Ghana

Introduction

Yam on the Yapei Queen

© TriNeLL

Ghana is a land with a formidable past. Home to the Ashanti tribe, the wealth and splendour of Ashanti rulers was a thing to be marvelled at, as Europeans greedily did. Ghana was first exploited for its gold, then its slaves. European settlement was rapid, spurred on by a fierce competition between the four European countries who warred for control of the slave trade: Portugal, Holland, Britain and Denmark. The British finally took charge of Ghana, maintaining their presence after the slave trade was outlawed. In 1957, however, Ghana became the first African nation to achieve independence.

Since then, Ghana has developed into a highlight of West African travel. Its past informs its present, with legends related to the Ashanti tribe still superstitiously upheld. Lively culture, one of the best cities on the continent (the capital, Accra), a unique and interesting Atlantic coast and a lush, beautiful landscape are some of the basic reasons for Ghana's popularity among travellers.

Brief History

There is archaeological evidence which shows that humans have lived in what is present day Ghana from about 1500 BC. Nonetheless, there is no proof that those early dwellers are related to the current inhabitants of the area of Ghana's current ethnic groups such as the multi-ethnic Akan, the Ga and the Ewe arrived around the 13th Century AD. However, the Dagombas are believed to be the first settlers, having been fully established by 1210 AD, before the arrival of other ethnic groups.
Modern Ghanaian territory includes what was the Empire of Ashanti, one of the most influential states in sub-Saharan Africa before colonial rule. The Ashanti government operated first as a loose network and eventually as a centralized kingdom with an advanced, highly specialized bureaucracy centered in Kumasi.
Early European contact by the Portuguese, who came to Ghana in the 15th century, focused on the extensive availability of gold. The Portuguese first landed at a coastal city inhabited by the Fante nation-state and they named the place Elmina, which means "the mine" in Portuguese. In 1481, King John II of Portugal commissioned Diogo d'Azambuja to build Elmina Castle, which was completed in 3 years. Their aim was to trade in gold, ivory and slaves, consolidating their burgeoning political and economic power in the region. By 1548, the Dutch had joined them, and built forts at Komenda and Kormantsi. In 1617, they captured the Olnini Castle from the Portuguese and Axim in 1642 (Fort St Anthony). Other European traders joined in by the mid 17th century, largely English, Danes and Swedes. British merchants, impressed with the gold resources in the area, named it the Gold Coast, while French merchants, impressed with the trinkets worn by the coastal people, named the area to the west "Côte d'Ivoire", or Ivory Coast.
After the Dutch withdrew in 1874, Britain made the Gold Coast a protectorate. Following conquest by the British in 1896, until independence in March 1957, the territory of modern Ghana excluding the Volta Region (British Togoland), was known as the Gold Coast.
A series of subsequent coups from 1966 to 1981 ended with the ascension to power of Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings in 1981. These changes resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and the banning of political parties. The economy suffered a severe decline soon after, and many Ghanaians migrated to other countries. Rawlings soon negotiated a structural adjustment plan with the International Monetary Fund and changed many old economic policies and; thus, the economy soon began to recover. A new constitution restoring multi-party politics was promulgated in 1992, and Rawlings was elected as president then and again in 1996. In 2009, John Atta Mills took office as president with a difference of about 40,000 votes (0.46%) between his party, the National Democratic Congress, and the New Patriotic Party, marking the second time that power had been transferred from one legitimately elected leader to another, and securing Ghana's status as a stable democracy.

