Ghana - Gana

O Ghana[1] is a country of Western Africa. It borders the Costa do Marfim to this one, the Burkina Faso to the north and the Togo to the west.

Understand

Ghana is a very friendly country, with very helpful and welcoming people, and ideal if this is your first time visiting Africa. While the (very) relaxed attitude and lack of organized tourist trips may irritate you at first, it won't be long before you realize it's one of the best features of this country.

Tourism in Ghana is growing very fast, and more and more tour operators are receiving requests for travel to Ghana. Ghana is also very rich in gold. It is a stable country with great potential for growth.

History

The history of Ghana before the last quarter of the 15th century is largely derived from oral tradition, which refers to migrations from the ancient kingdoms of Sahel — currently the Mauritania and mali.

Ghana's first contact with Europeans dates back to 1470, when a group of Portuguese landed and began to negotiate with the King of "Elmina". In 1482, the Portuguese built the Castle of São Jorge da Mina, which became an important permanent factory. From 1557 to 1578, the Portuguese ruled as far as Accra. During the next 3 centuries, the English, Portuguese, Swedes, Danes, Dutch and Germans controlled various parts of the Ghana coast, at that time called the "Gold Coast". The Portuguese lost much of the area they controlled (incorporated into the Portuguese Gold Coast) in 1642, being taken from the Dutch. In the beginning of the 19th century, the English managed to dominate the entire Gold Coast, turning it into a colony, driving away all European competitors and defeating the native kingdoms (located in the interior of the country).

In 1957, Ghana won its independence with the motto: "It is better to be independent to govern alone, good or bad, than to be ruled by others". The country changed its name to Ghana due to the fact that the current inhabitants were supposedly descended from emigrants from the Empire of Ghana. One of the most interesting aspects of Ghana's history is the return of Afro-Brazilian freedmen, forming a community called Tabom, which initially settled in the capital Accra, in the Jamestown neighborhood.

public holidays

Date	Name
1 of January	New Year
6 of March	Independence Day
March or April	Good friday
	Easter Monday
1 of May	Labour Day
25 of May	Africa day
1 of July	republic day
21 of September	Founder's Day
1st Friday of December	Farmer's Day
25 of December	Christmas day
26 of December	boxing day
Variable date (Islamic)	Eid ul Fitr (End of Ramadan)
	Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Culture

Perhaps Ghana's most visible cultural contribution today is the fabric known as kente, which is widely recognized for its colors and symbolism. O kente is made by skilled Ghanaian weavers, and the main weaving centers are located around the city of Kumasi (Bonwire is known as the land of kente, although some areas of the Volta River region also claim the title).

There are several weavers there, who produce long pieces of kente. These pieces can be sewn together to form the large turbans that are worn by some Ghanaians (especially chiefs) and are purchased by tourists in Accra and Kumasi.

After independence, Ghanaian music flourished, particularly a dance style called high life, which is played a lot in bars and clubs across the country. Many Ghanaians are adept at drumming, and it's not uncommon to hear drums at social events.

geography

Ghana is located in the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa, just a few degrees north of the equator. Half of the country is less than 152 meters above sea level, and its highest point is just 883 m. The 537 kilometers of coastline are mainly composed of low, sandy coastlines, behind which stretch plains covered with small vegetation, intersected by several rivers and streams, most of which are only navigable in canoes. To the north, near the border with Côte d'Ivoire, extends a strip of humid tropical forest interrupted by densely forested hills and many rivers and streams. This area, known as Ashanti, produces much of the country's cocoa, minerals and wood. North of this strip, the altitude varies between 91 and 396 meters above sea level and the territory is covered by low bushes, savannah and grassy plains.

Climate

The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal strip is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner is hot and humid; the north is hot and dry. There are two rainy seasons in the south: May-June and August-September; in the north, the rainy seasons tend to merge. A warm northeasterly wind, the harmadan, blows in January and February. The average annual precipitation in the coastal zone is around 83 centimeters.

Regions

coastal plains (Accra, apam, Cape Coast, Eliminate, Kakum National Park, Nzulezo, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ada) The country's coastal region, including the capital, several forts and the country's best preserved rainforests.

