Country Guide
Ghana Mini-Guide
Your complete resource for planning an unforgettable journey to Ghana the heart of West Africa for GCHRA25
Welcome to Ghana! This mini-guide is your go-to resource for planning your trip to this vibrant West African nation. Whether you're here for GCHRA25, take time to enjoy our beaches, culture, or our Safari adventures.
Ghana, known as the "Gateway to Africa," offers a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the bustling markets of Accra to the serene beaches of Ada, Cape Coast and the wildlife reserves of Mole National Park, Ghana promises an authentic African experience that's both accessible and deeply rewarding.
This guide provides essential information to help you navigate your journey with confidence. We've compiled practical advice, cultural insights, and hidden gems to ensure your trip is seamless and memorable.
Travel Essentials
Ghana offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, but it's recommended to obtain your visa in advance from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate. Citizens of ECOWAS countries do not require visas.
Important: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and two blank pages. As of 2023, Ghana has implemented an electronic visa system (e-Visa) which is the preferred method. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
For detailed requirements based on your nationality, visit the Ghana Immigration Service website.
Ghana has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are pleasant (24°C-32°C/75°F-90°F) and humidity is lower.
Dry Season (Nov-Mar)
Ideal for beach activities, wildlife viewing, and cultural festivals. Peak tourist season with higher prices.
Wet Season (Apr-Oct)
Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Be prepared for afternoon showers, especially in the south.
The Harmattan season (Dec-Feb) brings dry, dusty winds from the Sahara, which can reduce visibility but creates beautiful sunsets.
Consult your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Recommended vaccinations include:
- ✓ Yellow Fever: Required for entry. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination
- ✓ Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers
- ✓ Hepatitis A & B: Recommended
- ✓ Malaria Prophylaxis: Essential - consult your doctor for appropriate medication
Malaria Prevention: Use insect repellent with DEET, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves/pants in the evening. Malaria is prevalent year-round, especially in rural areas.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or purified water. Carry a basic first-aid kit with medications you regularly use.
Accommodation
Ghana offers diverse accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:
Luxury Resorts
Five-star properties like Labadi Beach Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, and Anantara Royal Ranches Resort offer world-class amenities and stunning locations.
Boutique Hotels
Unique experiences at properties like Golden Tulip Accra, The Bijou Hotel, and Movenpick Ambassador Hotel with personalized service and local charm.
Eco-Lodges
Sustainable options like Amanfro Forest Lodge near Kakum National Park and Mole National Park Lodge offer immersive nature experiences.
Guesthouses & Homestays
Authentic cultural experiences through platforms like Airbnb or community-based tourism initiatives. Great for budget travelers.
Regional Recommendations:
- • Accra: Stay in Osu or Labadi for beach access and nightlife, or East Legon for quieter surroundings
- • Kumasi: Near the Kejetia Market for cultural immersion or in the suburbs for tranquility
- • Coastal Areas: Cape Coast or Elmina for historical sites, Busua for surfing and beaches
Food & Drink
Ghanaian cuisine is flavorful, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. Don't miss these iconic dishes:
Jollof Rice
The national dish - rice cooked in tomato sauce with vegetables, meat, and spices. Ghanaians claim to make the best version in West Africa!
Banku & Tilapia
Fermented corn dough served with grilled fish, shito (spicy black pepper sauce), and garden eggs. Best enjoyed at beach-side restaurants.
Waakye
Rice and beans served with spaghetti, boiled egg, fish, and a variety of stews. A popular breakfast and lunch option.
Fufu & Light Soup
Pounded cassava and plantain served with a savory, spicy soup containing meat or fish. Eaten by hand - a true cultural experience!
Street Food Delights:
- • Kelewele: Spicy fried plantains
- • Kofi Brookman with Koobi: Roasted Yam with Salted, dried fish
- • Abolo: Steamed corn dough
- • Puff Puff: Sweet fried dough balls
Tip: For the freshest street food, choose stalls with high turnover. Look for where locals are eating! Most street food is prepared fresh to order.
