Travel Preparations for Your Visit to Ghana

The capital of Ghana, Accra, owns the biggest international airport, the Kotoka International Airport. It is also considered to be the best international airport of the African west coast since a new arrival and departure terminal opened in 2004. In 2006 approximately 1 million passengers passed the airport.

Recommended airlines:

Lufthansa

KLM

Emirates

British Airways

All volunteer projects are located in Ho, which is about another 4 hour bus drive from Accra. If your flight arrives at night, you will need to stay in a hotel close to the airport and then can depart the next day to Ho. We know, you are excited and would like to head to your volunteer house as soon as possible. We also know, that we have mentioned how safe Ghana is. However, travelling at night is never recommended, especially when it’s your first time in a new country!

For the entry to Ghana, a passport which is valid the next 6 months, is required. You should consider that a visa is obligatory. Even though the Ghanaian consulate issued a visa valid for more than 2 months, the validity will be shortened automatically to 60 days when entering the country. An extension should be requested in time at the Immigration Service in Accra.

The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends an immunization protection against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella and influenza. If you consider to stay longer or plan to travel further, you should also get a vaccination against hepatitis A and B, hydrophobia and typhus, meningitis ACWY. Moreover, a yellow fever vaccination is strictly required. Further information can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs, at the appropriate country information for Ghana.

For the time of your internship or volunteer work, you are required to have a valid overseas health insurance. Before concluding any insurance, you should inform yourself accurately about the offered insurance benefits and especially if a return transport to Germany is guaranteed. Studentsgoabroad recommends: ADAC and MLP.

Ghana is a country without seasons. The climate is defined by rain and dry season. Around Accra, the weather is warm and relatively dry whereas the south west is hot and the north is extremely hot and very dry, due to air masses of the Sahara. The average temperature is more than 30°C throughout the whole year. Therefore, you need to take suitable clothes depending on your destination and period of travelling.

US citizens, as most other countries, need a Visa to visit Ghana. Find your nearest Ghana Embassy or Consulate for the necessary information.

You will stand out as a foreigner and the locals will want to know everything about you. It’s not that they are nosy, they are genuinely curious about you and your life in a land so far from theirs. On the other hand, they love to see your efforts to fit in with their society. Try the local foods, participate in community events and try to learn some of their language. Most people will speak English, but it’s always recommended to learn some “everyday language” of the countries you visit.

If you arrive on time, be prepared to wait. If you think you have a schedule, be prepared for things to just happen. Things take time and your definition of time is not the same as theirs. Go with the flow and you’ll find that your time is being used, not wasted.

There is Malaria in Ghana, but know that if you do get it, you are in good hands. Hospitals are experienced in treating Malaria and it usually isn’t as bad as people think. Of course it doesn’t mean you want to get it, so apply that bug spray/cream regularly and you should be fine. If you choose to take malaria medicine, research before you choose a brand, many are known to have horrible side effects. They do have pharmacies that provide basic medications, but its a good idea to bring those “just in case basics” like:

General Antibiotics

Anti-Diarrhea-ls

Antacid

Cold Medicine

Full Supplies of Any Prescription You Require

There are occasional power outages in Ghana, however many places have back-up generators. Most hotels and hostels will have consistent power and water, but sometimes it just goes out for a bit. You will quickly adjust to candlelight or just relaxing in the darkness and you’ll find a new appreciation for those long showers back home.

Power surges can damage your electronics so its a good idea to have a surge protector. Ghana uses 230V power, so if you are bringing your own electronics you will need a transformer and a plug adapter, you can find these items in Ghana.

It is HOT in Ghana, so pack light, comfortable clothes that don't show too much skin, a light rain jacket and a sweater for cooler nights. You can shop for personal hygiene products there, but they will be very basic. Bring your own if you are particular about the products you use. For women, you will want to bring your sanitary items.

Most hotels do take credit cards, but it is highly recommended to use only cash and travelers checks, due to the high rates of credit card fraud. Make sure your bank knows where you are traveling.