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| The Flag of Ghana |
About Ghana
Ghana is bounded on the north and northwest by Burkina Faso, on the east by Togo, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and
on the west by Cote d'Ivoire. Formerly a British colony known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was the first nation in sub-Saharan
Africa to achieve independence (1957). The country is named after the ancient empire of Ghana, from which the ancestors of
the inhabitants of the present country are thought to have migrated. The total land area is 92,100 square miles (238,537)
square kilometres).
Ghana is a lowland country, except for range of hills on the eastern border. The sandy coastline is backed by a coastal
plain that is crossed by several rivers and streams, generally navigable only by canoe. In the west the plain is broken by
heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers. To the north lies an undulating savanna that is drained by the Volta river,
which flows south to the sea through a narrow gap in the hills. Lake Volta, in the east, is one of the largest artificial
lakes in the world. Ghana's highest point, in the eastern hills, is about 2,900 feet (884 meters) above sea level.
The climate of Ghana is tropical, but temperatures vary with season and elevation.
Except in the north, two rainy seasons occur, from April to June and from September to November. In the north the rainy
season begins in March and lasts until September. Annual rainfall ranges from about 40 inches (1,015 millimetres) in the north
to about 80 inches (2,300 millimetres) in the south-east. The harmattan, a dry, north wind, blows from December to March lowering
the humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the effects of the harmattan are felt in January.
In most areas the highest temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August. The average annual temperature is about 86F (30C).
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| The Slave dungeons of Cape Coast Castle-Millions of Slaves perished here. |
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| Elmina Castle, the first European built structure south of the Sahara. |
Entry points to Ghana
A visitor coming to Ghana can use the following major entry points.
Air: The Kotoka International Airport is the principal air entry point to Ghana. It is a modern airport that places
its technological facilities at the disposal of other countries in the West Africa sub-region. This explains why Ghana is
referred to as the ³Gateway to Africa².
Sea: Ghana boasts of two major ports, the Tema Port in the Greater Accra Region, some nine (9) kilometers south
of the capital city, Accra and the Takoradi Port located in the Western Region of the country.
Land: There are three major entry points by land. On the West is the Elubo entry point between Ghana and Cote dıIvoire,
On the East is the Aflao entry point between Ghana and Togo and on the North is the Paga entry Point between Ghana and Burkina
Faso. All these entry points are manned by qualified Immigration officers to ensure the security of visitors arriving or leaving
the shores of Ghana.
It is imperative, however, for all visitors entering Ghana to possess valid passports or other legal travel documents.
Health precautions
Before you leave for your holiday of a lifetime make sure you have had your inoculations
for Yellow fever, malaria, tetanus and any other required inoculations. Ensure that malaria medication is taking before, during
and after your holiday. Such inoculations are available from your GP, travel centre or any British Airways travel shop at
a price. Take along a good supply of mosquito spray/rub/cream, sun lotion, body cream, fresh wipes, etc.
Medical
Facilities
Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Accra. But we will advice you on which clinic or
hospital to go to should you require medical attention.
Malaria is common, so are other tropical diseases. Travellers should be aware that evidence of and/or assurances from most
insurance companies would not be accepted as settlement of medical expenses in Ghana. Health officials often request payment
for medical services immediately.
Inoculations
Valid certificate of inoculation against Yellow Fever
will be inspected at point of entry.
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| Location of Ghana |
Population
The population of Ghana is 18,845,265 (Source: Ghana Statistical Service, January 2002). The country,
with ten regions, has on average a population density of about 78.9 persons per square kilometre, with an annual growth rate
of 2.6 per cent.
Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country,
with the highest densities occurring in urban areas and cocoa-producing areas.
Ghana is and has always been a special part of Africa. An Africa with a wide range
of attractions and facilities. It dazzles you with its historic past, and charms you with that natural beauty which envelopes
you wherever you go. Indeed for the traveller, Ghana is that latter-day unknown, unexplored and certainly unexploited destination
which abounds in an unbelievable array of excitingly striking attractions, succinctly distinctive and peculiar to each of
the ten regions in Ghana. There are miles and miles of sun drenched and unspoilt beaches to discover as well as national parks
which boast of unique flora and fauna.