Ashanti-Kwahu (Kophoridua, Kumasi, obuasi, sunyani) Forested hills and the ancient Ashanti Kingdom.

Volta Basin (Tamale) The huge Lake Volta, as well as the system of rivers that feed it and the border with the Togo.

Northern Plains (Bolgatanga, Mole National Park) Savannah plains and traditional trade routes to the Burkina Faso.

Cities

• Accra - Capital and largest city in the country.
• Bolgatanga - Largest city in the north and entry point to the Burkina Faso.
• Cape Coast - Cape Coast slave castle is UNESCO World Heritage.
• Eliminate - A coastal city with a beautiful colonial fort.
• Kophoridua - Near Lake Volta and the rainforest.
• Kumasi - Second largest city in the country and traditional center of the Ashanti kingdom.
• obuasi - City of Minas Gerais.
• Sekondi-Takoradi - Coastal town.
• Tamale - Entry point for the Mole National Park.

Other destinations

• Sognaayilli - a holiday with the locals in a traditional village in northern Ghana.

• Kakum National Park - A rainforest with a hammock bridge to see rare monkeys, as well as antelopes and forest elephants.

• Mole National Park - A savanna park known for wildlife including buffaloes, monkeys, antelopes, lions and elephants. Walking and car safaris are popular, you can even camp and sleep a night in the savannah.

• Wli Falls - At the Agumatsa Fauna Sanctuary, near the border with the Togo.

• Nzulezo - A village with buildings built on water.

• Pay — a city in the north, where the "sacred crocodiles" live, which are domesticated and live in various ponds.

• Shai Hills Reserve — a nice mini-trip from Accra, with baboons, parrots and antelope; you can visit the reserve on horseback.

To arrive

It's a good idea to get a visa in advance. The Ghana Tourism website has a reliable list of embassies abroad ([2]). A three-month individual visa costs US$50 (about €37 or R$83); a one-year, multiple-entry visa costs 80 dollars (about 60€ or 135 R$). You must present a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, which will be presented to customs when entering the country. The malaria vaccine is, of course, essential.

citizens of Egypt, Kenya, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mauritius or Zimbabwe do not need a visa to enter Ghana. citizens of Malawi, Botswana, Essuatini, Lesotho, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia they can get a visa at the airport or at the border.

Travelers who want to stay longer than the visa allows (usually a maximum of 30 or 60 days is given to tourists) must bring their passport to the Immigration Service to apply for a visa extension - it will take some time to get it back. Although it is often said that it takes only two weeks, it can take much longer. Be careful what is stamped on your passport. Sometimes the Immigration Service puts a 60-day stamp on a 3-month visa - and what counts are the stamps.

By airplane

All international flights pass through the Kotoka International Airport in Accra (IATA: ACC; ICAO: DGAA) [3]. Kotoka International Airport is very central and there are always shuttles and taxis to connect you to other parts of the city.

United Airlines [4] started flying to Accra since Washington, D.C. - Dulles in June 2010. Delta Air Lines [5] fly from Accra to New York (JFK) and Atlanta, with four flights a week. British Airways [6] flies since London - Heathrow, and Astraeus [7] flies from London - Gatwick. Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) [8] flies daily from Schiphol, Amsterdam. Lufthansa [9] and Alitalia [10] maintains daily direct flights since Frankfurt and Milan, respectively, with a short stop in lakes, Nigeria. Emirates [11] makes direct and non-stop flights from the Dubai, at the middle East (with connections to Asia and the Far East). Ethiopian Airlines [12] performs four flights a week, since Addis Ababa. Egypt Air [13] it also runs direct flights to Accra. South African Airways [14] flies four times a week since Johannesburg. If you come from the Brazil or from a neighboring country, the flights from Rio de Janeiro The Luanda, Angola, from Angola Airlines [15] is the shortest option. From Luanda, you can fly directly to Accra. Turkish Airlines [16] flies since Istanbul to Accra, with four flights a week, all stopping off in Lagos.

