Practical information Ghana

Ghana : Travel Information before you go!

Flights

Flight duration from London-Accra via Frankfurt: 9 hrs 25 mins. Distance 3,172 mi.

Airports

Accra's international airport, Kotoka, is located six miles north of the town. The taxi ride is around 20 minutes.

Security

In the aftermath of ethnic violence in the cities of Yendi and Tamale (northern region), a state of emergency was declared in March 2002 in this region, with the imposition of a curfew. The political confrontations of 22 April meant that a curfew is now in place in several areas. The curfew in Nakpanduri is from 7pm to 5am daily and affects the surrounding communities: Kpatritings, Bonbila, Borgni Boatarrigu and Sakagu. The curfew in Bimbilla is from 9pm to 5am daily. The curfew in Alvanyo and Nkonya in the Volta region is from 8pm to 5am daily.

Languages

The official language is English. Nine other languages are taught in schools, among them are Twi, Fante, Ga, and Ewe.

Required travel documents for

Passport valid for at least six months. A visa is required and cannot be issued at the borders. Bring: 4 photos, 4 forms to fill in and a return ticket or a certified document from your travel agency. It is valid for a month, with a possible extension of up to 3 months. It is issued at the consulate in 24 hours. You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Ghana.

Religion

63% of Ghanaians are Christian, 20% Animist, and 16% Muslim.

Currency

The local currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHC), which consists of 100 Pesewas. Forex bureaux de change offices frequently accept Euros, US Dollars, and Pounds Sterling. Travellers cheques are also accepted, as are Visa, American Express and MasterCard credit cards. You can withdraw cash from some banks using a Visa card, but this will incur a commission fee. Bank opening hours: From 8:30am to 2:00pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Fridays.

Local transportation

By plane : some airlines offer flights at reasonable prices between Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale.
By boat: it runs once every 24 hours on Lake Volta between Akosombo and Yeji, frequently stopping on its way. A slow means of transportation, it still remains a pleasant voyage.
By train: The railroad network is limited to 590 miles of tracks and connects the cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, Accra and Kumasi, forming a triangle. A slow means of transportation but comfortable.
By bus: buses serve most cities in Ghana. If you have the choice, choose private companies, whose service is best.
By car: it is possible to rent a car in Accra but at a very high price. The country is equipped with 23,600 miles of roads, of unequal quality. Therefore, it is best not to drive outside of cities at night. International driver's license required (minimum age: 21 years old) for the rental.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is required.
Recommended vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid, hepatitises A and B vaccinations. Prophylaxy against malaria recommended, the country is listed in zone 2. Do not swim in stagnant water and only drink sterilised or bottled water (with the cap taken off in front of you). Do not eat raw or half-cooked food (meat, fish, vegetables, fruits...) and take all precautions to avoid "traveller's dysentery". Ghana's main sanitary problem is the expansion of onchorcerciasis, a parasite related disease linked to hydrologic modifications, brought on by the construction of the Akosombo weir. It ultimately leads to blindness.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 V. In new buildings, electrical outlets have three pins, otherwise they have two pins. An adaptor is not needed.

Telephone

To call Ghana from the UK: dial 00 + 233 + area code (Accra: 21; Bolgatanga: 72; Tamale: 71; Kumasi: 51) + number you wish to call.
From Ghana to the UK: dial 00 + 44 + personal phone number (without the first 0).
The phone network is often saturated.

Ghana : Useful addresses in the country

Before leaving

Embassy of Ghana
13 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PN. 020 7201 5900.Fax: 020 7245 9552.

At the destination

British High Commission
Osu Link, Off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, P.O. Box 296, Accra
Tel: (00)-(233)-(21) 7010650.Fax: (00-233-21) 213274.
Ghana Tourist Board
PO box 3106, Tesano, Nsawam road, Accra. Tel: (21) 222 153767 323.Fax: (21) 231 779.