Ghana

Ghana’s population is mostly made up of Black Africans, accounting for 98 percent of the country’s population. Ghana is a nation with several ethnic groups. The Ashanti people are the biggest ethnic group. Until the 10th century BC, Ghana’s geographical territory within West Africa was empty and uninhabited by people. By the tenth century, Long before the arrival of other tribes, the Guans were the first to settle in Ghana. In the 16th century, the (Akans) founded Bonoman (Brong Ahafo area) and were joined by the present settlers and residents.

Ghana’s resident population was 71.2 percent Christian in 2010. (28.3 percent are Pentecostal, 18.4 percent Protestant, 13.1 percent Catholic and 11.4 percent other). Ghana’s Muslim population was estimated to be 17.6% of the total population (51 percent Sunni, 16 percent Ahmadiyya, and 8 percent Shia).

As of 2014, there were 375,000 legal skilled workers (permanent residents) and foreign workers/students (i.e. Ghana Card holders) living in the country, with 1.5 million airport layovers each year. Ghana had a population of 6.7 million people in its first post-colonial census in 1960. Ghanaians are 30 years old on average, with an average household size of 3.6 people. The official language of Ghana, according to the government, is English, which is spoken by 67.1 percent of the country’s population.

The population was 24.2 million in 2010. The Ashanti Region had the most (Akan) (Ashanti) (Akan) (Ashanti) (Akan) (Ashanti) (Akan) (A (4.7 million in Ashanti, 2.3 million in Brong-Ahafo, 2.2 million in Central, 2.6 million in Eastern, 2.3 million in Western, and 4 million in the seat of government in Greater Accra geographically and legally part of Eastern then administered separately on 23 July 1982). The Dagbani lands, often known as the Kingdom of Dagbon, had a population of 4.1 million people as of 2010. (2.4 million in Northern, 1 million in Upper East, and 0.7 million in Upper West).

In 2010, the Ewe territory Volta had a population of 2.1 million people.

Ghana has a mild climate since it is situated on the Gulf of Guinea, just a few degrees north of the Equator. Ghana has a total area of 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq mi) and has a 560 km (350 mile) Atlantic coastline on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The Prime Meridian runs through Ghana, particularly via the industrial port town of Tema, between latitudes 4° and 12°N and longitudes 4°W and 2°E. Even though the notional center, (0°, 0°), is situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 614 km (382 mi) off the south-east coast of Ghana in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is physically closer to the “centre” of the Earth than any other nation in the world.

Grasslands and south coastal shrublands and forests dominate Ghana, with forest extending 320 kilometers (200 miles) northward and 270 kilometers (170 miles) eastward from the south-west coast of Ghana on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean, with the Kingdom of Ashanti or the southern part of Ghana being a primary location for mining of industrial minerals and timbre.

On the south Atlantic Ocean coast of Ghana, there are lowlands, waterfalls, low hills, rivers, Lake Volta, the world’s biggest manmade lake, Dodi Island, and Bobowasi Island. Pulmakong is located in Ghana’s northernmost region, while Cape Three Points is located in Ghana’s southernmost region.

The rainy and dry seasons are the two major seasons of Ghana. The rainy season in northern Ghana lasts from March to November, whereas the season in the south, which includes the capital Accra, lasts from April to November.

Between Ghana’s numerous peoples, English is both the official language and the lingua franca. English speakers will have little difficulty expressing their requirements everywhere in Ghana; Ghanaians are generally proficient in English, although with certain idiosyncrasies.

Official papers are written in English, although Ghana’s population speaks over 40 other languages, 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 term for foreigner, literally means “white guy,” and is often yelled at any visitor, black or white, male or female, in the most frequently frequented locations. This is exhausting.

The Hausa language is also utilized as a lingua franca in the northern areas and among Ghanaian Muslims in general.

Within Ghana, telephone and postal services may be problematic, but international mail, at least to and from Accra, is quite dependable (approx a week either way to the UK for example). Ghana Telecom (now mainly owned by Vodafone and rebranded) is the most widely used phone service, although it is not yet completely dependable or ubiquitous. In the nation, there are six (6) mobile phone networks.

In the regional capitals and other important cities, all six networks have 3G/HSPA/EVDO coverage, and there has been a commensurate increase in internet access through USB sticks (expect to pay around GHS60 for a stick with a 2GB allowance). In metropolitan regions, coverage is excellent, and it is improving in rural areas and along key roads.

With the country’s recent ICT growth, you’re never far from an internet café, where an hour of internet connection should cost between GHS0.50 and GHS1.00. Wireless hotspots are available at many hotels, allowing guests to connect to the internet.

Ghana’s economy Vision 2020 logo: From 2020 to 2029, Ghana will become a developed nation, and then from 2030 to 2039, it will become a newly industrialized country.

