Flights and Travel Guide to Ghana

Ghana is a stable economy with bustling tourism, welcoming people and a culture that exhibits the true African values and traditions.

Geography

Ghana is located in Africa, and further classified as a country in the Western Africa. It is bordered at three sides and exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Guinea on the forth. Its neighbors include Cote d’Ivoire in West, Togo in East and Burkina Faso situated in the North.

Capital City

The capital of Ghana is Accra. It is a modern city that is often visited as a holiday destination by beach lovers. It is the largest city in Ghana and has nearly all basic necessities available, such as electricity, internet, clean water and infrastructure. Accra is the home of Ghana’s major International Airport and is also the arrival point for International travelers. Only recently, there have been some constructions of 4-5 star hotels in Accra to boost tourism in Ghana. Accra has also been visited by President Barak Obama and since then, there has been a tremendous increase in popularity of the city.

Other Cities

Other than the Capital, following are the popular cities of Ghana:

• Elmina
• Cape Coast
• Bolgatanga
• Tamale
• Koforidua and Kumasi

Climate / Weather in Ghana

Ghana has a tropical climate due to its long coastal line rimming the Atlantic Ocean. The weather in Ghana is divided in three parts, the rainy, the cool and the dry.

April to July - Sep to Nov: Rainy season particularly heavy rains in the north.

December to March: Dry, Humid and Hot day but cooler nights

July / August: Lowest Temperatures and particularly cold night

Getting In

There are many cheap airlines to Ghana that connect it not only with the regional destinations but also, from the rest of the world through its major International airport Kotoka International Airport Accra.

Airports in Ghana

There are two important airports of the country:

• Kotoka International Airport Accra (IATA: ACC) – It is located about 8 km North-northeast of the city centre and acts as the main International Airport of Ghana.  
• Kumasi Airport Kumasi (IATA: KMS),
• Takoradi Airport Sekondi-Takoradi (IATA: TKD),
• Sunyani Airport Sunyani (IATA: NYI) and
• Tamale Airport Tamale (ITATA: TML).

Airline to / from Ghana

Although the national airline of Ghana, Ghana International Airways was grounded last year, but there still is a direct flight to Accra, being provided by Virgin Atlantic Airline (VS). The other airlines that fly to Accra are:

• British Airways flights to Accra from London Heathrow
• KLM Royal Dutch Airline (KLM) from Heathrow, Manchester, New Castle, Birmingham and other airports.
• Air Portugal (TP) starting scheduled flights to Ghana from July 01, 2011.
• Lufthansa Airline (LH) it is preferred for Business Class Flights to Accra.
• Alitalia Airline (AT) for last minute Flights to Accra, this is a good airline.

Hotels and Accommodations in Ghana

There are many hotels, accommodations, guest houses, hostels, Inns and Motels in Ghana that can be rented during your visit. In recent period, the country has raised the standards of services in its hotels and some new hotels have also been constructed in the city centre, Accra.

Accommodations in Ghana are cheap however; the star rating may not match the similar ratings of European countries. Meaning that, a 4 star hotel in Ghana may be equal to a 3 star according to International standards.

Getting Around in Ghana

Ghana is a stable yet not developed country. The capital and bigger cities have carpeted roads whereas; the roads of the countryside can be rough. The country has highways, freeways, railway, ferries and waterway as well. Hired vehicles are common means of transport as well as busses and cabs.

Places to See Ghana

Following are the “not to be missed” places in Ghana.

• La Pleasure or Labadi Beach Accra: This developed coastal plain is the best activity to indulge in. No trip to Ghana can be complete without going to the beach.
• James Fort, Lighthouse Accra: Located at Labadi beach, this is a home of many attractions and spectacular views of the city and the Ocean.
• Cape Coast Slave Castle: This heart breaking site tells a tale of the slave history in Ghana. Also the Cape Coast Slave Castle is a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site.  
• Elmina Castle: The famous fort, used to be the last point from where slaves were shipped to never return. The ‘death door’, the dungeons and ‘door of no return’ can break the strongest to tears.
• Capital of Ashanti Kingdom: The city of Kumasi that used to be the great former capital of the legendry Kingdom of Ashanti is a great place for history buffs and archeologists.
• Mining Town and Golf Courses of Ghana: You can see the mining town as well as play golf in the city, Oduasi. 
• Mole National Park: Visit the Mole National Park, Tamale and experience a thrilling encounter with wild life in Ghana.
• Kakum National Park: It can further enrich your experience with African wildlife, if you also visit this well known attraction.
• Manhyia Palace Museum: In Kumasi, many tourists visit the city only to see the vast collection and display of the historical items in Manhyia Palace.
• Centre of National Culture Accra: This is the ultimate attraction to see and feel the Ghanaian culture, its warmth and true colors.

