| Location
West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea on the Greenwich Meridian.
Neighbours
La Cote d’Ivoire (West), Togo (East), Burkina Faso (North).
Total surface area
240,000 km2
Former name
Gold Coast
Former capital
Cape Coast
Current capital
Accra
International airport
Kotoka International Airport
Independence
March 6, 1957
Republic
July 1, 1960
Current political dispensation
Constitutional rule
Population
18 Million
Time
GMT
Official language
English
Main local languages
Ga, Akan, Hausa, Dagbani
Administrative regions
10 (Ten)
Rainfall pattern & temperature
Major season: April-July/August 18°-30°C
Minor season: September-October 18°-33°C
Dry season: December-January 24°C–38°C
Weather
Tropical and sunny year round. Light cotton clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sturdy walking shoes recommended.
Communication
IDD Code (+233)-(21) + number; Sprint collect call to USA 019900 - AT&T 0191; AT&T UK 0194. Communication and business centres available all over.
Electricity
220 volts - 120 volts appliances require adaptor/transformer. Electrical outlets accept 3 or 2 pronged British or Continental European type plugs.
Local currency
The Cedi (¢) in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 coins; 1000, 2000 and 5000 notes.
Foreign currency
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency brought into the country but the amount should be noted on the Customs Declaration Form on arrival. Daily exchange rates are available at licensed forex bureaus, banks and hotels for cash and travelers cheques. Money transfer is available through the banks and Western Union outlets.
Banking Hours
Mondays-Thursday, 8:30 am – 3.00 pm
Fridays 8.30am -4.00pm
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners and Visa accepted. Local ones available for local currency transactions.
Business Hours
Monday-Friday 0800–1230hrs and 1330–1700hrs
Flight arrangement
Reconfirm departure flight 72 hours in advance
Passport & visa
A valid passport and visa is required for travel to Ghana. Ghana mission and embassies abroad issue individual as well as group visa. In the absence of a foreign mission, visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport.
Health requirement
A health certificate showing yellow fever vaccination. Consult your doctor in advance for an anti-malaria treatment before departure.
Religion
Christianity, Islam, Traditional, Animist
Photography
Restricted Areas: Military installations, Osu Castle (seat of Government). Do not photograph people without their permission.
Social conduct & etiquette
Greet people by shaking the right hand. A handshake is the key to everything. Avoid the use of the left hand to greet and for other interactions with people. A welcome drink should always be accepted. Dress discreetly and appropriately. A gift of a bottle of local schnapps is appropriate when visiting a fetish shrine or a local chief or village elder.
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General Information 