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About Ghana

Visa Information

Visa Types Required

  • B-2: Holiday/Tourist
  • B-1: Business

Nationals requiring entry visa issuance prior to embarkment
Participants from countries with Ghanaian High Commissions/ Embassies/ Consulates are required to contact them directly at least a month prior to the convention for visa information particularly fees since the cost may differ from country to country. A list of contacts of Ghanaian High Commissions and Embassies can be found here. Please check with embassies/consulates for the correct fees.

Entry visas on arrival
For participants from countries which do not have Ghanaian High Commissions/ Embassies/ Consulates are required to be issued with visas on arrival. Individuals requiring such visas must submit their particulars (Biometric and signatory pages of their passport) at least a month prior to Fairtrade Africa in order for Fairtrade West Africa Office to initiate the process of securing visas on arrival from Ghana Immigration Service.
Fees: $150 (To be paid by Bank Transfer – EFT or SWIFT – Please see Payment Options for details)

Countries with Visa Exemption
ECOWAS nationals do not require visas prior to entry at any entry/boarder point. Nationals from the under listed countries do not require visas. For those from countries outside the ECOWAS Region, are required to submit their names and nationalities to the Fairtrade West Africa Office in order for them to be issued with entry permits upon arrival at the ports of entry.

ECOWAS Nationals:

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cape Verde

Cote D’Ivoire

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Liberia

Mali

Niger

Nigeria

Sierra Leone

Senegal

Togo

Gambia

 

Participants from the following countries are required to submit their names and nationalities at least a month in advance to Fairtrade Africa for their names to be submitted to Ghana Immigration Service prior to their arrival at entry ports:

Hong Kong

Kenya

Malaysia

Malawi

Tanzania

Uganda

Singapore

Swaziland

Trinidad & Tobago

Zimbabwe

 

Tourism Information

Quick facts:

  • Capital: Accra
  • Official language: English, local languages include Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Nzema and Hausa
  • Climate: Tropical / Dry equatorial zone
  • Religion: Mostly Christian, Moslem and traditional animist
  • Population: 24 million 

Ghana is known as the land of sunshine and a nation with the reputation as the friendliest in Africa. The rich and distinct heritage, history and culture are evident in all areas of Ghana. Historical castles, vibrant and colorful markets, wildlife and nature reserves, eco-tourism sites, animal sanctuaries, and serene beaches – Ghana has it all.

Stretched along the Atlantic Ocean, Accra, the capital city boasts beaches, monumental buildings, museums, libraries, galleries, traditional markets and a lively nightlife. Accra's architecture reflects its colonial history, with 17th century castles standing alongside modern skyscrapers. Ghana is a veritable melting pot of cultures. For detailed information, please visit the official website of Ghana tourism - http://www.touringghana.com/


Practical Information

Transportation within Accra
The easiest way to travel in Accra is through taxi or trotro (minibuses). Accra has a simple yet complex trotro system that covers the whole city. The main stations are at Tema station, Nkrumah Circle, 37 and Kaneshi. Taking a trotro is inexpensive and gives a good feeling of Accra, however it takes a bit longer than going with a taxi. Taxis have unlimited range and are worth considering, especially at night, though they can get expensive. It is always advisable to ask for a fare before you agree to travel.

Security
Although Accra is still a largely safe place, we would advise to not walk alone after dark and avoid drawing attention to money or jewelry. Make sure you have padlocks on your bags.

Important numbers

  • Police                                                          191
  • Fire                                                              192
  • Ambulance                                                   193
  • Arrivals & Departures                                     0302 761 009
  • Airport Police                                                 0302 777 592
  • Greater Accra Police                                      0302 664 612
Health
Please note that proof of vaccination against yellow fever is needed for entry into Ghana. Make sure you have bed nets and/or use mosquito repellent and malaria prophylactics. If you get a fever and have headaches, test yourself for malaria as soon as possible. Treatment is available and effective. Bottled water is safe to drink.

Tourist friendly hospitals and medical clinics in Accra:

  • Akai House Clinic: 6th Circular Road, Cantonments                       0302 784 772
  • Nyaho Clinic: 35 Aviation Road, Airport Residential Area                0302 775 341
  • Trust Hospital: Oxford Street, Osu                                                0302 776 787
  • 6/6 Vision: Liberation Road, near 37 Military Hospital                     0302 286 190
  • 37 Military Hospital: Liberation Road, near 37 station                     0302 776 111
  • Beaver Dental Clinic: 7 Roman Road, Roman Ridge                    0302 771 785

Money
The Ghanaian currency is the cedi. One cedi is divided into 100 pesewas.

  • 1 GHS = approx. 0.47 EUR
  • 1 GHS = approx. 0.64 USD

Money is easiest withdrawn from ATM’s at Barclays’s Bank, Standard Charted Bank, Ecobank, SG-SSB, CAL Bank or Ghana Commercial Bank. Most ATM’s have a max amount of 400 GHC per withdrawal. Most restaurants and shops don’t accept credit cards, it is therefore easiest to bring travel cheques or US dollars and change in Accra. Most banks will changes US dollars, exchange bureaus can also be found around the city, for example: Qwick Bureau d’Change, Oxford Street; Osu, opposite Barclays (024 405 3705) or Yasole Forex in Accra mall.

For lost or stolen credit cards call:

  • Visa: 410 581 9994 or 410 581 3836
  • MasterCard: 636 722 7111
  • American Express: 336 393 1111