Things to Do in Ghana

There are many things that can make your trip to Ghana interesting such as:

• Swimming:Barbeque or sunbathing at Accra Beach is a must do while in the capital.
• Golfing: in Oduasi is a great sport and opens up a new experience for Golfers.
• Wild Life Safari: is a necessary element of the trip when going anywhere in Africa and this, can be even more interesting in Ghana.
• Camping: in the National Park, while you may need permission (please check at the time of travel) but this can be an adventure of its own kind to stay a night in the National park.
• Boating: enjoy the undeveloped and unspoiled Ghana coastal regions by getting into a boat and going deeper into the ocean.

Food and Shopping

Food in Ghana has rich flavors and a variety to choose from, whether you are a vegetarian or prefer non-veg meals. Ghanaians locally prepared dished include a lot of stew, sauces, rice, kebabs, roasted meat and fresh fruits as sweet dishes.  In a regular meal, the popular main course may include any of the following items or a combination:

• Appetizers: As snacks with your evening or afternoon tea, you may take Tatale, Kelewele or the most recommended, tsintsinga that is a form of Ghanian Kebabs.
• Main Course: Banku, Fried Plantain Aka, Fufu, Ampesi, Gari, Jollof (rice), Kenkey, Omo Tuo, Waakye and Shito (stew).
• Drinks, Wine and Beers: The locally prepared beer and wines in Ghana include Palm wine, Pito, and the local Gin, Akpeteshie ranging form 05 to 40% Alcohol based. The non-Alcoholic variety includes Asaana prepared form maize and Lamujii, (Ginger Beer).

The popular shopping items that people prefer to buy in Ghana include light fabrics, cotton, gold, swimsuits, fishing gear, accessories, garments, fruits baskets and locally made handicrafts. Where to shop from?

• Kumasi – The Central Fabric Market of Accra
• Trade Fairground Complex – Accra
• Areeba Market – Accra
• Accra Handicraft and Cultural Arts Centre
• Barter Beach - Accra

Night Life in Ghana

Modern Ghana enjoys a lively and happening night scene. The capital Accra is the centre of activity. Most night clubs have a reasonable gate fee while the restaurants, bars, theaters and dinners remain open till late, particularly on weekends.

Some popular Night clubs where you can get locally made cheap bear, enjoy the R&B, Jazz, Hip hop and Francophone music include:

• Boomerang Night Club – Kpehe, Accra
• Indigo Night Club – Danquah Circle, Accra
• Jackpot Night Club – Ring Road, Accra
• Kilamanjaro Disco – Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra
• Monte Carlo Grand Café – Labone, Accra

Events and Festivals in Ghana:

Below is a list of events and festivals celebrated in Ghana.

• Dipo Festival: The Puberty Passage Ritual.
• Bakatue Festival: The Royal Procession in the streets to mark the Fish Harvesting.
• Fetu Afahye Festival: A carnival of costumes drums and dances.
• Homovo Festival: The early Harvest season festival that is popular attraction for tourists.
• Fiok Festival: A war festival that involving performances of traditional fighting skills and horse riding.

Passport / Visa Information

All nationals require a valid passport to travel to Ghana. The passport should at least have three blank pages left for entry/exit stamps and it’s better to have your passport valid for six months period at least (if close to expiry).

Moreover, Visa requirements for Ghana are not very strict. However, all nationals require visa except those who are travelling on an entry permit that can be valid for three months stay only and is granted to citizens of Commonwealth countries only.

Travel Tips

For a safe and enjoyable trip, take care about the following:

• Do not travel alone, after dark and at the deserted corners of the street.
• Always get your money exchanged from home country or national banks as there can be a difference of exchange rates.
• Hitchhiking should be avoided.
• If hiring a guide, use a registered travel agency services and do not hire sell introduced guides from popular attractions or markets.
• Bargaining is common.
• Tipping in Ghana is not standardized.
• Late night pubs and clubs can be found in Accra; however a foreigner should choose to go to city centre pubs and clubs only, particularly after dark.
• Underage drinking and un-consensual intercourse can cause jail time in addition to heavy penalty.
• One should make advance reservation to get cheap flights and accommodation.
• While eating out, street food can be appealing however it is not often hygienic.
• Keep your feet comfy and remain well hydrated while on Safari on National park tour.
• Do not harm wild animals or go closer to them and do not do littering in the parks.

Is it Safe to Travel to Ghana

Ghana is a stable country and fco does not advice against travel to Ghana. However it is highly recommended to always check for latest information and updates as provided on the fco official website.

Travel Advice for Ghana

It is highly recommended to contact the concerned embassy/consulate for up to date information on matters relating to Visa, Passport, Transit Visa or Security situation. As the situation may change from time to time.