Geography

Ghana is a country located on the Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the Equator. The country spans an area of 238,500 km2. It is surrounded by Togo to the east, Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) to the south. Ghana lies between latitudes 4° and 12°N, and longitudes 4°W and 2°E. The Prime Meridian passes through the country, specifically through the industrial city of Tema. Ghana is geographically closer to the "centre" of the world than any other country even though the notional centre, (0°, 0°) is located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 614 kilometres south of Accra, Ghana, in the Gulf of Guinea.
The country encompasses flat plains, low hills and a few rivers. Ghana can be divided into four different geographical regions. The coastline is mostly a low, sandy shore backed by plains and scrub and intersected by several rivers and streams while the northern part of the country features high plains. Southwest and south central Ghana is made up of a forested plateau region consisting of the Ashanti uplands and the Kwahu Plateau; the hilly Akwapim-Togo ranges are found along the country's eastern border. The Volta Basin also takes up most of central Ghana. Ghana's highest point is Mount Afadjato which is 885 metres and is found in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges. Lake Volta, the world's largest artificial lake, extends through large portions of eastern Ghana and many tributary rivers such as the Oti and Afram rivers flow into it. Southern Ghana contains evergreen and semi-deciduous forests consisting of trees such as mahogany, odum and ebony. It also contains much of Ghana's oil palms and mangroves. Shea trees, baobabs and acacias are usually found in the Volta region and the northern part of the country.

Regions

There are 10 administrative regions in Ghana namely the Northern Region which is the largest in terms of size. There is also Eastern Region and Western Region as well as Upper East Region and Upper West Region, Central Region, Volta Region, Ashanti Region and Brong Ahafo Region which is the second largest.

• Coastal Plain (Accra, Apam, Cape Coast, Elmina, Kakum National Park, Kokrobite, Nzulezo, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ada) - The Gulf of Guinea coastal area with the capital city, several forts, and the best preserved rainforest in the country.
• Ashanti-Kwahu (Koforidua, Kumasi, Obuasi, Sunyani) - Forested hills and the ancient Ashanti kingdom.
• Volta Basin (Tamale) - The massive Lake Volta, the river system that feeds it, and border crossings to Togo.
• Northern Plains (Bolgatanga, Mole National Park, Wa) - Savanna plains and the traditional trade routes with Burkina Faso.

Cities

• Accra is the capital and the largest city in the country, located in the southeast of the country along the coast.
• Axim
• Cape Coast - the first capital of Gold Coast (the former name of Ghana), Cape Coast is home to a slave castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Koforidua - regional capital of the Eastern Region
• Elmina
• Kumasi - traditional centre of the Ashanti Kingdom on the UNESCO World Heritage List for Ashanti traditional buildings, and Ghana's second-largest city.
• Tema - industrial and port city on the Greenwich Meridian
• Tamale - largest city in the north, fastest-growing metropolis in Ghana and gateway to Mole National Park
• Obuasi - mining town.
• Sekondi-Takoradi - Also known as twin city or oil city
• Sunyani - the Capital of Brong Ahafo Region

Sights and Activities

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482 was the first fort built on the Gulf of Guinea in the present day town of Elmina. It is also the oldest European building south of the Sahara Desert. The castle quickly became an important stop along the Atlantic Slave Trade. This was continued even after the Dutch took over the fort in 1637. The British took control of the fort in 1871 and ended the slave trade. Today the castle is considered a popular tourist destination and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently the castle is undergoing major renovations that should be completed in 2015.

Memorial to Kwame Nkrumah

The Memorial to Kwame Nkrumah is one of the most beautiful memorials in all of Africa. Kwame Nkrumah was an extremely important person to the Pan-African movement and this memorial helps to reflect that. Located in Accra, this memorial is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Mole National Park

Mole National Park is the largest and most frequently visited national park in Ghana. It is reasonably well set up to cater for tourists and although it is more expensive than many other parts of Ghana it is well worth a visit. Mole has the widest range of wildlife in Ghana. You'll see elephants, antelope, bushbucks, monkeys, warthogs, baboons and other smaller wildlife. It is rumored that lions exist in the park but even the wardens haven't seen any traces for a few years. The last lion sighting in August 2004 was immediately followed by a serious poaching incident resulting in the capture and killing of a male lion the following day.

Osu Castle

Osu Castle, also known as Fort Christianborg, is located in the capital and the building is the current seat of government. The original fort was built by the Danes in the mid 17th century, although the fort has been reconstructed several times. It has also switched between the hands of several different powers. During British rule the fort was made into the seat of government. Sadly today the fort is not open to the public and photography is limited for reasons of national security.

