GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
FACTS ABOUT GHANA
GEOGRAPHY
Ghana can be located on the West Coast of Africa. To the west she shares a border with Cote D’Ivoire, and is bounded to the east by Togo. Further up north, Ghana shares a border with Burkina Faso and to the south is the Gulf of Guinea.
Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast is rich in mineral resources particularly gold. In search of this precious mineral Europeans came to the then Gold Coast 500 years ago and found it.
A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills, beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. In the far north is a plateau averaging 500m (1600ft) in height. In the east the Akuapim Togo hills run inland from the coast along the Togo border. The Black and White Volta rivers enter Ghana from Burkina Faso, merging into the largest manmade lake in the world, Lake Volta. Ghana’s coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons.
THE PEOPLE
Ghana’s population totals about 22,409,572 . With the population highest (3 million), in the nation’s capital – Accra. Ghana has about four ethnic groups, the main ones being the Twi and Fante who speak Akan (44%), the dagombas (16%), Ewes (13%) and the Gas (8%). Overall there exist about 60 different languages, with English as the official language.
RELIGION
Christians of varied denominations account for 69% of the population, while 16% are Muslims and about another 21% practice indigenous traditional religions.
GOVERNMENT
In 1957, Ghana then GoldCoast attained independence from the British, a colonization which started in 1874.
Ghana is a multi-party constitutional democracy with an elected President, a single chamber legislature and an independent judiciary. With over 48 years of independence, Ghana can boost of one of the most stable economies in Sub Saharan Africa. Under the provisions of a new constitution accepted by referendum in April 1992, the President and a new National Assembly are elected by universal suffrage. The President can be elected for a maximum of two four-year terms. The unicameral legislature, the National Assembly, has 200 seats and is also elected for four years.
Head of state: President John Agyekum Kuffuor
CLIMATE
Ghana is a tropical country and has an almost year round weather. Northern Ghana has a rainy season from about April to July and from September to November, the rest of the year is hot and dry with temperature up to 38 (degree Celsius). In Southern Ghana the rains last from April to June and again from September to October with slight variations in recent times. Generally temperatures are between 21 degree Celsius) and 32 (degree Celsius).
The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March, lowering the humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the effects of the harmattan are felt in January. In most areas the highest temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August. The coolest time of year is between June and September when the main rainfall occurs. Variations in temp.both annually and daily are quite small.
CURRENCY
The currency of Ghana is the Cedi. Rates of exchange are posted daily by banks and Forex Bureaux. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be bought into Ghana.
Credit Cards are accepted by most hotels and a few shops. Most transactions are in cash.
It is advisable to carry a few hundreds of dollars on you.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; usually three-pin plugs. Single phase three-pin plugs are used in larger buildings. Older buildings have two-pin plugs. Light bulbs are of the bayonet type.
HOW TO GET TO GHANA
You can be in Ghana 9 to 10 hours after take off New York (JFK) or Balitimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport on any direct flight bound for Ghana.
Through London, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf, Amsterdam or Rome the trip from the transit point takes approximately 6 ˝ hours by British Airways, KLM, Alitalia, Lufthansa or through Johannesburg, Harare, Addis Ababa/Nairobi and Cairo/ Beirut by Kenyan Airways, South African Airways or Ethiopian Airways should take 6 hours. Re-confirmation of your flight 72 hours in advance maybe necessary for some airlines.
NORTH AMERICAN and DELTA AIRLINES
Presently North American and Delta Airlines are the only airlines which operate direct flights to Ghana from New York (JFK). North American also flies out of Baltimore.
With all the other airlines there is transit through their home countries.
Important reminders
Check-in – You will be required to check in at the Airlines counter to receive a boarding pass before you can be processed through the security checkpoint.
You will need to provide your confirmation number, valid passport and visa (where applicable) at check-in to receive your boarding card.
Check-in at least: 4 hours prior to departure for flights from US to Africa.
5 hours prior to departure for flights from Africa to US.
3 hours prior to departure for JFK-GEO and GEO-JFK flights.
Baggage – North American Airlines will accept 2 pieces of checked baggage (29” x 24” x 9”) and 1 carry-on item (18” x 14” x 8”) per passenger, free of charge.
Economy Class: 2 pieces of checked bags max. 50lbs. each / 1 carry-on max. 15lbs.
Business Class: 2 pieces of checked bags max. 70lbs. each / 1 carry-on max. 15lbs.
Not accepted are boxes, trunks and duffle bags.
Excess baggage rules and other important information can be found on the Travel Information page of the Airlines.
Please call to reconfirm your reservation at least 72 hours prior to your departure travel.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
HAND BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
All customers are asked to ensure they comply with hand baggage restrictions to prevent delays at airport security search points.
· Air travelers departing from a UK airport can now carry ONE bag not bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
· Relaxed restrictions on the carriage of liquids through airport security check points on flights departing the USA and Canada.
· Other airports worldwide maybe implementing their own restrictions.
Before leaving for the airport
All travelers are strongly encouraged to update their bookings with contact details so that they can be contacted if need be.