Ghana is a nation with a fair amount of natural resources, including industrial minerals, hydrocarbons, and precious metals. It is a digital economy in transition with mixed economy hybridization, as well as a rising market with 8.7% GDP growth in 2012. The “Ghana Vision 2020” is the country’s economic plan’s goal. Ghana would become the first African nation to become developed between 2020 and 2029, and a newly industrialised country between 2030 and 2039, according to this proposal. South Africa, a member of the Group of 24 and a nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, is not included since it is a recently industrialized country. Ghana’s economy is closely linked to the Chinese yuan renminbi, as well as the country’s enormous gold reserves. The Bank of Ghana started circulating the renminbi as hard money in Ghanaian state-owned institutions and to the general public in 2013, alongside the Ghana cedi as the second national trade currency.

The two main power generators are the state-owned Volta River Authority and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. Hydropower is generated by the Akosombo Dam, which was constructed on the Volta River in 1965, as well as Bui Dam, Kpong Dam, and many smaller hydroelectric dams. Furthermore, Ghana’s government has planned to construct Africa’s second nuclear power facility.

The Ghana Stock Exchange (Ghana Stock Exchange) is Africa’s fifth biggest stock exchange, and the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a market capitalization of GH 57.2 billion (CN 180.4 billion) in 2012, behind only the South African JSE Limited. In 2013, the Ghana Stock Market (GSE) was Sub-Saharan Africa’s second best performing stock exchange.

Ghana also produces high-quality cocoa, is the world’s second-biggest cocoa producer, and is expected to overtake Brazil as the world’s largest cocoa producer in 2015.

Ghana is a nation with a medium income status. Manufacturing (24.1 percent), extractive sectors (5 percent), and taxes account for the remaining 50% of GDP (20.9 percent ).

Foreign nationals from the following countries are allowed to visit Ghana for a maximum of 30 days and 90 days:

Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Singapore, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and Zimbabwe are all members of the ECOWAS.

All other foreign citizens must get a visa to enter Ghana unless they are in direct airside transit via a Ghanaian airport.

For Western nations, there is no such thing as a visa on arrival. As a result, it’s better to be cautious and apply for a visa ahead of time. Although the Ghanaian government’s web list of embassies is out of current, it is generally accurate. A three-month single-entry visa will set you back USD60, while a one-year multiple-entry visa would set you back USD100. A yellow fever vaccination certificate must be submitted to customs before entering the country. Malaria education is required.

If there is no Ghanaian embassy or consulate in the nation where you legally live, you may be able to apply for a visa at a British embassy, high commission, or consulate in the country where you legally reside. For example, Ghanaian visa applications are accepted by British embassies/consulates in, Bogotá, Amman, Helsinki, Hong Kong, and Tripoli (this list is not exhaustive). A Ghanaian visa application costs GBP50 to complete, plus an additional GBP70 if the Ghanaian authorities want the application to be forwarded to them. If you contact with the Ghanaian authorities directly, they may opt to charge you an extra cost.

Tourists who want to remain longer than their entrance visa (typically 30 or 60 days) should submit their passports to Immigration Service early and anticipate delays in receiving their passports returned. The processing time is given as a guideline of two weeks, however it may frequently take considerably more. Keep an eye on the dates printed on your passport. Sometimes Immigration stamps a visa for three months with a 60-day stamp—the it’s stamps that matter. If you don’t want to deal with the Immigration Service, you may obtain a visa stamp at the border by traveling to Togo and returning.

All international flights arrive and depart at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC). Also, Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is quite central, and there are always Airport Shuttles and plenty of taxis available to get you about the city. The airport, which was recently renovated, is tiny, with a departure lounge that may get crowded when several planes are scheduled to leave. Kotoka International Airport now has almost 29 international airlines serving it, with an annual flight traffic of over 4 million passengers.

With four flights each week, Delta Air Lines connects Accra with New York City (JFK) and Atlanta. From London Heathrow, British Airways (daily) and Virgin Atlantic (five times weekly) fly. KLM operates daily flights from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Daily direct flights from Frankfurt and Milan are operated by Lufthansa and Alitalia, respectively, with a brief stop in Lagos, Nigeria. Emirates and Middle East Airlines both fly nonstop daily from Dubai in the Middle East (with connections to Asia and the Far East). Ethiopian Airlines operates four nonstop flights each week from Addis Ababa (with stopover, you can visit another African country). Egypt Air also flies nonstop from Cairo to Accra. South African Airways flies nonstop from Johannesburg four times a week. The shortest flight from Brazil or close is Angola Airlines’ trip from Rio de Janeiro to Luanda, Angola. You may fly nonstop to Accra from there. Turkish Airlines has been flying nonstop from Istanbul to Accra four times a week since January 2012.

Royal Air Maroc also flies to Accra several times a week from Casablanca. Nigeria is served by Arik Air and Air Nigeria. Outside of Africa, the cheapest flights to Ghana are typically from London, but it doesn’t imply British Airways is the cheapest (i.e. a transfer inside continental Europe may be required). Brussels Airlines, which operates two weekly flights from Brussels, will cease operations on March 25, 2012. TAP, a Portuguese airline, travels to Accra four times a week and will shortly add another route. North Americans may be able to save money by purchasing a cheap ticket to London from their own nation. (Be aware that London has two international airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, and leave plenty of time for connections.) Local airlines such as Starbow, Antrak, Fly 540, Citylink, and African World Airlines operate inside the nation and sometimes to neighboring countries in the subregion. Kumasi, Takoradi, Sunyani, Tamale, which is about to be converted into an international airport, and Obuasi, which was recently built by Anglogold Ashanti, all have regional or domestic airports. Photographs of the tiny but well-run airport.

