Money:
The official currency is the Cedi (GHC), which is divided into
100 pesewas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any forex bureaux
as well as at some commercial banks; banks and foreign exchange
facilities are available at the airport and in all major towns. It
is advisable to keep currency exchange receipts in order to be able
to re-exchange when departing. Banking hours are usually from
8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and most large commercial banks
have ATMs located outside, although only limited amounts of Cedis
can be drawn at a time. Travellers cheques are accepted at banks
and forex bureaux in the capital Accra, but the rate of exchange
may be lower than for cash transactions. The most widely accepted
credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa, and cards can
be used for payment at major hotels and shops, although this can be
risky as credit card fraud is very common. The best currencies to
bring are US dollars, British pounds or Euros as other currencies
exchange at poor rates.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Both round and
flat three-pronged plugs are most commonly used.
Language:
English is the official language, but many other African
languages are spoken including Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and
Dagbani.
Health:
Health regulations in Ghana require that visitors be in
possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow
fever. Prophylactics against malaria are recommended and waterborne
diseases are prevalent, including outbreaks of cholera during the
rainy season. Visitors are advised to buy bottled drinking water,
which is widely available. Bird flu has been confirmed in Ghana,
but the risk to visitors is considered to be very low; as a
precaution it is advisable to avoid close contact with live birds
and ensure all poultry products are well cooked. Good medical
facilities are found in all the cities and major towns, but
facilities outside urban areas are poor and emergency services are
limited. Medical insurance is advised and should cover medical
evacuation.
Tipping:
Service charge is rarely added to restaurant bills and tipping
for quality service is only expected in restaurants (usually about
10%). For other services tipping is discretionary.
Safety:
Safety in Ghana is generally not too much of a concern but it is
wise to be vigilant in public areas, particularly in and around
Accra, and to avoid travelling in taxis alone after dark if
possible. Visitors should avoid carrying large sums of cash or
valuables on them and to be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs
in central Accra. Theft of luggage and travel documents has
occurred at Kotoka International Airport. Visitors should also be
vigilant in and around Tamale and Kumasi where there has been an
increase in crime including muggings and attacks on foreigners.
There is a potential for outbreaks of violence between rival
political factions, fighting between inter-ethnic groups and civil
unrest; travellers are advised to stay up to date with daily
developments. Visitors to the Northern Region should be alert to
the possibility of renewed outbreaks of inter-ethnic fighting. When
travelling along the Ghanaian coastline, please exercise caution
given the occurrence of strong tidal waves striking the coast.
Customs:
Ghanaians are generally a conservative people and visitors
should respect local customs, traditional courtesies and dress
codes, particularly in the villages. Ghanaians do most things with
their right hand; eating, touching food, taking and receiving
things, waving, shaking hands etc. The left hand is used for 'dirty
things' and it is regarded as rude to use the left hand for the
aforementioned things. If in doubt, use the right hand.
Homosexuality is illegal. Greeting is an important social function
and handshakes are common. No civilian may wear camouflage clothing
as it is reserved for the military. Visitors to remote villages,
shrines or palaces should visit the local elder or priest and take
a small gift such as a bottle of local schnapps, gin or money.
Always seek permission before taking photographs of people; it is
not permitted to take photographs of military institutions or the
airport.
Business:
Ghana is a very relaxed and friendly country, however in
business, a formal dress code is expected, and punctuality is
essential at all meetings. The exchange of business cards is
common. It is important in all meetings to greet and shake hands
with each person and acknowledge their presence. The person is to
be addressed as Mr. Mrs., or Ms., followed by their surnames,
unless otherwise specified. Gifts are unnecessary though greatly
appreciated. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to
Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Ghana over 16 years do not have to pay customs
duty on 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 454g of tobacco, or a
proportionate mix of these items; 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of
spirits; and 237ml of perfume and eau de toilette. Gift items are
dutiable.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Ghana is +233. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). Accra's city code is 21. The telephone system is
relatively reliable, but most people use mobile phones. Telephone,
fax and telex services are available in all main towns, and hotels.
Most major hotels also have business centres, which provide
secretarial and courier services. Internet cafes are on the
increase throughout the country, but connection speeds are usually
slow. There are several GSM cell phone operations across Ghana that
have roaming agreements with most international networks, and
phones can be rented in Accra.