHS, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, and 1 pesewa. Foreign currency can be exchanged at Forex Bureaux or some commercial banks during their hours of operation.
Traveller’s Cheques: Banks and Forex Bureaux accept Traveller’s Cheques, although the exchange rate might be slightly lower than cash transactions.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, banks, and businesses. They can also be used for payments at airlines, hotels, and supermarkets. Exercise caution to prevent credit card fraud.
Tipping: Tipping is permitted but rarely included in bills. Let the quality of service guide your tipping for waiters, taxi drivers, porters, tour guides, etc., in hotels, restaurants, and other places.
Hotels: Ghana's growing economy and thriving tourist industry offer a diverse array of accommodations. From cosmopolitan to district town and country hotels, each presents varying levels of comfort, elegance, and convenience. Hotels are classified internationally from 5-star to one-star, while local budget options maintain minimum standards of sanitation and comfort.
Communications: Major hotels typically house business centers providing secretarial and courier services. Ghana boasts six telecommunications companies offering voice and data services. Acquiring a SIM card for long-distance calls, both within the country and internationally, is accessible with a valid ID or passport.
Entertainment: Cities and towns across Ghana offer vibrant nightlife, including cultural centers, theaters, cinemas, discotheques, pubs, street cafes, and casinos.
Medical Facilities: Modern hospitals and clinics are available in cities and major towns. Travelers are advised to contact medical insurance companies to ensure coverage for any medical emergencies while away from their home countries.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 191 or 18555
- Fire: 192
- Ambulance: 193
- General Emergency: 112
Drinking Water: Although tap water is safe, it's advisable for visitors to use bottled drinking water, readily available for purchase in hotels and supermarkets.
Restricted Photography and Filming Areas: Certain areas, such as Christianborg Castle, Osu Jubilee House (seat of Government), High Commissions/Embassies, and Military installations, have restrictions on photography and filming.
Kotoka International Airport (KIA): Situated in Accra, KIA is the primary entry point to Ghana, boasting FAA approval for Category 1 Safety and Security Oversight. It's served by 24 carriers with over 170 weekly passenger aircraft movements to more than 36 international destinations worldwide.
Ground Transport: To and From KIA: While private cars are common for airport travel, taxis and rental cars are available for travelers' convenience. Public pool taxis offer fixed charges per passenger for point-to-point travel, and charters can be arranged at negotiated rates.
Airport Lounges
- Departure Lounge: Offers Duty-Free shops, restaurants, bars, and seating areas.
- Arrival Lounge: Includes facilities for specified personnel like State Protocol Lounge for government officials and diplomats.
Cultural Etiquette: Observing greetings, handshakes, and the use of the left hand is significant in Ghana. Greetings mark openness and concern for others, while a handshake should match in pressure. Left-hand use is discouraged, and certain gestures are avoided. Palace etiquette involves respect for chiefs and communication through a spokesman.
Packing Essentials: Loose, cool clothing is recommended year-round, with conservative dress standards. Rain gear during the rainy season (April – September), mosquito repellent, malaria prevention medication, flashlights, and binoculars for bird watching are advised. The Ghana cedi is the local currency, and it's wise to carry your own toiletries and backup supplies like toilet paper, towels, and bed sheets, as they might not always be provided.