The border crossing between Togo and Aflao is a fun sight to see. It seems to be extremely disorganized, and human traffic appears to be flowing freely. A white individual, on the other hand, is unlikely to be able to get through without going through all of the procedures. Although some ladies may get marriage offers, the border guards are competent enough that you will not be solicited for bribes. A visa to Ghana may be purchased at the border for GHS110, which is twice the usual price (due to the expedited delivery). Togo’s 7-day transit visa is a bargain for XOF5,000 (2011). If you need to purchase a visa, change your money before crossing. Change your money at a bank in Aflao or Lomé (best to do it ahead of time at a ForEx in Accra).

Keep your cameras hidden in your packs while crossing the border; both Ghanaian and Togolese border guards will confiscate your camera if they see you taking a picture, or at the at least give you a nice chiding.

Although crossing the border with Cote d’Ivoire at Elubo takes less time, Ivorian border guards seem to be considerably more strict with the regulations.

State Transport Corporation, Ghana’s national bus operator, operates an intercity bus service inside Ghana and to several major West African cities. Metro Mass Company, a recent public-private partnership, provides services throughout Ghana’s main city, Accra, as well as surrounding areas.

ABC Transport, a Nigerian company, offers a daily air-conditioned bus service from Lagos to Accra for approximately GHS45.

The primary method for visitors arriving from Burkina Faso is a bus from Ouagadougou to Bolgatonga/Tamale/Accra. Alternatively, you may go to Hamile and cross the border (or Hamale, as it is called on the BF-side of the border). From Bobo-Dioulasso, take the bus. You must cross the border on foot (you must walk 300 meters across no-man’s-land after leaving Burkina Faso to reach Ghana customs). Locals will be lingering and seeking to change money at affordable rates). Then, to Wa, catch a Metro Mass bus (alternatively hop on a tro-tro and do the trip in stages). Make careful to catch an early bus from Bobo; if the bus is late, you may have to spend the night in Hamile. The custom officials may direct you to a location where you can obtain a room (GHS10).

To Ghana, there are no authorized boat services. On the Volta lake, however, there are pantos and boats that connect the eastern part to the Volta region and other places.

There are over five local airlines that fly from Accra to Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale two to three times a day. Domestic flights in the nation are currently operated by Starbow, 540, Ankrak Air, and Africa World. http://www.flycitylink.com Starbow’s website is www.flystarbow.com. They mostly run routes between Accra and Kumasi, as well as Accra and Tamale. Routes between Accra and Takoradi between Accra and Sunyani. Fly the 540 Africa’s global airlines may be found at www.fly540africa.com/. www.flyafricaworld.com

Although there are train connections connecting Accra, Takoradi, and Kumasi, all railroads have been stopped since October 2010, with the exception of those running from Accra to Nsawam (four times a day, Monday through Saturday) and Accra to Tema (twice a day, Monday through Saturday). These are mostly utilized as local commuter trains. Because the train system is being rebuilt, the other lines are anticipated to reopen to passengers after the renovations are finished.

The quality of the roads varies. In Accra, the most are very excellent. The major road between Accra and Kumasi is undergoing significant upgrades. Apart from the main highways, most of the roads outside of Accra are dirt paths. The road between Techiman and Bole is very poor and should be avoided if at all possible. A 4×4 is needed for travel on most roads in the north of the nation; a saloon vehicle may handle some of them in the dry season but is not advised.

Cars with foreign registration are not permitted to operate between the hours of 18:00 and 06:00. At this moment, only Ghanaian-registered cars are permitted on the road. Failure to comply may result in penalties and the car being impounded for the night.

Following the demise of the state-owned transport business (STC), a slew of new private firms have sprung up, offering superior service to customers. VIP Bus, O.A. Travel & Tours, M Plaza, Diplomatic Transport, and more companies operate in the country’s main cities and villages. The VIP bus business is currently the primary mode of transportation between Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi, and other cities in Ghana. The cost of travel is determined by the business chosen and the location. The majority of these buses are air-conditioned coaches; there are no advance tickets available, and there are food and restroom breaks along the way. Private buses, on the other hand, do not go to rural parts of the nation. When traveling between towns, the Metro bus, which is run by the government, is by far the cheapest option.

A ‘Tro-tro’ is a word that refers to virtually any vehicle that has been modified to accommodate as many people, belongings, and animals as feasible. Tro-tros are usually 12-passenger VW or Mercedes-Benz vans that have seen better days. Tro-tros, like’shared’ taxis, will follow set routes and charge set rates, and will seldom operate with less than capacity [so expect to wait]. They are affordable (less costly than shared cabs and STC buses) and prices should reflect distance traveled; nevertheless, their safety record is dubious, and they often break down.

Breakdowns, on the other hand, are generally not a big deal since they normally happen on a route where other tro-tros run, so you can simply grab another one. Although they typically go from point A to point B, they will frequently pick up and drop off along the way if necessary. They operate both intra-city and inter-city routes (e.g., Circle to Osu for GHS0.20). They are often the sole means of transportation between distant communities, although they are not advised for lengthy trips. Tro-tros are a wonderful opportunity to meet Ghanaians and are always a fun cultural experience. They may sometimes charge you more for baggage, and they will sometimes attempt to overcharge you (very rarely).