The cheapest flights to Ghana from outside Africa, are usually those coming from London, but this does not mean that British Airways is the cheapest option (for example, it may be necessary to make a change of flight). Afriqiyah Airways [17] is one of the cheapest airlines, with flights to Accra from London Gatwick stopping at Tripoli. those coming from North America they may be able to save some money by arranging a cheap ticket to London from their home country.

By car

You can enter the country from the Burkina Faso across the northwest corner of Ghana, crossing the border between Tumu and Léo or between Hamale or Lawra and Bobo-Dioulasso. The easiest way to get to Tumu is from Bolgatanga, to Hamale from Bolgatanga or Wa, Lawra from Wa.

the border with the Togo in Aflao it's a fun scene. It looks very disorganized and human trafficking seems to flow freely. However, it is unlikely that someone with white skin will make it through without going through all the formalities. The process of filling out forms and verifying visas can take a while. The balances on the Togo side will likely ask for a bribe, but this is not necessary if you have the documents in order. Officials on the Ghana side are much harder to bribe. A visa to enter Ghana can be purchased at the border, but it costs twice as much as normal (because of the speed of delivery): ₵110.

You can also cross the border to the Costa do Marfim in between ball and Bouna, although this involves a chartered canoe trip across the Volta Preto River. It's quicker to cross this border than Togo, but officials stick to the rules to the letter.

By bus/bus and shared taxis

The national bus company, State Transport Corporation, operates an inter-city bus service from Ghana to some major cities in Ghana. Western Africa. A recent public-private partnership created the Metro Mass Company, which has provided services since Accra and other regions of Ghana.

Since Burkina Faso

There is a direct bus operated by VanefSTC from ouagadougou until Accra (US$29/€21, 24 hours) every day from Monday to Saturday and one from Kumasi (US$21/€15, 20 hours) every Wednesday night; most people travel in parts. Since Bolgatanga, exist tro-tros (shared taxis) to the border in Paga (US$1.10/€0.80, 40 minutes), from where you can get transport to Dust and ouagadougou.

Since Costa do Marfim

In between Accra and Abidjan there is a bus service from Vanef STC (US$12/8.8€, 12 hours) passing through elubo, every day from Monday to Friday, leaving at dawn. Ecowas Express, operated by STIF [18], a company from Côte d'Ivoire, makes three trips a week between Accra and Abidjan. Since takoradi, shared taxis make the trip to Abidjan.

Since Togo

The coastal road between Accra and Aflao is full of tro-tros and buses (all for around US$3.30/2.40€, 3 hours). VanefSTC buses leave from the small Tudu bus station in Accra (US$5/3.60, four times a day). The border post in Aflao is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, but do not cross the border between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm if you need to arrange a Togolese visa at the border. Ghanaian public transport does not cross the border, which is just 2km from the capital. Lomé.

from other countries

ABC Transport [19], based on Nigeria, operates a daily bus service (with air conditioning) to lakes for about GH₵45.

By train/train

There are no international train lines.

Circular

By airplane

There are 10 public airports in Ghana: those in Kotoka (Accra), Kumasi, Nantong, Navrongo, sunyani, Palibelo, takoradi, Tamale, Wa and Yendi.

There are two domestic airlines in Ghana: Antrak Air (21-765337; Antrak House, Danquah Circle, osu; Kumasi 51-41296; Tamale 71-91075; [20]) and City Link (312001; [21]). Both have flights twice a day between Accra and Kumasi (US$60-US$80/44€-59€, 45 minutes), and Antrak has flights between Accra and Tamale on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (US$144/105€, Hour and a half).

Of boat

A passenger boat, the Yapei Queen, travels in the Lake Volta, in between Akosombo and Yeji, with a stop in the town of Kete-Krachi and in some villages along the way. In theory, it leaves the port of Akosombo at 4 pm on Monday and arrives at Yeji on Wednesday morning; in practice the schedules are more fluid. The boat leaves Yeji around 4pm on Wednesday and arrives in Akosombo on Friday morning. Tickets cost US$11/8€ in 1st class and US$5.50/4€ in 2nd class, and there is food and drink on board. If you want one of the two 1st class cabins (recommended), you must book at least two weeks in advance; call 0251-20686 in Akosombo to make a reservation.