Other Sites and Activities

Mosque

© TriNeLL

• Larabanga Mosque, dating back to 1421, is Ghana's oldest mosque and one of the oldest mosques in West Africa.
• National Museum of Ghana is Ghana's oldest and largest museum, opened in 1957. This is a great place to start a trip in order to learn more about the culture and history of Ghana.
• Makol Market - Get some shopping down at this great market in Accra, which has everything from power tools to traditional crafts to medicine.
• Aburi Botanical Gardens - Visit these wonderful gardens in a slightly cooler environment then compared to the coast. This is an excellent day trip from Accra.
• Mount Afadjato and Tagbo Falls - Visit the the highest point in Ghana on a trip to the interior. Although the mountain itself is not super impressive go check out the nearby waterfalls and make this trip into a double whammy good time.
• Boti Falls - Situated in a village called Boti in the Manya Krobo district in the Eastern Region. This spectacular waterfalls is situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana
• Kakum National Park - rainforest area with a long canopy walk, delightful to be above the treetops, but rare to see any wildlife except birds. Monkeys as well as elephants and antelope are said to live in the region. There is a good little museum and a café at the park entrance.
• Paga - a town in the north home to "sacred crocodiles" which are tame and live in several pools.
• Shai Hills Reserve - a great day trip near Accra home to baboons, parrots, & antelope; you can tour the reserve on horseback.
• Wli Falls - in the lush Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary near the Togo border.
• Coastline - Visit small coastal fishing towns to get a taste of traditional life.
• Beaches - Surf it up on some excellent beaches located on the very pretty coastline of Ghana.
• Nightlife - Party it up in Accra, which has on of the best nightlife scenes in all of Africa.

Events and Festivals

Bugum Festival

Islamic in origin, this "fire" festival is held early in January and often celebrated with processions and festive dancing accompanied by lively drumming. It is primarily observed in Northern Ghana where the population is mostly Muslim.

Edina Buronya

Celebrated by the Elmina people, this festival is held every first Thursday of the new year. It is essentially a version of Christmas, and a tradition that dates back to the Dutch occupation. Some rituals carried out during this event include fish-catching, drumming and dancing.

Dzawuwu Festival

Each year in February, Ghanaians from the Agave region celebrate Dzawuwu Festival, a thanksgiving event marked by offerings to the gods and traditional dancing, as well as colorful gatherings of chiefs.

Gologo Festival

This pre-harvest festival in March is observed by the Talensi people (Tong-Zug). It is believed to guarantee rain and a good harvest, and usually involves the sacrifice of goats.

Willa

This April 27 celebration gives thanks to Takpo ancestors. It is characterized by amazing traditions that are thought to secure protection and guidance.

Bobum

This initiation rite observed in Krobo Odumase and Somanya towns to the north of Ghana’s capital celebrates girls becoming women. It is typically held in April and sees female tribe members decked out in beautiful beads.

Aboakyir Festival

Aboakyir is a deer-hunting festival in Ghana that is popular with the local Winneba people. During this celebration in May, two competing warrior groups prove their bravery and strength by catching a live antelope.

Environmental Film Festival

Held annually in Accra, this unique event takes place in the Holy Gardens, which turn into an open-air venue for screenings. The event is attended by thousands of movie-goers in June and features documentaries and various other genres. It is aimed at entertainment and education, but themes vary each year, though they always revolve around the environment.

Bakatue

Bakatue marks the start of the new fishing season on the first Tuesday of July. It is held in Elmina and is celebrated with a grand procession that includes offerings, a regatta and attendance by the chiefs, which is topped off with merry-making.

Panfest

Held every two years in African countries in July/August, Panfest showcases different aspects of pan-African and Ghanaian culture. It is often commemorated with dance, music and drama performances.

Homowo

Homowo is a Ga harvest celebration. Local people offer festive food to their ancestors and gods before planting crops to secure a successful season. It takes place each May.

Damba

This three-day festival in mid-September takes place in the northern sections of Ghana. You will likely see pageants and horseback riding displays.