If you want to feel like an elite tro-tro rider, inquire about City Express, a newish service with working breaks, non-stop riding, half the seats, and excellent air conditioning. It mostly connects the major coastal cities, like as Takoradi, Accra, Aflao, and others.

Taxis are plentiful, simple to identify, and safe, and as a visitor, you will find that they will locate you quickly if you need one. Although chartering a cab is more costly than sharing one, rates are usually adjustable and must nearly always be haggled over. Before boarding, always agree on a fee. A cab should cost no more than GHS1.00 for a short journey, GHS2.50-5.00 for larger journeys, and GHS8.00 for most destinations in the metropolis. As of December 2011, an approximate rate of GHS1.00 per 1.5 km traveled may be used (check Google Maps for the distance between places).

Fares continue to vary in line with worldwide gasoline costs. If you’re a foreigner, almost every taxi driver will start with a high charge that is 1.5x-3x the local fare, and you’ll have to negotiate them down. When you start walking away from the cab, you’ll receive the greatest pricing. In Accra and the main cities, most taxis that stop for you think you need a charter cab, which is generally the most convenient option unless you’re on a very tight budget. Shared taxis are the most prevalent mode of transportation in more distant regions.

• Accra — Accra is the capital and biggest city of Ghana.
• Cape Coast — the original capital of Ghana (formerly known as the Gold Coast), Cape Coast is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a slave fortress.
• Koforidua — Koforidua is the Eastern Region’s regional capital.
• Kumasi — Kumasi is Ghana’s second-largest city and the historic capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for Ashanti traditional structures.
• Obuasi — mining town.
• Sekondi-Takoradi Also referred to as “twin city” or “oil city.”
• Sunyani — the Capital of Brong Ahafo Region
• Tamale — Ghana’s biggest city in the north, as well as the country’s fastest-growing metropolis and the entrance to Mole National Park.
• Tema — industrial and port city on the Greenwich Meridian

Elmina, Cape Coast, Butri, Apam, Abandze, Komenda, Axim, Dixcove, Shama, and Senya Bereku’s forts and castles are all included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ghana’s first and second cities each have much to see and do. Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and the WB Dubois Centre are among the historic attractions in Accra. Shopping in a variety of markets, including the Makola market in the city’s center. A number of museums and the national theatre are among the cultural highlights. The vast botantical gardens of Aburi are located outside of the city.

The Manhiya Palace, the Asantehene’s Palace, and the Okomfo Anokye Sword are among the attractions of Kumasi based on Ashanti history.

There are also additional items to find in terms of Asante culture, such as wood carvings from Ahwiaa, Adinkra patterns and clothing from Ntonso and Aboaso, and Kente weaving in parts of Kwabre Bonwire, Adanwomasi, and Wonoo.

Many tourists associate Ghana’s past with the slave trade and interactions with Europeans, although the country has a long and varied history. The Larabanga mosque, built in the 15th century, and the Nalerigu Defence Wall, built in the 16th century, are also examples of flourishing civilisations.

Kumasi, the Ashanti Kingdom’s capital, rose in power and prominence between the 17th and 19th centuries, and today houses a variety of historic sites.

The slave trade did, however, leave an indelible imprint on Ghana, with forts constructed by the British, Dutch, Danish, Germans, Portuguese, and Swedish along the coast. Both Cape Coast and Elmina have excellent examples of these forts, which provide a look into the period of slavery and a vista of Africa’s final sight for millions of people, as well as being Unesco World Heritage sites.

The hamlet of Nzulezo, which is constructed on stilts, is another kind of World Heritage site.

Beautiful beaches, such as those at Kokrobite and Winneba, where you may relax with a drink, stay at a beach front hotel, or watch the fisherman at work, are among Ghana’s natural riches. Alternatively, you can take the waters inland. Volta Lake, which was formed by damming the River Volta at Akosombo in the mid 1960s to supply power to Ghana, today offers a great observation point from the dam or excursions out into the lake itself, or you may take a ride on the River Volta at Ada.

Lake Bosumtwi, a 10.5km diameter meteor impact crater lake in the Ashanti region not far from Kumasi, was created by a meteor strike approximately 1 million years ago. In addition to being extremely picturesque, the lake holds a spiritual significance to the Ashanti, who believe that souls of the dead meet the god Twi at the lake.

Two additional national treasures may be found inland in the shape of two world-renowned national parks. To enjoy a safari experience with the chance to see elephants, big cats, and other animals on the savannah, go to Kakum National Park to walk across elevated rope bridges within the forest, with the opportunity for bird watching and butterfly and other nature spotting, or to Mole National Park to enjoy a safari experience with the chance to see elephants, big cats, and other animals on the savannah.

In the rain forest near Wli Falls, there’s also the highland hamlet of Wli Todzi, which is renowned for its spectacular landscape and ecotourism services.