By car

The state of the roads varies. In Accra, most are of good quality. Significant improvements are being made on the main road between Accra and Kumasi. Most roads outside Accra, except the main ones, are unpaved. the road between Techiman and ball it is in particularly bad condition, and, if possible, should be avoided. To travel on most roads in the north of the country you need a jeep; a sedan fits some of them in the dry season but is not recommended.

Cars with a foreign license plate cannot circulate between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. Only vehicles with a Ghanaian license plate are allowed to travel on the roads at any given time.

By bus/bus

VanefSTC is the main bus company. They have international and domestic long distance services. It's probably the safest way to travel long distances, and it's also quite fast compared to other options, although breakdowns are fairly frequent. STC has buses between Accra, Kumasi, takoradi, Tamale, Cape Coast and other important cities. the buses Express or air-conditioned ("express" and "air-conditioned" respectively) are faster and much more comfortable than a regular bus and are available on the following routes: Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Tamale, Accra-Bolgatanga. Buy your tickets at least one day in advance, as these buses often sell out if you wait until the day. In addition to the ticket, you have to pay for the baggage, and the price varies with the weight of the baggage. It rarely exceeds 1/3 of the ticket price.

Several other companies provide bus services between major cities, including OSA, Metrobus and Kingdom Travel. These services are more reliable than tro-tros. Metrobus is by far the best and cheapest option between Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast, but using a Metrobus bus to or from Tamale is not recommended due to the difficulty of getting a ticket (many people wanting to go to this one region).

MPlaza Tours also has services between Accra, Kumasi, etc. One good thing about this company is that it has its own bus terminals.

By train/train

There are railways between Accra, takoradi and Kumasi. The train is very slow and not cheaper than buses, but with the current restoration of Ghana's rail system, there will be new stations and faster and more frequent trains.

There are daily trains, in both directions, between Accra and Kumasi (US$4.40/3.20€ in first class or US$2.70/2€ in 2nd class, about 12 hours) and a night service between Accra and takoradi, about the same price and taking at least 12 hours, but unless you're a masochist, it's best not to use this one. However, the line between Kumasi and Takoradi (US$4.40/3.20€ in first class or US$2.70/2€ in 2nd class) is an option to consider. Two trains a day follow this line, leaving at 6:00 am and 8:30 pm. The journey, in theory, takes eight hours, but normally it takes around 12 hours, especially if you use the night train.

In tro-tro

tro-tro is a term that covers almost any type of vehicle that has been adapted so that as many people, goods, and occasionally livestock as possible, can fit there. You tro-tros they are usually old twelve-passenger vans. Similar to shared taxis, tro-tros they follow fixed routes and have fixed prices, and rarely depart without being full (so be prepared to wait). They are cheap (cheaper than STC buses and shared taxis) and prices vary depending on the distance travelled; however their safety is questionable and breakdowns are frequent. However, these breakdowns are usually not a big problem, as they break down on roads where others pass. tro-tros, and you can just pick up another one. There are routes within cities and routes between cities. These are often the only option for reaching remote villages and towns, but are not recommended for long journeys. You tro-tros they are a great way to socialize with Ghanaians, and are always a cultural adventure. Sometimes they may try to make you pay extra for your baggage, and occasionally they will overcharge you (very rarely).

By taxi

Taxis are plentiful, and as a tourist it's not hard to find one. It's cheaper to share a taxi than to go alone, but prices are negotiable. Negotiate the price with the driver before to enter. A very short taxi ride should not exceed GH₵1, if longer it should be between GH₵2.50-5 and GH₵7 is enough to go anywhere within a city. Prices continue to vary with international market fuel prices. Many taxi drivers will try to trick you and charge you more if you are a foreigner. In Accra and in the biggest cities, most drivers assume they won't share a taxi, and unless you have very little money, it's easiest to go alone. In more remote areas, shared taxis are very common.

