Heat is palpable and baking in the home country of the cocoa bean - not only in terms of the weather - but also in terms of the warm and friendly inhabitants. The coast is 555 kilometres long, allowing cooling breezes to caress beach and lagoon wallowing people. The national parks in Ghana invite you along for extraordinary safaris, whilst the capital Accra is the place to be for midnight dancing. This city truly combines the big city hurry with the original African feel.
Find your travel arrangement to Ghana here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Republic of Ghana
Capital
Accra (1,100,000)
Size
238,537 square kilometres
Principal Languages
The principal language is English, yet Ghana also has 25 widely spoken local dialects - the main one being Akan - spoken by approximately 45 % of the population.
Principal Religion
Ghana is the African country with the most Christians, but also many Muslims may be found. Moreover ancestor worship and animism are quite popular, and so is a general belief in reincarnation. Please note that every tribe has a belief of their own.
Inhabitants
18,887,626 (1999)
Government
Republic
Geography
With its long coastal area Ghana allows you to experience a varied landscape of lagoons, rivers, deltas and large lakes, with Lake Volta (at 8,480 square kilometres) as the largest artificially created lake in the world. However Ghana also invites you to experience the Savannah, rainforest and beautiful large valleys.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The most perfect time of year to visit Ghana is from December to February when the weather is dry and daily temperatures vary between 27 and 36 degrees Celsius. The only thing disturbing the idyllic summer period is the warm and dry north-eastern wind, blowing almost entirely throughout the period from January to February. July and August also have dry weather, yet this time of year is rather hot. From April to June the rainy-season dominates.
Literature
Lonely Planet West Africa
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Ghana, the following units of measure are used:
Weight: Kilos
Temperature: Celsius
Distance: Kilometres
Capacity: Litres
Weight: Kilos
Temperature: Celsius
Distance: Kilometres
Capacity: Litres
Photography
As a rule of thumb you are advised to ask people before taking their picture. You should avoid taking pictures of official buildings, airports and military equipment without prior permission.
Drinking water
Do not drink the water from the taps i Ghana. Buy bottled water instead.
Electricity
Electric current operates on 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.
Behaviour
For traditional personal hygiene reasons your left hand is not usually used publicly - so it is not appreciated if you touch food, accept or give anything with your left hand.
Business Hours
Shops are open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Office opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Food and drink
In Ghana you will find various seafood on the coast. Soups are very popular in Ghana, and you will also find delicacies like "red-red" - a bean dish, and "fufu" - a very delicious boiled and mashed vegetable bun.
Disabled travellers
Ghana is not a very easy country to travel in when disabled.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Revolution Day, 4 June
Republic Day, 1 July
National Farmers' Day, 6 December
Christmas, 25 and 26 December
Revolution Day, 31 January
Other, not fixed holidays
Eid al-Fitr /End of Ramadan)
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Revolution Day, 4 June
Republic Day, 1 July
National Farmers' Day, 6 December
Christmas, 25 and 26 December
Revolution Day, 31 January
Other, not fixed holidays
Eid al-Fitr /End of Ramadan)
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Accommodation / Hotel
The accommodation possibilities in Ghana primarily consist of hotels, hostels and campsites. In most cities, you will find hotels in all price categories.
Book your Hotel in Ghana here
Book your Hotel in Ghana here
Camping
The national parks offer possibilities of camping, but some precautions should be taken due to the wild animals. In some areas it is recommended to bring an armed guide.
In most cities, you will find hotels in all price categories. You are advised to book in advance if visiting Ghana around the large festivals.
Hostels
Youth hostels are connected to several Christian organisations, among others: YMCA, YWCA and the Calvary Methodist Church in Accra.
Local transport
Ghana has domestic Flights between the larger cities. Furthermore the bus and train network covers most parts of the country. Please note that you will find more buses than trains. You can also choose to rent a car in Ghana.
Planes
Ghana Airways is the national airline company, also providing domestic Flights between Accra, Kumasi and Tamale. Other companies of domestic Flights can be found at a fair price and for smaller destinations.
Bus
Busses are available between all larger cities.
Trains
The cities of Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi are connected by a railroad a couple of times per day. Going by train is free of charge for children under the age of three, and until the age of 11, it is 50 % off.
Taxi
More than 300,000 taxis are available in Ghana.
car rental
You may rent a car in for instance Accra, Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi and Cape Coast, but please notice that it is rather expensive. You may also rent a car including a driver.
Boat or Ferry
You may sail from Tema to harbours in Nigeria, The Ivory Coast, Cameroon and South Africa.
Other Transport
Small vans, the so-called tro-tros are very popular throughout the country.
Special conditions
Wearing camouflaged clothing is illegal in Ghana.