Fetu-Afahye

Fetu-Afahye features a procession accompanied by drumming and dancing. It commemorates the first encounter of colonial visitors with Ghanaians. The festival is observed by the Oguaa people of the Cape Coast in September.

Dodoleglime

This historic November event is held in the Volta region. It marks the escape of the Ghana people from the tyrannical rule of invaders during the 17th century.

Hogbetsotso

Hogbetsotso is a colorful fiesta that is held in the town of Hinloga. It is celebrated every first Sunday of November with large gatherings, drumming and dancing.

Weather

As Ghana stretches from the Atlantic coastline towards the edges of the Sahara desert, the climate, although being hot almost anywhere anytime, has some variety. The coastal area is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures around 30 °C on most days. February to May is a bit hotter, when even nights are very warm at 26 °C on average. Although the rainy season lasts from May to October, there generally is a peak in May/June and another in October, while in between it is relatively dry. What is rather strange, is that rainfall along the coast is less than immediately inland. There are two reason for this. First, the heaviest rainfall in Benin coincides with waters offshore being unusually cool for near-equatorial latitudes; a cool current appears on the ocean surface. Second, the coast follows a direction from west/southwest to east/northeast and is parallel with the prevailing winds. In the north of the country, there is single rainy season from May to September and a long and hot dry season from October to April. The total amount of rain is much less compared to the southern and coastal zones. Temperatures during the hot season can reach well over 40 °C during the days. From December to February the hot, dry and dusty Harmattan wind blows over most of the country as well, reaching almost to the coast although here with prevailing southwestern winds, the Harmattan only infects life for several days a year.

Getting there

By Plane

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) near Accra is the main gateway to Ghana. International destinations include Johannesburg, London and Lagos. KLM flies to and from Amsterdam directly. British Airways and Lufthansa fly to London and Frankfurt respectively and New York and Atlanta are served by Delta Airlines. Alitalia flies to Milan. Other airlines and cities served are mainly within the West African region, but Cairo, Washington, D.C., Istanbul, Dubai, Casablanca, Beirut and Johannesburg have flights as well, mostly with their respective national airlines. ASKY Airlines has most services, including Banjul, Lomé, Dakar, Conakry, Freetown, Ouagadougou, Monrovia, Abidjan, Cotonou and Bamako.

By Car

You can use all crossing to Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo mentioned below though travelling to Cote d'Ivoire generally is still not recommended. Be sure to have your car papers and insurance in order. Crossings are relatively hassle free and most roads are in an agreeable situation.

By Bus

To Burkina Faso, there are buses between Accra and Ouagadougou, normally via Kumasi, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Paga and Po (Burkina Faso). It takes around 24 hours when you take the direct service (daily, except Sunday). From Kumasi it's 20 hours, but only once a week. If you are doing it in stages, there are frequent services from Bolgatangato the border at Paga from where you can get onward transport to Po and Ouagadougou.
Another crossing is in the northwest of Ghana, between Tumu and Léo or from Hamale or Lawra and onto Bobo-Dioulasso. Tumu is reached from Bolgatanga, Hamale from Bolgatanga or Wa, and Lawra from Wa.
To Cote d'Ivoire you can take buses or bush taxis between Accra and Abidjan, via Elubo, with multiple connections daily. It's about 12 hour by regular bus. Another crossing is between Bole and Bouna, but it involves crossing the Black Volta river.
Buses and bush taxis go to Aflao, the border town with Togo, from Accra. Here you have to cross by foot and get onward transport to Lomé. If you need a visa, be sure to arrive during the afternoon or better: morning.

By Boat

Only cargo ships and the occasional private yacht harbors along Ghana's coastline, so no official passenger services exist.

Getting around

By Plane

Domestic services from Accra include Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi and Tamale with Antrak Air and CitYlinK.

By Train

There is a rail line connecting the cities of Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi and several intervening towns. There is also a rail link between the two main ports of Tema and Takoradi. Trains run at least twice a day between most destination.