Speak

Because Ghana was colonized by the British, the English it has become the official language, and many Ghanaians (especially in urban centers) can speak English. The local English dialect, Pidgin English has many terms, phrases and words that may seem strange even to an Englishman. Official government documents are in English, but there are over 40 different languages ​​in Ghana, including English, Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, and so on. Obruni, the Akan word for foreigner, which literally means "white man", is shouted several times to greet a tourist, with no intention of offending. Obruni is similar to the word Toubab, used further west, in the mali, at guinea, at Gambia and in the Senegal.

In the northern regions and among Ghanaian Muslims in general, Hausa is the language used in everyday life.

Look

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In Ghana there are two world heritage sites:

• Traditional Buildings of Ashanti Civilization, Kumasi - A set of 13 buildings traditionally built with clay, straw and wood. Described as "Home of Men and Gods", are the last strongholds of Ashanti culture and history, which reached its height in the 18th century. These buildings are scattered north and northeast of Kumasi. Most of these buildings were destroyed in the 19th-20th centuries, in the struggles between the Ashanti civilization and British settlers, such as a royal mausoleum (Barem), which was burned by Baden-Powell.

• Forts and Castles in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central and Western Regions - A set of 11 castles/forts, mainly Dutch, English and Portuguese, along the Gold Coast:

• Elmina Castle, Eliminate - Built by Portugal in 1482, with the name of Castelo de São jorge da Mina, and is the oldest European building in Africa below the Sahara. It became one of the most important stops of the African slave trade. was taken over by Dutchmen in 1637, and by the English in 1871.

• Fort of Santo António, Axim - Built by the Portuguese in 1515 and enlarged by the Dutch between 1642 and 1872. Shaped like a triangle, it has two main bastions, located at the northern and southern ends. Although a little poorly cared for, it is in a spectacular location, facing the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The fort, currently owned by the GMMB, is open to the public.

• Fort English (Fort Vrendenburg), Kommendation - Fort Vredenburg was built by the Dutch in 1688, taken by the British in 1782 and abandoned three years later. It is currently in ruins.

• Strong Metal Cross, dixcove - Situated on an elevation on the east side of Dixcove Bay, it is one of the best preserved forts accessible to tourists on the Ghanaian coast. It was built by the English in the 1690s, and the construction took 6 years, due to attacks from the natives. It was expanded in the 18th century, gaining the look it has today.

• Fort of São Sebastião, Shama - It was built by the Portuguese around 1500, with the aim of preventing the British from interfering in the trade in the Shama area. When the Dutch took the fort it was in ruins, being restored and expanded between 1640 and 1642. In 1664 and 1665 it passed into English hands, being reoccupied by the Dutch in 1666. Before 1870 it was abandoned.

• Fort Batenstein, Butre - Built on top of a hill, today it has been taken over by the jungle, looking more like an ancient Mayan temple than a 17th century castle. It was built in 1656 by the Dutch, and since then it has gone hand in hand, between the English and the Dutch. It was eventually abandoned in 1818-1829.

• Fort of Saint Jago (Fort Conraadsburg), Eliminate - Looking more like a villa Mediterranean rather than a fort, it was used by the Dutch to take the castle of Elmina, remaining for 235 years under Dutch rule. The British attacked it in 1871 and 1872. It was finally sold to the British along with Elmina Castle.

• Amsterdam Fort, abandze - It was built by the Dutch West Indies Company in 1638. In 1661 the Royal African Company became the owner of the fort, which became the headquarters of the English possessions of the Gold Coast. In 1665 he was captured by the Dutch Admiral De Ruyter, with the English headquarters transferred to Cape Coast Castle.

• Strong Lijdzaamheid (Fort Patience), apam - The fort began to be built in 1697, but was only completed in 1700, receiving the name "Fort Lijdzaamheid". In 1782 he was captured by the British, led by Captain Shirley. In 1785 it returned to Dutch hands. Nowadays it is used as a hotel.

• Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast - Located in one of the main cities in Ghana, it was built by Sweden, originally in wood, then in stone. In 1663, the entire Swedish Gold Coast was integrated by the Danes. In 1664, it was taken over by the English, and underwent major renovations. In 1844 it became the English headquarters on the Gold Coast.

• Fort of Good Hope (Forte Goedehoop), Senya Beraku - Built by the Dutch at the request of the Agona State. The Dutch accepted the request due to the possibility of a boom in the trade in gold, ivory and slaves from the Akyem Kingdom and due to private traders, who were taking advantage of the absence of Dutch forts in the area.

Knife

Beaches

There are many popular beaches in this small West African country. Ghana, facing the Atlantic Ocean, has been blessed with magnificent beaches. Most of these beaches are public and are great for water sports such as jet skiing, surfing, and kite surfing. Here are some Ghanaian beaches worth visiting:

• , Labadi. This public beach is located in Labadi, and has a sand of three kilometers, ideal for the practice of various water sports. The beach has strong winds and moderate/large waves, making it perfect for surfing. The vast expanse of sand is good for playing volleyball or Frisbee. On the waterfront there are restaurants, snack bars, showers and changing rooms. 

• , Kokrobite (30 km west of Accra). A beach 30 km west of Accra. Although it is a public beach, there are fewer tourists there, as it is a little far from the capital. However, visitors to this place are greeted by the scenic view of the hills and crystal clear water. There are few restaurants and spas, but there are also fewer visitors, so they suit visitors' needs. 

• . 100 km from Accra is the beach of Ada. This beach is located in the coastal village near Lomé Road, and is perfect for water skiing, fishing, and other water sports. This beach also has a marina nearby, perfect for yachting. The village also has restaurants and inns where tourists can spend the night for a reasonable price. 

• , Ada Foah. A sea turtle habitat, Chocoloco Beach is located east of Accra, where the Volta River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is also a sanctuary for birds his beach is also a sanctuary for estuarine birds. This beach is a perfect destination not only for beach combers but also for nature lovers, as well. It is a great place for camping. Accommodations such as rental bungalows and inns are located at a nearby village. 

• . A very popular beach with backpackers and beach lovers. A secluded beach, unlike many in Ghana. Although isolated, it has campsites,bungalows for rent, showers, toilets, etc. In addition to this, it has several restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood and other local foods. 

wildlife and safaris

Ghana is an ideal destination for safaris. With its 16 national parks, reserves and protected areas, covering a vast and varied habitat, from swamps and salt flats along the Gold Coast to tropical rainforests in the south. In the center you will find forests and, as you progress northwards, the savannas sahelian women.

Ghanaian national parks are home to a dizzying array of wildlife, including forest and savanna elephants, hippos, lions, hyenas, chimpanzees, baboons, 7 species of monkeys, 3 species of crocodiles, buffaloes, various antelopes and much, much more . only the Mole National Park has more than 93 species of mammals. Ghana also has more than 755 species of birds.

In addition to the Mole National Park, don't forget to visit the Kakum National Park and the Shai Hills Reserve.

Buy

O I gave up Ghanaian was replaced by another in July 2007. The new "I gave up Ghanaian" (GH₵) is equivalent to 10,000 ancient cedi. During the transition period of six months, the ancient cedi is called I gave in, and the new cedi is called Ghana Cedi.

Many Ghanaians still do math with the old currency. This can be very confusing (and expensive). 10,000 ancient cedis are usually referred to as ten (or twenty, or thirty). This today would be one, two or three Ghanaian cedis. So always think about whether the price makes sense before buying something or agreeing on the price of a taxi. If in doubt, ask if you are talking about new or old cedis.

Some major hotels accept US Dollars, but this may not be the case. As in all countries of the Western Africa, older dollar bills will be rejected by banks and FOREX offices. If you plan to bring dollar bills, make sure they are all 2007 or newer.

The Euro is the most useful currency, and sometimes bars/restaurants can exchange them for cedis if banks are closed.

