USEFUL INFORMATION

Useful Links

Currency converter : www.oanda.com/convert/classic

Administrative information : www.ghana.gov.gh

Development indicators for Ghana : www.undp-gha.org

Official Ghana Tourism Site : www.ghanatourism.gov.gh

Weather in the major cities of Ghana : wunderground.com/global/GH.html

Complementary information on Ghana : www.ghanaweb.com

General Information

Adminstrative information

Before you come to Ghana you will need to get a visa. Tourist visas are available for 3-6 months and may be single-entry (allowed to enter and leave Ghana once) or multiple entry (allowed to re-enter Ghana as many times as you like as long as the visa is valid).

For more detailed information contact the Ghanaian consulate nearest you. To find your local Ghanaian embassy on-line visit: www.info-ghana.com/embassies.htm

Climate

Mid-October - May: Dry season - hot and sunny!
Wear: Light, loose cotton clothing

May - July: Rainy season - intermittent rain for the most part.
Wear: Light raincoat/umbrella suitable footwear and a light long-sleeved top for cool evenings.

August: Short dry season - hot and sunny.

September - mid-October: short rainy season.

Currency

The Ghanaian currency is the Cedi. Although inflation in Ghana is relatively stable, it has reached 30%, which means that exchange rates can change. You can bring traveller’s checks (American Express are the easiest to change), change your cash or traveller’s cheques into Cedis at Barclay's Bank or take money from your Visa card from the bank.

Food

The food in Ghana is tasty and spicy. Besides the local dishes, rice, chicken, vegetables and fruit will always be available.

Health

Ghana requires only that your yellow fever vaccination be up to date. But this is compulsory! Other vaccinations such as typhoid, Hepatitis A and B are also advisable and as in other tropical countries, it is important that malaria medication be taken. Please consult your personal physician for advice at least one month before your leave as some vaccinations are given over a one month period and malaria medication must be started before your trip.

Language

English is the official language of Ghana, though once out of the main towns most people only speak their local languages, and there are many of them (estimated at 75)! The language most commonly spoken in the Volta region in and around Ho is Ewe.

Mosquitoes and Malaria

Mosquitoes come out at dusk, and leave at dawn. During these times there are some simple recommendations to avoid being bitten:

Wear light, long-sleeved clothing and pants/trousers, use mosquito repellent, and sleep in well-protected rooms or under mosquito nets.
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What to Bring

Bring light and comfortable clothing. Very revealing or tight clothing can be misinterpreted in villages (the general rule is that anything above the knee or revealing the stomach is usually deemed inappropriate).

Sandals and good, comfortable, light hiking shoes are recommended for day trips and hikes.

Medication: Make sure to bring the medication that you are used to taking. You should also bring aspirin or painkillers, insect repellent, high-factor suncream and malaria pills. Most medication can be bought in Ghana but the strength of drugs and what is available at any one time may be different.