For the traveller, one of the appeals of Ghana is that it is a stable, English-speaking democracy. Another is the friendly hospitality of the Ghanaians you will meet.
The country offers variety from the rainforests of the South and West to savannah woodlands and grasslands moving North, waterfalls and mountains around lake Volta, beaches and lagoons, castles and fishing villages along the coast, and the crafts and culture of the Ashanti in Kumasi.
The weather is warm all year round, and largely dry from November to April, with intermittent rain falling between May and July (Small Rains) and September to October (Big Rains).
Food is based around staples such as rice, pasta, yam and plantain, with spicy soups and stews of beef, chicken and fish. Traditional dishes around the country include fou-fou and palm oil soup, plantain and beans, smoked guinea fowl, and smoked fish. Fresh fruit and street snacks abound.
Bottled drinks including water, fizzy drinks such as fanta, pepsi, and local bottled equivalents, and beer, are widely available, and even chilled wherever there is electricity. The visitor should carry bottled water and drink it regularly whilst acclimatising to the heat.
Visas
Entry visas can be obtained from the Ghana High Commission in London, or as appropriate in other countries. You will need a confirmed flight first.
Money
You should take cash (US dollars or £ Sterling) which can be exchanged almost anywhere and debit/credit cards. You can draw money with a card from cashpoints in most towns, but would use cash, not credit cards for all transactions. Travellers cheques can only be changed at one bank in Accra.
Health
It is a mandatory health requirement that all visitors to Ghana have a Yellow Fever certificate. This is to prevent Yellow Fever entering the country. Without this you will be refused entry.
Malaria prophylaxis – a series of pills that you take daily or weekly, starting before you depart and continuing after you return – is also essential.
Your doctor will recommend other preparation depending on your medical history.
All travellers are required to carry their own Travel Insurance.
Here is a more detailed pdf with information about travellingin Ghana Info on Ghana 2011
