Ghana

Capital: Accra
Population:  34.78 million
Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS)
Languages: Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani and Hausa are the dominant languages spoken
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: GMT (UTC +0)

You must provide a copy of your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana.

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

West Africa is close to the equator, and consequently, the year goes around without strong seasonal changes and relatively consistent temperatures. Daily temperatures are approaching or topping 30℃/86℉ and drop slightly at night. Humidity levels are much higher in central and western Ghana (as high as 80%) than in eastern Ghana. The rainy season is peak travel season in Ghana as it coincides with the summer holidays of travelers in the Northern Hemisphere and typically offers cooler temperatures. The scorching harmattan wind that blows between mid-December and mid-February is not the ideal time to travel, especially for photographers, though it is perfect for wildlife lovers since it is much easier to spot wildlife in the low grass. 

In Ghana, one can discover a diverse culinary scene that reflects the country's cultural heritage and regional specialties. Below are various dining options and culinary styles you can explore:

1. Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine: Ghanaian culinary traditions are renowned for their bold flavors, vibrant spices, and utilization of local ingredients. Signature dishes such as Jollof rice, Waakye (rice and beans), Banku (fermented corn and cassava dough), Fufu (pounded yam or cassava), and a variety of soups and stews like Groundnut soup, Light soup, and Palm nut soup are prevalent.
2. Street Food: Ghana boasts a bustling street food culture, offering an extensive selection of affordable and delectable options. Street vendors sell popular snacks like Kelewele (spicy fried plantains), Grilled or fried fish, Fried yam, and various meat skewers.
3. Chop Bars and Local Eateries: For an authentic Ghanaian dining experience, visit Chop Bars, where you can savor traditional meals in a relaxed atmosphere. These establishments serve a range of local dishes at budget-friendly prices, providing a glimpse into everyday Ghanaian cuisine.
4. International Cuisine: Urban hubs like Accra and Kumasi feature restaurants with a diverse array of international cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, and Continental fare. These eateries cater to a cosmopolitan clientele seeking varied culinary experiences.
5. Seafood Restaurants: Given Ghana's extensive coastline, seafood holds a prominent place in the culinary landscape. Coastal towns offer numerous seafood restaurants where patrons can enjoy freshly caught fish, shrimp, lobster, and other marine delicacies prepared in various styles.
6. Fine Dining: Ghana is witnessing a rise in upscale dining establishments that offer refined culinary experiences. These venues present contemporary interpretations of Ghanaian dishes alongside international fusion cuisine.
7. Hotel Restaurants: Many hotels across Ghana feature restaurants serving both guests and visitors, presenting a blend of local and international dishes in comfortable settings. 

The currency in Ghana is the Ghana Cedi (GHS, banknotes) and Ghana Pesewas (Gp, coins). 

All major foreign currencies are easily changed at banks or authorised Forex Bureaus in all major Ghanaian cities. In francophone countries, there are only a few authorized Forex Bureaus; generally, the best exchange rates are given at the banks. If you want to bring hard currency, bring euros or dollars (notes larger than 20 dollars). Changing money at the Forex Bureaus at international airports is also convenient. 

Withdrawing money from an ATM with a VISA card is much easier than with a Mastercard or a normal debit card (e.g., Maestro Card). A credit card keeps you from carrying large amounts of vulnerable cash and wasting time in banks. At some supermarkets and hotels, paying with a credit card (Eurocard, Mastercard, VISA) is also possible. But remember that some credit card companies will charge you for this service. We always recommend using ATMs on the premises of a bank during working hours, so that in case the ATM swallows the card, it can be easily retrieved.

If you travel to more rural or remote areas, you must bring enough cash for your stay, as there are no banks outside the larger cities.

The exchange rate of the GHS against the USD/Euro has been highly unstable but ranges between 1-10-12 GHS: 1 USD and slightly higher for the Euro (2023). 

There are several reliable online currency converters available that can help you quickly and accurately change currencies. Here are a few popular ones:

• XE Currency Converter
• OANDA Currency Converter

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Textiles, including pre-sewn dresses and cloth, Kente fabrics, Shea butter, skincare products, chocolate, local beads (particularly Krobo beads), and arts are predominantly available for purchase. Each region offers its own distinct selection of items, yet you can typically find all these goods at the artisanal markets.

230 volts. Plugs D and G. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Ghana was the first African country to be connected to the internet, which arrived in 1994. Nowadays, the internet is quickly spreading around the region with 4G internet in all the larger cities and major towns in Ghana. 

However, Wi-Fi is still scarce in the low- and mid-range accommodations located in the countryside and varies in quality.   

If you require reliable internet access during your trip, purchasing a local SIM card is a recommended option. Local SIM cards are affordable (typically €1 - €2) and can be used in unlocked foreign phones on roaming, providing reliable calls and data services. These SIM cards, along with top-up credit, are widely available, and your guide can assist you in obtaining one.

Before your trip, you should check with your current service provider to inquire about access, costs, and the availability of international roaming. While using your own service provider is an option, it's important to be aware that using mobile data from your provider can lead to high bills upon your return. To avoid unexpected charges, switching off your mobile data as soon as you leave your home country is advisable.

The common telecom providers in Ghana is MTN Ghana and Vodafone (now Togocel)

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

• The name “Ghana” means “warrior king” in the Soninke language, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural heritage and reminding its people of their past glories and achievements.
• There is only one natural lake in Ghana, Lake Bosumtwe; a meteorite impact crater formed over a million years ago.
• Ghana is home to the world’s biggest man-made lake, Lake Volta, which is over 320 miles across!
• Ghana is home to the fastest man in the world – backward. Ferdie Adoboe holds the world record for the fastest 100 yards backward sprint, which he completed in 12.7 seconds.
• The capital city of Ghana, Accra, translates to “ants.” The name was gained because of the anthills that used to surround the city.