Ghanaian beverages are as diverse as the food, with many traditional options:
- • Palm Wine: A traditional alcoholic beverage tapped from palm trees. Best enjoyed fresh in the morning.
- • Burukutu: A traditional millet beer, often homemade.
- • Asaana: A fermented maize drink, slightly sour but refreshing.
- • Ginger Beer: Freshly made with real ginger - spicy and invigorating.
- • Fruit Juices: Fresh palm, mango, or pineapple juice are widely available.
Dining Etiquette: In Ghanaian culture, eating with your right hand is customary (left hand is considered unclean). When sharing a dish, take food from the portion in front of you. It's polite to accept second helpings if offered.
Top Dining Experiences:
- • Chale Wote Street Art Festival (Accra): Sample diverse street foods while enjoying art and music
- • Adom Restaurant (Accra): High-end traditional Ghanaian cuisine in an elegant setting
- • Bantu Restaurant (Accra): Pan-African cuisine with live music and vibrant atmosphere
- • Local Cook-up: Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals - ask to join the family dinner!
Transportation
Navigating Ghana is an adventure in itself. Here are your main transportation options:
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Yellow-black taxis are plentiful in cities. Always negotiate fares beforehand. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Yango) operate in Accra and Kumasi with fixed prices.
Tro-Tros
Shared minibuses that are the backbone of Ghanaian public transport. Inexpensive but crowded. Know your destination clearly as they don't have fixed stops.
Motor Taxis (Okada)
Motorcycle taxis available in most cities and towns. Wear a helmet and agree on price before riding. Not recommended for long distances.
Car Rental
Available in major cities but driving conditions can be challenging. International Driving Permit required. 4x4 recommended for rural areas.
Inter-City Travel:
- • Long-Distance Buses: VIP services (like VIP, STC Express) offer comfortable, air-conditioned travel between major cities
- • Domestic Flights: Fly Ghana, Passion Air, and Starbow connect Accra with Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi
- • Trains: Limited service - currently only between Accra and Nsawam (Western Line)
Safety Tip: Avoid night travel on inter-city roads. Road conditions can be poor and visibility limited. If traveling between cities, aim to depart early in the morning.
Safety & Health
Ghana is one of West Africa's safest countries for travelers, but standard precautions are essential:
In Cities
Avoid displaying valuables. Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash. Be cautious in crowded markets. Pickpocketing occurs in busy areas.
Financial Safety
Use ATMs inside banks or malls. Notify your bank of travel plans. Carry small amounts of cash. Credit cards accepted in upscale establishments.
Rural Areas
Respect local customs and traditions. Always ask permission before photographing people. Some areas may have landmine risks from past conflicts - stay on marked paths.
Scams to Avoid
Be wary of "gold scams" where people offer to sell gold at low prices. Avoid unsolicited help at ATMs. Ignore requests to "borrow money" from strangers.
Emergency Numbers:
- • Police: 191
- • Fire: 192
- • Ambulance: 193
- • Tourist Police: +233 30 277 6620 (Accra)
Important: Register with your embassy upon arrival. Keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals. Ghana has a low crime rate against tourists, but vigilance is always recommended.
Cultural Etiquette
Ghanaian culture values respect, hospitality, and community. Understanding local customs will enrich your experience:
Greetings
Always greet people before starting a conversation. "Maakye" (Good morning), "MaaAha" (Good afternoon), "MaaAdwo" (Good evening). Handshakes are common, often with a thumb grasp.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Some cultural sites prohibit photography. Never photograph military or government buildings.
Gifts & Tipping
Small gifts are appreciated when visiting homes. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. For guides and drivers, tip $5-10 per day based on service quality.
Religious Sites
Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes when required. Ask before entering active worship spaces.
Cultural Sensitivities:
- • Avoid public displays of affection
- • Never point with your finger - use an open hand
- • The left hand is considered unclean - use right hand for eating, greeting, and giving/receiving items
- • Show respect to elders - address them as "Aunty" or "Uncle" followed by their first name
Golden Rule: Ghanaians appreciate when visitors make an effort to understand their culture. A simple "Meda wo ase" (Thank you) in Twi goes a long way. When in doubt, observe locals and follow their lead.