By Car

You can rent cars, either with or without a driver, in Accra, but rates are very high. Roads are generally in a good condition but some minor roads are potholed or of the dirt and gravel kind and sometimes impassable when heavy rains strike the country during season. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit.

By Bus

STC operate between Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Cape Coast and other main cities and there are fast aircon express services, as well as slower buses. On some routes, you might find minibuses (tro-tros), converted trucks or shared taxis (seven seat Peugeots) much more comfortable, cheaper and faster.

By Boat

The Yapei Queen runs twice weekly across Lake Volta between Akosombo and Yeji. Ferries connect at Yeji for Buipe and Makongo, both from which it is possible to arrange onward transportation to Tamale.

Red Tape

Foreign nationals of the following countries can enter Ghana for a Maximum of 30−Days and for a Maximum of 90−Days:

ECOWAS countries, plus Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Singapore, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Zimbabwe

Otherwise, unless in direct airside transit through a Ghanaian airport, all other foreign nationals require a visa to enter Ghana. For information about obtaining visas for Ghana, visit the official website of the Ghana Immigration Service.

There is no such thing as a visa on arrival for Western countries. It's thus best to play it safe and get a visa in advance. The Ghanaian government's online Ghana list of embassies is out of date. A three-month single-entry visa costs US$60; a one-year, multiple entry visa costs US$100. You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate which will be presented to customs when entering. Malaria course essential.

In London a 3 month visa cost £60 and takes 10 working days to get.

If you require a visa to enter Ghana, you might be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Ghanaian embassy or consulate. For example, the British embassies/consulates in [2], Bogotá Amman, Helsinki [3], Hong Kong [4] and Tripoli [5] accept Ghanaian visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge UK£50 to process a Ghanaian visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Ghana require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Ghana can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

Travellers who are staying longer than their entry visa (a maximum of 30 or 60 days are usually granted for tourists) are advised to bring their passport for visa extension to Immigration Service early and expect delays in getting their passports back. Two weeks are provided as the guideline for processing time, but this can often take much longer. Be careful about what dates are stamped in your passport. Sometimes Immigration puts a 60 day stamp on a visa for 3 months- the stamps is what counts. If you don't want to go through the hassle of Immigration Service, you may consider going to Togo and back to get a visa stamp at the border.

Ghana plans to introduce e-Visas from 2018.

Money

See also Money Matters

The new Ghana cedi (GHS) was introduced on 1 July 2007 at a rate equal to 10,000 old cedis.

Coins of GHS1, 0.50 0.20, 0.10, 0.05 and 0.01 circulate. Banknotes are issued in 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 new Ghana cedi denominations.

Work

A popular method of travelling around Ghana is to volunteer with the many organizations that Ghana boasts.

Study

Ghana has three major public universities. The largest of these is the University of Ghana, located in Legon, a suburb of the capital, Accra. Other universities are located at Cape Coast (University of Cape Coast), and Kumasi (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, or "Tech"). Smaller public universities include the University of Education at Winneba, the University of Development Studies with a main campus at Tamale and several other campuses around the north, and the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Western Region.

Language

English is both the official language and the lingua franca between Ghana's many peoples. English speakers will have no trouble communicating their needs anywhere in the country; Ghanaians usually speak English quite fluently, albeit with some quirks. Official government documents are in English, but there over 40 distinct languages spoken in Ghana including Twi/Fante in the Ashanti and Fante regions, Ga in Greater Accra, Ewe east of Lake Volta, Dagbani, and so on. "Obruni", the Akan word for foreigner literally means "white man", is generally shouted at any tourist in the more heavily trafficked areas, black or white, male or female. This gets tiresome.

In the northern regions and among Ghanaian Muslims in general, the Hausa language is also used as a lingua franca.

Eat

Traditional food is fun to try and easy to enjoy. Fufu, the most widely served traditional dish, consists of pounded balls of yam, plantain, or cassava served with a variety of soups and meat or fish stews. Soups are typically made of groundnuts, palm nut, okra and other vegetables. Banku is a fermented corn version of the dish typically eaten with grilled tilapia fish or okra soup.