Traditional cuisine is simple to prepare and enjoy. The most popular traditional meal, fufu, is made out of pounded yam, plantain, or cassava balls that are eaten with a variety of soups and meat or fish stews. Groundnuts, palm nuts, okra, and other vegetables are often included in soups. Banku is a fermented corn variation of the meal that is traditionally served with grilled tilapia or okra soup.

Rice dishes are also common, although many Ghanaians, particularly men, do not regard them to be a “genuine” meal. Jollof rice is a meal as unique as the chef who prepares it, although it often consists of white rice cooked with veggies, meat bits, and spices in a tomato-based sauce. Waakye is a bean and rice dish that is usually served with gari, a crushed cassava powder. Rice meals are often accompanied with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes, as well as a dab of Heinz salad cream or mayonnaise. These lunches may be had for as low as GHS1.50 to GHS2.50 from street vendors.

Plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes are served as tiny snacks in a variety of ways. Kelewele is a spicy fried plantain snack that is very tasty. When in season, fresh fruits including pineapple, mango, papaya, coconut, oranges, and bananas are delicious and may be purchased by the bag for as low as 10 cents.

In a restaurant, a delicious African dinner may be had for as low as GHS3.00 to GHS7.00. A lobster and shrimp meal, for example, may be had for as little as GHS6. There are also a lot of Western and Chinese style eateries, particularly in Osu, an up-and-coming Accra neighborhood.

There’s also tilapia and banku.

The cost of tilapia varies depending on its size and where it is purchased. Other less well-known local traditional dishes include Aprapransa, mpotompoto, and others.

Plastic bottled water (e.g. Voltic, 1.5 L, c. GHS1.00), heated or filtered tap water, and “pure water” sachets are all regarded safe alternatives to drinking water from the tap. These filtered sachets are available in 500 mL quantities. Bottled water is preferred by many foreigners.

According to at least one research [www], bottled water is the safest option. Despite the fact that “pure water” sachets are more widely available, 2.3 percent of those tested had faecal germs. Stick to carbonated drinks or bottled water if you want to be safe.

A drink will cost between GHS2.00 and GHS4.00 at Accra’s expat-friendly pubs. GHS1.50 for fruit drinks, GHS1.00 to GHS1.50 for water. Two of the most popular beers offered are Star and Club. Visit a “spot,” a pub marked by blue and white stripes on the exterior of the building, for a more engaging and gratifying experience. They are less expensive, and you will definitely be able to meet some local Ghanaians while listening to the latest hip-hop music.

Soft drinks such as Coke, Alvaro, Fanta, and 7UP (which the locals refer to as “minerals”) are readily available for GHS0.70.

Be aware that the bottling business owns the bottles in which minerals or beer are given to you; if you do not return it to the vendor, they will forfeit GHS0.50, which is likely more than you paid for the drink. Make sure you inform the vendor if you will not be drinking the drink on the “spot” or at the roadside stand. Frequently, you will be requested to pay a deposit, which will be refunded once the bottle is returned. Traditional beverages include “pito,” “asaana,” “burkina,” and “bisarrp” (sobolo)

On July 1, 2007, the new Ghana cedi (GHS) was launched at a rate of 10,000 old cedis. It was the highest-valued currency unit issued by a sovereign African nation when it was first established.

You’ll see a number of money symbols around here, including “GH” instead of “GHS.” Banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 new Ghana cedi.

One hundred new Ghana pesewas are split into one new Ghana cedi (Gp). GHS1 coins in denominations of 0.50, 0.20, 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01 circulate. The one pesewa coins are uncommon in the system, since goods that cost less than 5 pesewas are hard to come by.

Be aware that the majority of Ghanaians still think in terms of old money. This may be very perplexing (and costly). Thousands of old cedis are often referred to as ten thousand old cedis (or twenty, or thirty). This equates to one, two, or three “new” Ghana cedis today. Before purchasing or settling on a cab ride, always consider if the stated amount makes sense. Whether you’re unsure, ask if this is a new cedi.

Some of the main tourist hotels take US money, but you shouldn’t count on it. Banks and Forex bureaus will refuse older US dollar notes, as they will in other West African nations. If you’re taking dollar bills, make sure they’re all from the 2009 series or later.

The most helpful currencies to bring with you are euros, dollars, and pounds sterling in cash, which may be quickly and securely exchanged at many air conditioning booths open until 21:00.

In Accra, there are many Forex Bureaus, as well as a handful in the other main cities. Changing travellers’ cheques is very difficult, if not impossible, outside of Accra and Kumasi, unless you do it at a large bank. Travelers cheques may be exchanged at Barclays locations in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and even Tamale. Expect to see queues.

Ecobank, Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic Bank, and GT Bank all have ATMs across Ghana. which accept Mastercard and Visa credit cards If you have your passport with you, you may obtain a cash advance on your VISA or MasterCard at Barclays Bank’s main office in Accra. In hotels, retail malls, and airline offices, Master and Visa cards are accepted.

In the marketplaces, bargaining is extremely common. Large towns, such as Accra, have markets open every day, but those who have the chance to visit a rural market on the day it is open will get a real sense of the nation. The majority of the items will be basic necessities, although fabric, beads, musical instruments, purses, and even CDs are often available.

