Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Ghana

Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana. Known as one of the friendliest spots in West Africa, Ghana is celebrated for its compelling history, vibrant clothing prints, and flavorful dishes that keep tourists coming back for more.

Life in Ghana generally moves at a relaxed pace, although it can be chaotic in busy urban settings. By embracing cultural differences, including mass traffic and intense bargaining, you may truly fall in love with the place. Here are some tips to prepare for your trip to Ghana.

1. Gather the Necessary Documents for Entry

Securing the required paperwork for visiting Ghana can be a process on its own and may incur certain costs. All visitors are required to have a valid visa, which can either be a single-entry or multiple-entry type. Your visa could take nearly three weeks to arrive unless you pay extra for an expedited service.

A yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for entry into Ghana. Check with your local health department or medical clinics to get vaccinated in advance. Malaria pills are also recommended and can be prescribed by your doctor. However, if you cannot obtain them beforehand, pharmacies in Ghana typically offer them at affordable prices.

2. Carry a Copy of Your Passport

If you plan to explore cities beyond Accra, ensure you have a printed copy of your passport with you as you travel around the country. Police stops are common, and officers may request to see your passport for verification.

3. Forget You Have a Left Hand

In Ghana, it is customary to use only your right hand for actions such as eating, waving, or handing an item to someone. From a young age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is reserved for personal hygiene, leading to the perception that it is unclean. Therefore, using your left hand in social situations can be considered disrespectful.

4. Eating With Your Hands is a Cultural Practice

Meals in Ghana often consist of soup-based dishes paired with starchy staples like fufu or banku, which are traditionally eaten with your hands (keeping the right-hand rule in mind!). Observe those around you to embrace the culture and enjoy the experience.

5. Keep Your Thumbs Down

While the thumbs-up gesture signifies approval in many cultures, in Ghana it may be interpreted as disrespectful. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from using this gesture.

6. Always Greet Others

Greetings hold significant cultural importance in Ghana, and not greeting others can be perceived as rude. When entering a room, it’s customary to say hello, good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. When meeting a group, start by shaking hands with the person on the farthest right.

7. Respect Your Elders

Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Ghanaian culture. Avoid greeting elders while wearing a hat; instead, remove it or lift it while extending a greeting. You should also offer your seat to older individuals when using public transport. Gestures such as crossing your legs or putting your hands in your pockets in the presence of elders are frowned upon.

8. Be Mindful of Clothing Cultures

Ghanaian clothing customs tend to be conservative. In Accra, people are more relaxed and you may see shorts and crop tops; however, in other areas, covering your chest and shoulders and ensuring your clothing reaches or exceeds your knees is advisable.

9. Learn Common Phrases in Local Languages

Ghana is home to a variety of languages and ethnic groups. While English is widely spoken, local dialects such as Twi, Ewe, Ga, and Krobo are prevalent in different regions. Learning a few phrases in the local languages is always appreciated and often enhances interactions with locals.

10. Watch Your Belongings

Pickpocketing and petty theft are genuine concerns in Ghana, particularly in crowded areas such as Osu and Madina. To protect yourself, keep your bag in front of you and away from roadways, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, remain vigilant about your phone, as motorcyclists have been known to snatch devices from individuals walking or in vehicles.

11. Expect the Police to Stop You

Police stops can occur frequently in Ghana, primarily at night but sometimes during the day. Officers may conduct random searches of vehicles and bags, typically lasting around five minutes, so it’s important to comply and be prepared for this.

Bribery can also occur, with officers sometimes requesting a “dash” or tip. While this is not an obligation, offering a small amount (approximately C10 to C20) can expedite the process.

Generally, police encounters are manageable and uneventful. Though officers may present a tough demeanor initially, they often become friendly upon further interaction.

12. Be Wary of Swift Romantic Encounters

Meeting people in Ghana is easy, and interactions can develop quickly. However, exercise caution regarding fast-paced romantic approaches or individuals who immediately request favors or money, as scams are not uncommon in these situations.

13. Ensure You Carry Cash

In Ghana, it’s important to have cash on hand, as not all establishments accept card payments. If cards are accepted, you may find that payment processing systems are down. Fortunately, ATMs are readily available, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

14. Avoid Drinking Tap Water

It is advisable to avoid drinking tap water in Ghana due to potential health risks. To ensure safety, either boil your water or use a reliable water filter.

15. Expect Weak Wi-Fi in Most Areas

If you intend to rely on Wi-Fi, inquire about the speeds available at your accommodation prior to your arrival. There are, however, reliable spots such as cafes that can provide a decent internet experience.

16. Use Cash for Ride-Hailing Services

While you can download Uber and Bolt, be cautious and plan to pay in cash. Many drivers prefer cash payments and might cancel your ride if they know you intend to use a card.

17. Get a Local Phone Number

In Ghana, verbal communication is generally favored over texting. Obtaining a local SIM card can facilitate communication and enhance your overall experience.

18. Never Underestimate Accra Traffic

Traffic in Accra can be unpredictable and overwhelming. A seemingly short distance can take much longer due to congestion. Therefore, it’s best to remain flexible with your travel plans to accommodate potential delays.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a unique and enriched experience during your visit to the vibrant country of Ghana.