Facts You Need to Know About Ghana

Ghana, a vibrant West African nation, gained independence on March 6, 1957, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. With over 30 million people, diverse cultures, and an economy based on cocoa, gold, and oil, it offers lush landscapes and tourist-friendly English, enhanced by safe travel and transparent pricing.

Quick Facts

  • Capital: Accra
  • Population: ~33 million
  • Official Language: English (plus many local languages: Twi, Ga, Ewe, Fante)
  • Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
  • Time Zone: GMT (no daylight savings)
  • Climate: Tropical — wet (Apr-Oct), dry (Nov-Mar, Harmattan season)
  • Religion: Majority Christian, Muslim minority, and traditional beliefs

Travel Requirements

Passport & Visa.
  • All visitors need a valid passport (6+ months before expiry).
  • Most travelers require a Ghana entry visa (can be obtained at Ghanaian embassies/consulates).
  • Some ECOWAS nationals are exempt.
  • Visa on Arrival may be available in special cases (must be arranged ahead).
Vaccinations & Health
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory (you will need to show proof at entry).
  • Recommended: Malaria prophylaxis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.
  • Carry a small first-aid/travel health kit.
Travel Insurance
  • Strongly recommended to cover health, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

Money & Payments

  • Local currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
  • ATMs widely available in major cities, but cash is best for rural areas.
  • Credit cards accepted in hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere.
  • U.S. Dollars are widely exchangeable (newer notes preferred).

Communication & Internet

  • Local SIM cards (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo) are cheap and easy to get.
  • WhatsApp is the most common messaging app.
  • Wi-Fi available in hotels and cafes, but can be slow outside major cities.

Transportation & Safety

  • Major cities: taxis, Uber, Bolt are common.
  • Our tours provide private, air-conditioned transport.
  • Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa for travelers, but use normal precautions (avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure).

Culture & Etiquette

  • Ghanaians are warm and hospitable — greetings are important.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious or traditional sites.
  • Always ask before taking photos of people.
  • Tipping guides/drivers is appreciated but not mandatory.

Best Time to Visit

  • December-January: Peak season (Christmas, New Year, AfroFuture Festival).
  • July-August: Good weather, lively festivals.
  • March & September: Cultural events (Independence Day, Akwasidae festivals).

Packing Tips

  • Light, breathable clothing (tropical weather).
  • Comfortable walking shoes/sandals.
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
  • A small daypack for tours.
  • For December: bring festive outfits for parties and celebrations.

Types of Tours in Ghana

1. Heritage & History Tours
  • Cape Coast & Elmina Castles (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
  • Assin Manso Slave River site
  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Independence Square
  • W.E.B. Du Bois Centre
Cultural & Traditional Tours
  • Ashanti Kingdom (Kumasi, Manhyia Palace, craft villages)
  • Kente weaving workshops
  • Traditional drumming & dance performances
  • Local market tours (Kejetia, Makola)
Festival & Special Occasion Tours
  • Timed with Ghana's vibrant festivals (Homowo, Akwasidae, Chale Wote, AfroFuture, etc.)
  • Includes ceremony attendance, traditional dress, cultural performances
Adventure & Eco Tours
  • Kakum National Park canopy walkway
  • Mole National Park safari (elephants, antelopes, monkeys)
  • Lake Volta cruise
  • Wli Waterfalls & Mount Afadjato hikes
Beach & Relaxation Tours
  • Busua, Ada Foah, Labadi, Cape Three Points
  • Beach resorts & eco-lodges
  • Culinary & nightlife experiences
Special Interest Tours
  • Culinary (street food & traditional cooking)
  • Photography tours
  • Religious pilgrimages
  • Diaspora “Year of Return” family reconnection tours
  • Volunteer & community service experiences

Ghana Festivals & Ceremonies Calendar

January
  • New Year's Day celebrations nationwide
  • Aboakyir Festival (sometimes in Jan, depends on traditional calendar)
March
  • Ghana Independence Day (March 6, nationwide parades & events)
April/May
  • Aboakyir Festival (Winneba) - deer hunting, colorful parades
  • Kwahu Easter Festival (Kwahu Mountains) - paragliding, street carnivals
June/July
  • Bakatue Festival (Elmina) - marks beginning of fishing season
  • Asafotufiam Festival (Ada) - warrior re-enactments, drumming, dance
August
  • Homowo Festival (Ga people, Accra) - harvest festival with traditional food & dance
  • Chale Wote Street Art Festival (Accra) - art, graffiti, music, performances
September
  • Akwasidae Festival (Ashanti Kingdom, Kumasi) - royal court gathering every 6 weeks; big one in Sept
  • Odwira Festival (Akwapim) - purification and thanksgiving
October
  • Hogbetsotso Festival (Anlo, Volta Region) - commemorates migration of Anlo-Ewe people
December
  • AfroFuture Festival (formerly Afrochella) - Accra, music, arts, culture
  • Christmas & New Year celebrations nationwide
  • Diaspora return events ("December in GH") — parties, concerts, cultural events
  • Akwasidae (Ashanti traditional calendar; often one in December)