Travel Advice:  

Ghana is a hospitable country and a model of peace and political stability in the West African region. It has a presidential system of government, with presidential elections held every four years.  As in any foreign country, it is, however, important to know what and what not to do under certain circumstances.  This guideline contains health and security guidelines to help you enjoy your stay in Ghana.

 WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU 

1. IMPORTANT: Malaria prevention medication (mefloquine [Lariam] or doxycycline), to be taken daily or weekly.

 2. IMPORTANT: Mosquito repellent, with at least 20-30% DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide).
Optional: flying-insect spray or mosquito coils to help clear rooms of mosquitoes (product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide).

3. You may take along a radio or other electronic equipment, but note that Ghana uses 220 volts, not 120.  Most bathrooms at the Guest Centre, however, have dual voltage sockets for driers and shavers. Remember to take along two European-style adapters (a round one and a rectangular one) to plug into the sockets.

 

PHONE CALLS

Telephone: You may bring a cell phone. The only phone type that will work in Ghana has the following specifications:

GSM phone, dual band (World Phone), 900 and 1900 frequency (not a quad); it must be “unlocked”. Upon arrival, you  can buy a SIM-Card to be placed in it for use (a simple procedure). A used phone can also be purchased in Ghana.

Additionally: (A) At most hotels, you can receive or send calls directly from your room. You may also make calls from the Secretarial Room at the Guest Centre.  These options are very expensive. (B) A cheaper option is to buy (in Ghana) phone cards and make calls from public phones (phone cards purchased outside Ghana will not work). (C) The cheapest option is to use the internet (available at the University of Ghana --Legon Hall 24hrs-- and at Internet Cafés all over the city). The fee on campus is $.50 per half hour).

Codes:  Ghana – 233; Accra - 21

To dial within Ghana, you need to include 0 for city code: e.g. 021 555-2366

To call Ghana from the U.S, exclude 0 from the city code: e.g. 233 21 555…

To call the U.S. from Ghana, dial 001 plus city code plus number.

SOME IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Dr. Komla Aggor: 024 284-6641

U.S. Embassy, Accra: 021 775-5347, 021 775-5348

University Guest Centre: 021 500-184

Lister Hospital, Accra (medical centre of choice): 021 812-325

Baiden Ghartey Memorial Hospital, Cape Coast/Elmina: 042-33332

Interberton (Regional Referral Hospital), Cape Coast/Elmina: 042-34010-14

MONEY

You will not be able to cash any personal checks drawn on any bank while in Ghana.  Therefore, it is recommended that you carry traveler’s checks and cash them at Forex Bureaus.  Please note, however, that traveler’s checks are subject to a lower rate of exchange than cash transactions.  A lower rate of exchange will apply for “small” denomination U.S. bills, so do not take bills lower than $20 ($50 bills are ideal). There is no problem in changing cedis back to U.S. currency.

Important: If you plan to take US dollars, take along only newer bills, issued after 1993; exchange bureaus will not accept old currency.

Even though the most widely accepted credit cards are American Express and Visa, you are dissuaded from using these cards: they can attract heavy surcharges and they can attract fraud.  Use them mainly to get cash advances.  You will also be able to withdraw cash from your checking or savings account with your bank card.  The bank card must have a MasterCard or Visa logo on it.

 TRANSPORTATION 

To get into town from the University of Ghana campus, intra-city buses called “tro-tro” or local mini-buses as well as taxis are widely available both within campus and at the main gate of the university. A taxi from campus to downtown Accra costs about $US7.00.

 MEDICAL CARE 

The medical facility recommended for conference participants is Lister Hospital, a newly built, modern facility on Spintex Road, about 5 miles from the University of Ghana. Tel: 021 812-325. Registration and consultation fees are $45 ($65 for specialist care). For hospitalization, the fees are: $65 per day (6 persons per room), $75 per day (2 per room), and $110 (single bed) plus consultation fee and nursing fees and medication. Important: all fees are subject to change.

 SHOPPING AND MARKET CENTERS 

Several shopping and market centers are located on the campus and its environs.  These include general grocery shops, card and gift shops, bookshops, pharmacies and hair salons and barber’s shops. Examples are The Central Cafeteria, The Manciple’s Shop, The Night Market (near the Manciple’s shop), Legon Mobil Mart (near the main gate), Legon Shell Shop (South Legon), Total shop (near the main gate), the Legon Bookshop (by the library), The Legon Bookshop (at the Jones-Quartey Building near the main gate). 

Pharmacies: Pfago Pharmacy (Legon Hall Annexe B), Pills & Tabs (near the Mobil Station) 

Shopping is also available at: 

Tetteh Quarshie Circle, 3 miles from the campus (for batik clothing, crafts and arts)

Madina, a suburb of Accra some 4 miles from Legon.

Oxford Street in Osu, noted for its commercial activities, notably grocery shops, fast-food joints and brisk nightlife. Central Accra (especially Makola Market)

SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

1. If possible, always lock your handbags/baggage.  If the item has a shoulder strap, wear the strap across your body.

2. Do not wear or carry expensive items, including expensive luggage.  Do not wear attractive jewelry.

3. Be aware of pickpockets, as they tend to prey on people who look lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Do not put valuables in the exterior pockets of your pants, your backpacks, or in bags that are open at the top.  You may keep your wallet in your exterior pocket only if the pocket is buttoned. Hold on tightly especially to your camera and cell phone.  On the bus, in taxis, or in crowds, hold your handbag or wallet tightly to your body (do not hang them loose).

 4. At the Guest Centre you may keep important belongings and money in a safe deposit box at the bursar’s office.

 5. It is all right to walk at night, but avoid dark areas. If you go out at night, it is a good idea to do so in groups. It is better to stay on heavily traveled streets.

 6. Beware of traffic; drivers in Ghana sometimes do not wait for pedestrians; they expect pedestrians to give way all the time. Avoid walking too close to streets or buildings. Walk against the flow of traffic so oncoming vehicles can be observed.