On virtually every street in any tourist location in Ghana, you may find Kente fabric, drums, and woodwork creations such as masks and “holy chairs.”

The Accra Mall is a first-class and commercial retail center located on the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange’s spintex road.

Traditional Adinkrah “motif” patterns adorn the holy seats, which may represent a variety of things like God, love, strength, community, and much more. It’s a good idea to find a handbook that explains what each sign means so you don’t end up purchasing a stool that doesn’t mean what you think it does.

Gye Nyame is the most well-known Adinkrah symbol. It literally means “Only God.” The “Wisdom Knot” and the one with the figure holding several sticks together, which cannot be broken, to represent the power of community, are two more popular stools.

Try to pick up on polite customs (such not eating or offering with your left hand), although Ghanaians are often forgiving of visitors who do things wrong. The importance of greetings cannot be overstated. People who do not take the time to welcome others in Ghana are not forgiven. A salute may be used in conjunction with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” greeting. The anticipated answer is the same in both cases (a salute with a “good morning or afternoon”). It’s also a good idea to inquire about the person’s well-being.

The Ghanaian handshake is a standard handshake that is immediately followed by the thumb and middle finger snapping. The technique will be taught to you the first time you shake hands; it entails sliding your hand down the other person’s hand, taking their middle finger between your thumb and middle finger as they take your middle finger between their thumb and middle finger, and snapping your finger together as they do the same. It is one of a kind. Grin, make new acquaintances, and offer them a Ghanaian handshake; they’ll nod and smile back!

Ghanaian culture is a complex amalgamation of several distinct ethnic groups’ customs and beliefs.

Ghana’s national literary radio show, Voices of Ghana, and associated magazine were among the first on the African continent. Novelists J. E. Casely Hayford, Ayi Kwei Armah, and Nii Ayikwei Parkes among the most well-known Ghanaian writers, with works such as Ethiopia Unbound (1911), The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born (1968), and Tail of the Blue Bird (2009) gaining worldwide recognition. Other literary arts, like as Ghanaian theatre and poetry, have also benefited from strong national growth and support, thanks to renowned Ghanaian playwrights and poets Joe de Graft and Efua Sutherland.

Ghanaians created their distinctive technique of adinkra printing in the 13th century. The then-Ghanaian monarch wore hand-printed and hand-embroidered adinkra garments solely for religious rituals. Each of the motifs in the adinkra symbolism corpus has a name and meaning drawn from a proverb, a historical event, a human attitude, ethology, a plant life form, or the forms of inanimate and man-made things. Graphically, they are represented in stylized geometric forms. The motifs’ meanings may be divided into four categories: aesthetics, ethics, human connections, and ideas.

The Adinkra symbols are used as tattoos for decoration, but they also symbolize things that contain powerful ideas about ancient knowledge, life, and the environment. There are a variety of symbols with various meanings that are often associated with proverbs. They were one of the methods in a pre-literate culture for “sustaining the transmission of a rich and nuanced corpus of practice and belief,” according to Anthony Appiah.

Ghanaians utilize a variety of textile materials for their traditional clothing, in addition to the Adinkra cloth. The many ethnic groups each have their unique fabric. The Kente cloth is the most well-known. Kente is a traditional and contemporary Ghanaian Kente outfit.

Different symbols and colors denote different meanings. Kente is the most well-known of all Ghanaian fabrics. Kente is a ceremonial fabric made by weaving strips of approximately 4 inches wide on a horizontal treadle loom and sewing them together to make bigger textiles. Clothes exist in a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns, and they are worn for special social and religious events.

Kente is more than simply a fabric in a cultural setting; it is a visual depiction of history as well as a kind of written language via weaving. The term kente comes from the Akan word kntn, which means basket, and the earliest kente weavers used raffia fibers to weave cloths that resembled kenten (a basket), earning them the nickname kenten ntoma, or basket cloth. The fabric’s original Akan name was nsaduaso or nwontoma, which meant “a cloth handwoven on a loom,” but “kente” is now the most often used word.

Ghanaian fashion now combines traditional and contemporary designs and materials, and it has left its mark on the African and worldwide fashion scenes. It is said that in the late 1800s, Dutch ships on their route to Asia loaded with machine-made textiles that resembled Indonesian Batik stopped in several West African ports along the road, resulting in the creation of African print fabric. In Asia, the textiles did not sell well. However, in West Africa, particularly Ghana, where a market for cloths and textiles had already developed, the clientele expanded, and the product was altered to incorporate local and traditional designs, colors, and patterns to appeal to the tastes of the new customers.

It is now known as “Ankara” outside of Africa, and it has a clientele that extends well beyond Ghana and Africa as a whole. It’s extremely popular among Caribbean people and African Americans, and celebrities like Solange Knowles and her sister Beyoncé have been spotted wearing it. African prints are increasingly being used by many European and American designers, and they have sparked global attention. Burberry, a British luxury fashion company, developed a line inspired by Ghanaian attire. Gwen Stefani, an American singer, has integrated African patterns into her clothing line on many occasions and is often spotted wearing it. In his 2012 collection, internationally renowned Ghanaian-British designer Ozwald Boateng included African print suits.