The centuries-old traditions of the people of Ghana and the diversity of the
distinct ethnic groups, have created a rich culture that is the splendid legacy of modern Ghana.
To the people of Ghana, the traditions of their ancestors are still an important
part of daily life. Customary leaders have historical authority over tribal and family matters, and customary lands are an
important heritage.
Important events in life are marked by special rites and rituals. Child naming,
puberty initiations, marriage and death are marked by family ceremonies, while seasonal festivals bring a whole people or
clan together in spectacular fashion.A common feature is the belief in the Supreme Being, in life after death and in the nearness
of dead ancestors. Festivals also recall past events, and consecrate a new season with confidence and hope.
Traditional fetish shrines, sometimes concealed but more often displayed, are
important centres of worship and traditional healing, and an influential part of traditional life.Of special significance
are the Posuban shrines, particular to the Fante communities in Southern Ghana. Fanciful buildings lavishly decorated with
folk art, they are religious centres for Fante warrior organisations.
All year round Summer Season
Ghana has a tropical climate, characterised most of the year by moderate
temperatures generally 21-32°C (70-90°F), constant breeze and sunshine. There are two rainy seasons, from March to July and
from September to October, separated by a short cool dry season in August and a relatively long dry season in the south from
mid-October to March. Ghana has an almost all year round summer season.
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Public Holidays
| Holiday |
Date |
| New Years Day |
1st January |
| Eid ul Fitr |
Variable (As the position of the Moon (Ramadan Festival) determines the
day it is celebrated) |
| Independence Day |
6th March |
| Good Friday |
Variable |
| Easter Monday |
Variable |
| Eid ul Adha |
70 days (10 weeks) from Eid ul Fitr (Festival of Sacrifice) |
| Workers Day |
1st May |
| Africa Day |
25th May |
| Republic Day |
1st July |
| Farmers Day |
1st Friday in December |
| Christmas Day |
25th December |
| Boxing Day |
26th December |
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| Nzulezu Village on Stilts |
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Ghana - Internal Transport
AIR -There are internal flights between Accra, Kumasi &Tamale.
Let us find find the schedule for you .
TRAIN-There is a track connecting Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.Train services operating
include: - Accra to Kumasi, overnight (not every day), 11 hours approximately.
- Kumasi to Takoradi, twice daily, 7 hours
approximately.
- Takoradi to Kumasi, twice daily, 7 hours approximately.
BUSES-Buses and minibuses operate between all main centres including:
- Accra to Cape Coast (168 kilometres /
103 miles, 2 hours approximately).
- Accra to Kumasi (255 kilometres / 158 miles, 4 hours approximately).
- Accra
to Takoradi (240 kilometres / 150 miles, 4 hours approximately).
- Accra to Tamale (616 kilometres / 385 miles, 13 hours
approximately).
- Accra to Wa (715 kilometres / 447 miles, 17 hours approximately).
- Kumasi to Takoradi (288 kilometres
/ 180 miles, 4.5 hours approximately).
- Kumasi to Tamale (366 kilometres / 225 miles, 7 hours approximately).
- Tamale
to Wa (298 kilometres / 186 miles, 7 hours approximately).
TAXIS & CAR RENTAL
-Private taxis operate in all over Ghana. You might
see more taxis than private cars on the road. - Share taxis or minibuses of 'mammy wagons' operate everywhere.
-Driving: On the right hand side of the road as in USA etc.
-Road Conditions: Many main roads are now well maintained but minor roads can be in a very poor state.
-Self Drive: Self drive car rental is not popular. It is possible
to hire a car in Accra but it is usual to hire a driver as well. Car rental rates range between £ 45 ( $80) for saloon
cars and £ 70 ($150) for cross country vehicles. Clients also pay for fuel and drivers allowances.
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