Situated along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Ghana is bordered by Togo, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. It is home to one of the largest, albeit man-made, lakes in Africa, Lake Volta.
Surrounding this lake are reserves providing shelter to a variety of game and birds. Dotted along the coast are the remnants of more than 70 forts and castles, all reminders of the slave trade that once dominated the Gold Coast. Throughout the country, from the capital Accra to the far outlying villages, evidence of a country influenced by four European cultures can be seen.
Ghana is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Wide valleys, wooded hill ranges and low lying coastal plains make up most of the country, with dense rainforest in the north and sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Ghana weather: The temperature in Ghana is always hot with no real distinctions between seasons. The air is almost always humid.
Various European and African airlines service the international airport outside Accra and there are also domestic flights between the capital and the other cities deeper in the country. A steamer runs across Lake Volta connecting towns fringing the lake. The road network in Ghana is decent but four-wheel-drive vehicles might be required on some roads especially after heavy rain.
There is an efficient public transportation system in Ghana with the private companies outperforming services provided by the government. Buses and taxis operate in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale and similar services are provided between these cities and smaller towns. There is also an old, slow rail network linking Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.
The telecommunication infrastructure in Ghana is adequate but lacks the efficiency of most Western countries. Both local and international phone calls can be made but are expensive. In keeping with most African countries, mobile phone providers are springing up, as are Internet cafes. However, be prepared for high prices and slow connections. There are public hospitals as well as some private clinics operating in Accra and in most of the other cities in the country but do not expect medical services similar to those found in the West.
Although Accra, and Ghana in general, are considered one of the more costly destinations in Africa, traveling there can still be considered inexpensive by Western standards. Credit cards are accepted by most of the major hotels and banks. Traveler's checks are not always easily exchanged but the U.S. dollar and most European currencies are widely used. English is the official language spoken in Ghana.
The crime rate in Ghana, in both rural and urban areas, is high. Violent crimes, including murders, rapes and assaults are common, although travelers are rarely directly targeted. Petty crimes such as theft of unattended belongings and pickpocketing are of more concern to travelers and happen most often in areas frequented by travelers. Corruption in West Africa is rife and Ghana is no exception. Bribing officials and others providing services is commonplace and culturally expected.
For a free map of Ghana and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Ghana can be volatile and dynamic. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Ghana.