Ghana has several international airlines that fly to major cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East on a regular basis.
Health Requirements
Unless you are under one year old, a yellow fever vaccination is required. Do not forget to bring your health certificate that includes the proof of your yellow fever vaccination. Also, speak with your doctor as soon as possible so you can start taking anti-malaria medication before your visit.
Climate
On the south, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by La Cote d’Ivoire. On the east, it is bounded by Togo and Burkina Faso. Ghana is a tropical nation with a hot climate. The South Western portion is covered in warm wet forest similar to that of the Amazon. Accra, the administrative capital, is located in northern equatorial cones. Kumasi is in a wet savanna region. It’s located between 4° and 11° North at the equator with a length of 540 kilometers on its coast.)
The average temperature in Northern Ghana is between 21 and 31 degrees Celsius. From April to October, the climate of Northern Ghana is temperate and humid. The summer months are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C. Southern Ghana receives rain from April through June and again from September to October. Temperatures typically range between 21 and 31 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, rainfall is generally limited to certain times of the day; it is not constant throughout the day.
Packing the Right Clothing
With the tropical climate present year-round, only pack clothes that are light and made of cotton. Both men and women can wear shorts and slacks without issue. And don’t forget your sunglasses or comfortable walking shoes!
Money/Currency
In Ghana, the currency is called a cedi. Notes are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cedis. There are also coins for 1 and 50 pesewas values. You can exchange foreign currency at any Forex Bureaux inside Ghana without restriction.
Commercial banks and other financial institutions may also exchange foreign currencies. Banks are generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some exceptions. Most major commercial banks have ATMs located outside as well as 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The majority of these businesses will take VISA and several other check cards
Traveller’s Cheques
Traveller’s Cheques are accepted by all banks and Forex Bureaux, although the rate of exchange is somewhat lower than for cash transactions.
Credit Cards
When it comes to credit cards, Visa and Mastercard are two of the most popular options that are widely accepted. You can use either of these cards at major hotels, restaurants, banks and businesses . In addition, your card may be useful for payment with airlines, leading hotels and supermarkets. However as with anything related to finances, be cautious when using your credit card to avoid potential fraud.
Hotels
Assuming you’re looking for a place to stay in Ghana, there is no shortage of options. You can find cosmopolitan, metropolitan, district town, and country hotels all around the country. These hotel options come with various levels of comfort and convenience, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs. In addition to those choices, there are also local budget hotels which may not be as luxurious but are still comfortable and clean. All hotels in Ghana must have a license from the Ghana Tourist Board on display at the reception area.
Entertainment
Nightlife is available in many areas, including cultural centers, theaters, cinema houses, discotheques, pubs, street cafés, and casinos. For what’s happening and where to go, check with the front desk at your hotel.
Medical facilities
All cities and big towns have private and public hospitals and clinics. Any medical problems that might arise while traveling should be discussed with travel medical insurance companies.
Restricted Areas for Photography and Filming
The Christianborg Castle, Osu (i.e. seat of government), High Commissions / Embassies and Military facilities in Accra.
Kotoka International Airport
Kotoka International Airport is the go-to spot for anyone looking to enter Ghana. The Accra-located airport is not only accessible from any part of the globe, but also served by 22 carriers with over 170 weekly passenger aircraft movements to more than 36 international destinations worldwide. And if that wasn’t enough, Kotoka has FAA approval for Category 1 in Safety and Security Oversight.
Ground Transport: To and From KIA
The airport has taxi and hiring cars available for customers’ convenience. Although the majority of people arrive at the airport in their personal vehicles, taxis and private transportation are accessible.
Handshake
A handshake is the most common form of greeting in Ghana, especially among males. It is considered impolite to apply more or less pressure than what is offered.
To shake hands with a group of people, start from the person furthest to your right and work your way left.
Use of the Left Hand
In Ghana, the left hand is used for just a few activities. In fact, performing certain tasks with the left hand is frowned upon. That’s why, when our men dress in traditional clothes, we drape the cloth over their left hands. Avoid accepting or offering objects, gesticulating while speaking, waving at someone, or pointing things out with your left hands.
It is not your fault if you are naturally left-handed, and nobody will be offended if you do things with your left hand. However, to save yourself from any potential embarrassment or complications, it might be best to use your right hand when giving something (like a camera or souvenir) to someone else.
Palace Etiquette
Our chieftains like meeting and interacting with travelers. There are certain rules to follow. When you’re invited to greet a chief or the king, for example, approach him from the front and stop short of where he’s sitting. Stop and bow when he invites you to come over for a handshake.
Our tradition, from long ago has been that during formal occasions, we do not speak directly to the king or chief. Instead, communication at the royal court is a three-way affair where we have a spokesman (linguist) called an “Okyeame.” The Okyeame repeats the conversation back and forth between the visitor and chief. The inner workings of it all is quite interesting..
It is customary for visitors of our palaces to offer gifts of Friendship to their royal hosts. This generally consists only of drinks like: Aromatic Schnapps, Gin and/or money. The amount depending on the size or enthusiasm of the group.