Rice dishes are also typical, but not considered a "real" meal by many Ghanaians, males especially. Jollof rice is a dish as varied as its chef, but generally consists of white rice cooked with vegetables, meat pieces, spices in a tomato based sauce. Waakye is a mix of beans and rice, typically served with gari, a powder of ground cassava. Often rice dishes are served with shredded lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes on the side with a dollop of Heinz salad cream or mayonnaise. Such meals are extremely cheap from street vendors and come as little as GHS1.50 to GHS2.50.

Plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes are prepared in various ways and serve as small snacks. Kelewele, a spiced fried plantain snack, is especially delicious. Fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, papaya, coconut, oranges, and bananas are delightful when in season and come when applicable by the bag for as little as 10 cents.

A great African meal in a restaurant can cost as little as GHS3.00 to GHS7.00. For instance, a lobster and shrimp dinner can cost a mere GHS6. There are also a number of Western and Chinese style restaurants available especially in Osu, a trendy suburb of Accra.

There is also banku and tilapia.The price of the tilapia varies based on the size as well as where you buy it from. There are other local traditional meals that are not so common example are the Aprapransa, mpotompoto etc.

Sleep

There are many wonderful places to stay in Ghana. There are many options including lavish hotels or more rustic places to stay. Cheap, decent hotel rooms can run as low as GHS12.00.

Drink

Drinking water from the tap is not generally considered to be safe, so choices include plastic bottled water (e.g. Voltic, 1.5 L, c. GHS1.00), boiled or filtered tap water, and "pure water" sachets. These sachets are filtered and come in 500 mL. portions. Many foreigners prefer bottled water.

A soft drink such as Coke, Alvaro, Fanta, 7UP (called "minerals" by locals) are widely available for GHS0.70.

Star and Club are two of the more popular beers served. For a more interesting and rewarding experience, visit a "spot," a bar signified by the blue and white stripes on the outside of the building. They are cheaper and you will undoubtedly be able to meet some local Ghanaians as well as hear the newest hip-life songs.

There also traditional drinks like "pito", asaana,burkina,bisarrp drink (sobolo).

Health

See also Travel Health

Proof that you had a yellow fever vaccination is required upon entering Ghana. Also you have to have a cholera stamp (proof of the fact you don't have the disease) when entering Ghana overland.

It's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Ghana. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.

If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. When staying longer than 6 months, vaccination against meningitis might be recommended, depending on your contact with other people and time of year.

Like most African countries south of the Sahara, Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net. Dengue is present as well, especially in urban areas, but there is no vaccination.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

The standard emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 112.

Ghana is a very safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. Take sensible precautions but be assured it is quite safe.

Male homosexuality is illegal. While prosecutions are rare, there is widespread targeting and extortion of vulnerable people and anyone suspected to be gay or queer. Female homosexuality is legal. In 2021, Ghanaian police charged a group of LGBT activists with "unlawful assembly" and for "advocating LGBTQ activities", which is not illegal.

Cases have also been reported of people snatching mobile phones in the streets. Avoid using your mobile phone out in the open.

Accidental gas tanker explosions, including occurrences in heavily populated residential & industrial areas throughout the country, have been a recurring problem, with eight such cases in 2015–2017.

Keep Connected

Internet

You're never too far away from an internet cafe where one hour of internet access should cost GHS0.50 to GHS1.00. Many hotels also boast broadband access via wireless hotspots.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Ghana's international telephone code is 233.

Ghana Telecom (now majority owned by and re-branded Vodafone) is the most widespread phone company, but is not yet entirely reliable or widespread. There are 6 mobile phone networks operating in the country. All six networks have 3G/HSPA/EVDO coverage in the regional capitals and other major cities, and there has been a corresponding boom in internet access via USB sticks (expect to pay around GHS60 for a stick with a 2GB allowance). Coverage is good in the urban areas, and is increasing in the rural areas and along major highways.

Post

Postal services can be unreliable within Ghana itself but international post, at least to and from Accra is reasonably reliable. To send a parcel, you'd better us an international courier company like FedEx or DHL.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website