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 Generally speaking, Ghana is a pleasant, tropical state
on the western coast of Africa, neighboring Ivory Coast to the west and Togo to
the east. Our northern borders are met by Burkina Faso and the southern
borders by the Atlantic Ocean. Its land mass covers approximately 238,000 km and
the overall population is approximately 23 million people, with ten percent
living in the capital, Accra.
Seasons change. Beginning in April we enjoy the
onset of the rainy season, with its intensity climaxing in May and June.
This means showers daily, especially if you are situated in the more lush
eastern region where the trees still outnumber the people. However, even
in the north, where we border the desert, they can count on rains to water the
crops. The rains usually come intensely for about 30-45 minutes, abating
and making way for a tremendous after. In some places it can rain 2-3
times in a day. Once we get into July and August, the rains taper off and
make for the most perfect tourist season. Warm, but not dry and
unbearable. September and are October are my favorite times, as they are
down right cool, mild months, whence air conditioners nor fans are necessary,
rather a warm blanket and good company soothes. Beginning in November,
just after harvest, the seasons change again, becoming dry and brisk. By January
and February rains are a distant memory and temperatures peak their highest,
with A.C.s blaring and the beach teaming with people in their designer
underwear, seeking relief from the blazing sun. In March, the prayers
begin for the changing of seasons, welcoming, once again, the rains.
Changes to these patterns are taking place largely because of deforestation, air
pollution and other such practices that get no attention unless mandated as a
condition to qualifying for some loan, donation or other hand out. That is
to say, Ghana's governors have yet to take any initiative to protect its future
interests or environment, as a result of the consequences endured from
regressive lifestyles.
Ghana is on GMT and for those that visit Ghana, it
is soon learned that in this hemisphere that means Ghana Man Time.
Contrary to the meticulous nature of our European counterparts, Ghanaians
operate in much more laid back mode. This can take some getting used to
and may be the cause of much frustration, especially if your mission is to
complete an agenda with very limited time. As a rule, it generally
takes 2-3x as much time to get anything done here, especially if it requires any
level of collaboration from our civil workers.
Our main airport is Kotoka International Airport,
located in the heart of town. Nicely remodelled in the past 3 years and
rapidly growing to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors to Ghana.
You may also catch flights to sub-airports in Kumasi and Tamale. If
arriving for the first time, the experience will not overwhelm you as it did I,
13 years ago. Then the airport was no more than a busy bus station with a
tarmac.
Visas are
required for all visitors who do not hold Ghanaian passports. Visas must
be secured from the nearest Ghanaian Embassy to your port of departure, in
advance of your departure. You will also be expected to provide proof of
vaccination against Yellow Fever & Malaria. No one is denied entrance
without such proof, but it is part of protocol and you should be prepared with
written explanation as to your reasons for refusing to be injected.
Customs aren't too bad at the airport. If you know you are bringing in an
item that you know will attract duties, prepare an envelope with $20-$50 for our
kind customs officer and put it in with your passport.
Ghana's currency is the Cedi. In January 2010, 1
U.S. dollar is worth 1.45 cedis. Currency rates fluctuate about 10% every
week. For today's rate please refer to
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/africa/ghana/currency.htm .
In Ghana their are more than ten local dialects, but once
you have a good command of English then you will do just fine. Most people
living in the cities speak fluent English.
Ghanaians are generally either "Christian"
(including the catholics) or Muslim. A small percentage of Ghanaians are
bold enough to champion their traditional belief systems, but the rest stake
their salvation on the gods of former conquerors, whether Arab or European.
That being said, it lends to explain why Ghanaians are generally most compliant
with western practices and perceptions. Needless to say, Ghana is a
bastion of democracy and generally considered a favorite of its former colonial
masters.
Communications in Ghana are rapidly improving with an onslaught of
service providers. In the last 5 years we have had as many new options for
cell phone service. Within the last year, each of those providers have
also extended their service to include internet options. The leading
companies are Vodafone, MTN, Tigo, Zain and soon to launch, Glo. My own,
unbiased review of their services is as follows:
| Service Provider |
Telephone Service |
Customer Service |
Internet Service |
| Tigo |
2.5 |
3 |
none avail |
| Vodafone |
4 (wide coverage) |
2 (Took over from the national phone company, thus civil
worker mentality) |
2 (Though they swear they are updating |
| MTN |
3 |
3 |
3.5 |
| Zain |
4 |
3.5 |
4 (They offer the best internet at the best rate and they
are most reliable, that means 90% up) |
| Glo |
Although they haven't entered the market, fact is they
already have superior infrastructure which should assure the customers of
superior service. |
They are expected in the first quarter of 2010 and we are
all looking forward. They have an excellent track record in Nigeria. |
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Last, but not least, you have read everywhere that Ghanaians are the most
hospitable beings on the face of the earth. Quite possibly so, they are
generally humble in demeanor and pleasant by nature. This possibly stems
from living in such a pristine tropical environment where food and smiles
abound. However, the world is changing and with exposure to western
clothes, music, videos and movies there is an emergence of a new breed, with new
greed. This Ghanaian is still modest in appearance and meek to the
point of disarming, but craftier than a fox. Bask, if you will, in the
splendour and enjoy the love, but don't be lulled to sleep otherwise you will
awaken from the nightmare, naked and destitute. Real talk.
Frequently dialled phone numbers:
- Immigrations- (233-21) 225-321 or 221-667 or 224-445
- Customs- (233-21) 228-011 or 228-054
- Tourist Info Bureaux- (233-21) 222-153 or 244-794
- Kotoka Intl. Airport- (233-21) 776-171 or 777-406
- American Embassy- (233-21) 741-443 or 741-071
- British Embassy- (233-21) 221-665
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