Ghanaian music is varied and differs according to ethnic groups and locations. Talking drum groups, Akan drum, goje fiddle and koloko lute, court music, including the Akan Seperewa, Akan atumpan, Ga kpanlogo styles, and log xylophones used in asonko music are all examples of Ghanaian music. The most well-known genres to have originated in Ghana include African jazz, which was developed by Ghanaian musician Kofi Ghanaba, and highlife, which is the country’s oldest form of secular music.

Highlife began in the late 19th century and expanded across West Africa in the early 20th century. Youth developed a new type of music in the 1990s, combining elements from highlife, Afro-reggae, dancehall, and hiphop. Hiplife was the name given to this hybrid. International success has been achieved by Ghanaian musicians such as “Afro Roots” singer, activist, and composer Rocky Dawuni, R&B and soul singer Rhian Benson, and Sarkodie. Rocky Dawuni became the first Ghanaian artist to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category in December 2015 for his 6th studio album, Branches of The Same Tree, which was released on March 31, 2015.

Ghanaian dance is as varied as the country’s music, including traditional dances as well as dances for specific events. Ghanaian dances for festivities are the most well-known. The Adowa, Kpanlogo, Azonto, Klama, and Bamaya are among these dances.

By the ninth century, Ghana had established itself as one of the major kingdoms of Bilad el-Sudan.

In the Middle Ages and the Age of Discovery, Ghana was populated by a number of old mainly Akan kingdoms in the southern and central regions. The Ashanti Empire, the Akwamu, the Bonoman, the Denkyira, and the Mankessim Kingdom were all part of this.

The bulk of current Ghana’s geographical territory remained essentially unused and deserted by people until the 11th century. Despite many population migrations in what is now Ghana, West Africa, the Akans were securely established by the 5th century BC. By the early 11th century, the Akans had established themselves in the Akan state of Bonoman, which is now known as the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Akans came from what is thought to have been the Bonoman region in the 13th century to establish numerous Akan kingdoms in Ghana, based mostly on gold trade. Bonoman (Brong-Ahafo Region), Ashanti (Ashanti Region), Denkyira (Central Region), Mankessim Kingdom (Western Region), and Akwamu Eastern Region were among the states involved. The southern portion of Ghana was included into the Kingdom of Ashanti in the 19th century, making it one of the most powerful kingdoms in Sub-Saharan Africa prior to colonization.

A map from 1850 depicting the Akan Kingdom of Ashanti in West Africa’s Guinea region and neighboring areas.

The administration of the Kingdom of Ashanti began as a loose network, then evolved into a centralised kingdom with a sophisticated, highly specialized bureaucracy centered in Kumasi, the capital city. Prior to encounter with Europeans, the Akan Ashanti people had a sophisticated economy based mostly on gold and gold bar goods, which they traded with African nations.

The Mole-Dagbani nations were the first documented kingdoms to form in contemporary Ghana. The Mole-Dagombas arrived on horseback from what is now Burkina Faso, led by Naa Gbewaa. They quickly attacked and seized the territories of the indigenous people governed by the Tendamba (land god priests), installed themselves as rulers over them, and made Gambaga their capital, thanks to their superior weaponry and the existence of a central government. Naa Gbewaa’s death sparked civil war among his offspring, with some forming independent states such as Dagbon, Mamprugu, Mossi, Nanumba, and Wala.

Following interaction with the Portuguese in the 15th century, Akan commerce with European nations started. Early European interaction with the Portuguese, who arrived in the Gold Coast area in the 15th century to trade and later created the Portuguese Gold Coast (Costa do Ouro), was centered on the abundant gold supply. The Portuguese established a trade post at Anomansah (perpetual drink) on the seashore, which they renamed Elmina.

King John II of Portugal commissioned Diogo d’Azambuja to construct Elmina Castle in 1481, and it was finished in three years. By 1598, the Dutch had joined the Portuguese in the gold trade, forming the Dutch Gold Coast (Nederlandse Bezittingen ter Kuste van Guinea) and fortifying Komenda and Kormantsi. The Dutch took Olnini Castle from the Portuguese in 1617, and Axim in 1642. (Fort St Anthony).

By the mid-seventeenth century, other European merchants had engaged in gold trafficking, most notably the Swedish, who established the Swedish Gold Coast (Svenska Guldkusten), and Denmark-Norway, who established the Danish Gold Coast (Danske Guldkyst or Dansk Guinea). The region was given the name Costa do Ouro (Gold Coast) by Portuguese traders who were fascinated by the area’s gold riches.

The Portuguese, Swedish, Dano-Norwegians, Dutch, and German merchants constructed more than thirty forts and castles, creating the German Gold Coast (Brandenburger Gold Coast or Groß Friedrichsburg). In 1874, the United Kingdom took sovereignty of certain sections of the nation, designating these regions as the British Gold Coast. The Akan Kingdom of Ashanti beat the British a few times in the Anglo-Ashanti wars against the United Kingdom, but ultimately lost with the War of the Golden Stool in the early 1900s.

Following the Gold Coast parliamentary election of 1946, The Big Six’s newly formed United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) advocated for “self-government in the shortest feasible period.” Dr.h.c. Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, founding the Convention People’s Party (CPP) with the slogan “self-government now.”

Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, gained a majority in the Gold Coast legislative election of 1951 for the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly, and was named head of the Gold Coast’s government business in 1952. On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast area proclaimed independence from the United Kingdom, becoming the country of Ghana.

The beginning of Ghana’s history on March 6, 1957, and Kwame Nkrumah’s creation of Ghanaian Republicanism, as well as the 1960 Ghanaian presidential election.

As the first Prime Minister of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence and autonomy on March 6, 1957 at 12 a.m., and as the first President of Ghana, Nkrumah declared Ghana a republic on July 1, 1960, following the Ghanaian constitutional referendum of 1960 and the Ghanaian presidential election of 1960.

When the Gold Coast was renamed Ghana in 1957, the new flag, consisting of the colors red, gold, green, and a black star, was adopted. The crimson symbolizes the blood poured in the struggle for freedom, the gold represents Ghana’s vast mineral riches, the green represents the country’s lush grasslands, and the black star represents the Ghanaian people and African liberation.

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and later President, was the first African head of state to advocate Pan-Africanism, a concept he encountered while studying at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, at a period when Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa Movement” was gaining popularity. In the creation of 1960s Ghana, Nkrumah combined the ideas of Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., and naturalized Ghanaian academic W. E. B. Du Bois.

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as he was called, was a key figure in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement and the establishment of the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute to educate his communist and socialist ideas. Ghanaians honored his accomplishments at his centennial birthday celebrations, and the day was declared a public holiday in Ghana (Founder’s Day).

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his administration were toppled by a GAF military operation dubbed “Operation Cold Chop” coup on February 24, 1966, when Nkrumah was overseas with Zhou Enlai in the People’s Republic of China for a futile trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, to help resolve the Vietnam War. Lt. General Joseph A. Ankrah founded and chairs the National Liberation Council (N.L.C.).

From 1966 through 1981, a succession of military and civilian administrations alternated until Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings of the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) took control in 1981. As a consequence of these modifications, Ghana’s constitution was suspended in 1981, and political parties were outlawed. Soon after, the economy experienced a severe downturn, but Kwame Nkrumah negotiated a structural adjustment plan that changed many previous economic practices, and the economy quickly rebounded from the mid–2000s. In the 1992 Ghanaian presidential election, a new constitution was published, reinstating multi-party politics; Rawlings was elected president of Ghana at the time, and again in the 1996 Ghanaian general election.

After winning the 2000 Ghanaian elections, John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was sworn in as president of Ghana on January 7, 2001, and was re-elected in the 2004 Ghanaian elections, thus serving two terms as president of Ghana and marking the first time power was transferred from one leg to the other under the fourth republic of Ghana.

Following the Ghanaian presidential election of 2008, Kufuor was succeeded as president of the Republic of Ghana by John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who was inaugurated as the third president of the fourth republic of Ghana and eleventh president of Ghana on 7 January 2009, before being succeeded as president of Ghana by then vice-president John Atta Mills.

Following the 2012 Ghanaian presidential election, John Dramani Mahama was elected supreme commander-in-chief, and he was sworn in as the 4th President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and the 12th President of Ghana on January 7, 2013, for a four-year term as supreme commander-in-chief and president of Ghana until January 7, 2017, securing Ghana’s status as a stable decentralized state.

In comparison to other West African nations, Ghana is presently a highly secure and stable country with low crime rates. Take reasonable measures, but rest assured that it is completely safe.

On Thursday evenings, Bywel’s pub in Osu is a popular hangout for foreigners, making it a target for muggings. When leaving the bar, make sure you depart in a big group and get into a cab right away.

Keep in mind that, although female homosexuality is legal, male homosexuality is not.

People stealing mobile phones on the streets have also been reported. If you don’t have to, don’t use your phone out in the open. You face the danger of someone snatching it away from you.

You should be aware that chloroquine-resistant malaria is common, and you should adopt adequate malaria prevention measures, such as mosquito avoidance, insect repellants, and chemical prophylaxis. The immunization against yellow fever is needed for entrance into the country.

If a tourist intends to travel inside the country, it is highly recommended that they seek vaccines against Hepatitis A and B, Cholera, and Typhoid fever.

The northern portion of Ghana, which is part of Africa’s Meningitis Belt, has an extremely high risk of meningitis. This is particularly true during the dry, windy months of December through June. For Meningitis types A, C, Y, and W135, a polysaccharide vaccination is available.

Despite the fact that the AIDS/HIV prevalence in Uganda is lower than in other Sub-Saharan African nations, do not engage in unprotected sexual activity! There is also a danger of schistosomiasis if you come into touch with still freshwater.

Some eateries will adhere to European health regulations, but expect to pay a premium. Smaller eateries, dubbed “chop bars,” are unlikely to fulfill these requirements.

Travelers will need to keep hydrated due to the tropical environment near the shore. Bottled water is widely accessible. Over the years, Voltic Water has shown to be a dependable brand, but be sure the seal has not been damaged.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s destination Ghana page [www] for the most up-to-date health information for travelers visiting Ghana, including warnings and recommendations.