Ghana - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions:Ghana has a mixture of Christian, Muslim and traditional beliefs which have a strong influence on Ghanaian daily life.

A conservative and deeply religious country, respect must be shown for traditional values. Wearing immodest clothing in public will cause offence and disrespect and the wearing of camouflage or military clothing by civilians is banned. Ghanaians prefer to be asked before they are photographed.

Drugs are a growing concern and the authorities are determined to control the problem. Penalties for drug offences are severe.

Ghanaians should always be addressed by their formal titles unless they specifically request otherwise. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. In Ghana, as in much of West Africa, it is customary not to touch food with the left hand.

Dress is conservative and respectful. Appointments for business meetings are customary and punctuality is important. The best time to visit on business is September to April. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1300–1700.

Immigration and customs: Passports need to be valid for at least six months at the time of applying for a visa. Visitors are advised to copy the photopage of their passport and the entry stamp and to keep their passports with them at all times.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required by visitors arriving from an affected country.

Lone parents must carry documentation showing that they have parental responsibility for the child in their care.

Animals, firearms, ammunition and explosives are prohibited imports.

Duty must be paid on gifts. The export of non-exempt handicrafts and antiques requires a certificate from the Museums and Monuments Board available from the main craft centre or National Museum.

Travel within the country:Traffic drives on the right. An international driving permit is required to drive in Ghana. Driving licences should be carried at all times. Car hire is available.

The speed limit is 80kph, seatbelts are compulsory and drink-driving is illegal. Grass or leaves strewn across the road indicates an accident or hazard ahead. The use of Tro-tros (small private buses) is common.

There are domestic flights between Accra, Kumasi and Tamale. The rail network does a 965km loop by the coast connecting Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi. There are bus and taxi services in Accra and taxis in the main towns.

Travel health:Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended for visitors. Serious medical conditions may require evacuation.

Visitors will need protection against malaria together with repellent and suitable clothing to discourage bites. Bilharzia, Hepatitis E, B and C, dengue fever, tuberculosis and meningitis are also present.

Water should be boiled or bought in sealed bottles. Powdered or tinned milk is recommended.

Money:Credit cards are accepted at many hotels and guesthouses (although Mastercard is not widely accepted). ATMs in Accra and Kumasi will accept most cards. Travellers cheques can be changed in large hotels, banks and bureaux. Banking hours: Mon–Thur 0800–1400, Fri 0800–1500.

There were 428,533 tourist arrivals in 2005.