At the airport
If your cabin bag exceeds the new dimensions or contains prohibited items, you will be asked to repack it or check it in hold. This may cause you an unnecessary delay. If you have large electrical goods (eg laptop, digital cameras etc) in your baggage, please ensure these are easily accessible as you will be required to remove them for x-ray screening.
KLM
Check-in: 3pm-7pm Departure: 9pm
Baggage Allowance – 23kg for Economy Class
- 32kg for Business Class
PASSPORT/VISA: A valid passport and visa are required for travel to Ghana. Tourist visa required for stay of up to 30 days (extendible). This is a very simple process and is facilitated by the Ghana Embassy in Washington or any other Countries. Please do not hesitate to call the Embassy should you need their help. Group visa maybe arranged from Ghana upon request (This maybe quite expensive).
HEALTH: A malaria course is recommended prior to your departure and it is necessary to discuss with your Doctor which drug and inoculations to take. Even though doctors and nurses maybe available on call for treatment of common ailments, you may bring along your own First Aid Kit containing insect repellant, sunburn and anti-fugal cream and disinfectants. It is recommended you put it in your carry-on bag should your luggage be delayed. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required by all nationals entering the country. Immunization against typhoid is usually advised.
COMMUNICATION: International Dialing is available in most hotels but expensive. Pay phones and phone-cards are easily available. Mobile Phone Rentals is also possible.
DHL, FEDERAL EXPRESS, EMS COURIER, FAX and various secretarial services are available at most hotels where you would be staying.
CURRENCY: Currency will have to be declared at the airport. Exchange rates at the numerous Forex Bureaux are more competitive than at hotels or banks. American Express, Visa Cards and Master Cards are accepted at major banks, hotels, airlines and major shopping centers. The Barclays bank accepts travelers cheques not exceeding $500 and Visa cards. Standard Chartered bank accepts the travelers cheques not exceeding $200, American express and Visa cards.
Most of the other Banks also accept Visa cards . Major hotels in the country accept Travelers cheques, American Express, Visa cards and the Master cards. It is very rare using Diners in the country. Travelers cheques attract lower exchange rate.
EQUIPMENT: Most equipment is allowed freely into the country. In a few cases a refundable deposit may have to be paid at entry points for video cameras and similar equipment.
WHAT TO PACK: Ghana is a tropical country, light cotton clothes for daytime and evening is recommended. Appropriate neutral or camouflage clothing, binoculars, hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes for tours, hiking and trekking, and a good digital camera with enough memory or a good camera and plenty of films.
GETTING AROUND:
Reliable and safe Car rental services are available from ConnectWorld. Taxis ply all routes and rates are negotiable.
BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices are generally open from 8am to 5pm. There is usually an hour break between 12noon and 1pm. Most offices are closed over the weekend.
TAXES AND TIPS: All hotels are required by law to include a 17.5% Value Added Tax and a 2.5% Health Insurance Tax on all room charges. Restaurants are also obliged in addition to add a 5% Tax to your invoice as service fees.You may choose to leave an additional tip of a small amount if you found the service to be very good.
WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay is a vital importance when traveling in Africa. Ghana has numerous hotels and can boast of some of the best facilities in the sub-region.
At Connect World, we very carefully select the accommodation facilities to ensure an overall comfort and enjoyment of your trip. Our Partner hotels whether budget, 2,3,4 or 5 Stars are all of International standards and offer bed and breakfast. Lunches and dinners are available upon request.
Check out:- In most hotels the check out time is 12noon. While Check-in starts at 3pm.
Ghana is safe. Discover the warmth and friendliness of her people, the charm in their smiles, their preparedness to give you the needed assistance, the relentless effort to give the visitor a comfortable stay, these are some of the main elements of our Ghanaian hospitality.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I have a problem with the language?
No. The official language is English and most Ghanaians communicate in English. Besides, if it becomes necessary, there is always a translator who would help.
Are inoculations necessary to visit Ghana?
No, however, it is advisable to consult your GP before traveling.
Should I take precautions against malaria?
Yes, your GP would advise on the appropriate medication. We also advise that you use insect repellents and wear trousers and long sleeve shirts in the evenings to avoid being bitten.
What about insects?
You cannot do away with them in hot climates. Though hotels in Ghana do whatever they can to minimize the nuisance.
Is there a problem with electricity?
No, though there are power outages on rare occasions.The hotels have standby generators to supply electricity until power is restored.
Should I tip?
Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated, perhaps 10% depending on the service given.
Is Ghana safe? Any stories of hassling?
Ghanaians are very friendly and hospitable and the country can claim to be one of the safest in the region. Hassling is foreign to the Ghanaian nature, and any approach would be more for the purpose of striking a friendship. As could happen anywhere else, staying out too late on your own could be dangerous.
Are converters easily accessible?
Yes, but in some hotels. It is important to ask your hotel about their availability in-house.
Or inform the ConnectWorld Rep. to arrange to have one in the coach.
Is it easy to access the Internet?
Yes, there are high speed Internet cafes and broadband Internet access in most hotels.
Is there a problem with water?
No, though on rare occasions, taps not run. Hotels however have reservoirs to supply water.