On March 12, 2011:

$ US Dollar	USD$1.00 = GH₵1.52	GH₵1.00 = USD$0.66
€ Euro	€1.00 = GH₵2.12	GH₵1.00 = €0.47
R$ Real	R$1.00 = GH₵0.86	GH₵1.00 = BRL 1.16

There are many FOREX offices in Accra, and a few more in other big cities. It's very hard to switch traveler's checks and it's practically impossible outside of Accra and Kumasi, unless you do so at a major bank. Barclays has branches in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale, where you can exchange traveler's checks. Be prepared to wait in lines. Major hotels accept VISA cards, and there are ATMs in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast that accept VISA. Cape Coast ATM is often out of cash. At the main Barclays branch in Accra, you can get money via a VISA or MasterCard, as long as you have your passport.

Haggle is a common practice in the markets. Big cities like Accra have markets open every day, but if you want to get a feel for the real essence of the country, visit a village market on the day of the week it's open. Most of what's on sale are basic necessities, but typically fabrics, beads, musical instruments, bags and even CDs are available.

You can also find kente, fabrics and wooden sculptures, such as masks and sacred benches in almost any street in any tourist area in the country.

Symbols adinrah & holy banks

The sacred banks have symbols adinrah traditional ones that can mean many things, having to do with God, love, strength, community, and much more. It's a good idea to find a book that shows you what each symbol means, so you don't buy a bank that doesn't mean what you think it means.

O Gye Nyam is by far the most popular of symbols adinrah. It means "Thanks be to God". Other popular symbols are the "Knot of Wisdom" and one representing an individual holding many sticks together that cannot be broken, symbolizing the strength of the community.

With the

Traditional food is fun to taste and tasty. fufu, the most popular traditional dish, consists of mashed plantains, cassava or yam balls, served with soup and a meat or fish dish. Soups are usually made from peanuts, okra and other vegetables. O banku is a version of the corn and fermented dish, usually eaten with grilled tilapia or okra soup.

Rice dishes are also traditional, but not considered a real meal by Ghanaians, especially men. The rice jollof varia consoante o cozinheiro, mas geralmente consiste em arroz branco cozido com vegetais, pedaços de carne e especiarias num molho baseado em tomate. O Waakye é uma mistura de feijão e couve, servido tradicionalmente com garri, uma farinha feita de mandioca. Muitas vezes são servidos pratos de arroz com tomates, pepino e alface picada ao lado e um montinho de creme de saladas ou maionese. Estas refeições são extremamente baratas e podem ser compradas junto de qualquer vendedor de rua, por cerca de GH₵1,50-2,50.

Bananas-da-terra, inhames, e batatas-doces são preparadas de várias maneiras e um bom snack. Kelewele, um snack feito de banana-da-terra frita com especiarias, é especialmente bom. Frutas frescas, como ananás, manga, papaia, cocos, laranjas e bananas são deliciosas quando estão na sua época e custam apenas 10 cêntimos.

Uma boa refeição africana num restaurante pode custar apenas GH₵3,00-7,00. Por exemplo, um jantar de lagosta e camarão pode custar uns meros GH₵6. Existem também vários restaurantes chineses e americanos disponíveis, principalmente em Osu um subúrbio de Accra.

drink and go out

A água da torneira geralmente não é potável, por isso pode escolher entre água engarrafada (por exemplo Voltic, aprox. 1,5l, ₵GH 1,00), água da torneira fervida ou filtrada, e saquetas de "água pura". Estas saquetas tem água filtrada e vêm em porções de 500 ml. Muitos estrangeiros preferem água engarrafada. água em saquetas geralmente não é aconselhável. Embora seja facilmente acessível e uma experiência única, estudos mostraram quantidades de bactérias fecais, sugerindo que na realidade se trata de água da torneira. Se quiser jogar pelo seguro, prefira água engarrafada e bebidas com gás.

Nos bares de estrangeiros em Accra, uma cerveja custa entre GH₵2 e GH₵3. Sumos de fruta custam GH₵1,50, a água fica entre GH₵1 e GH₵1,50. A Star e a Club são das marcas de cerveja mais populares. Para uma experiência mais interessante, visite um "spot", um bar assinalado por tiras azuis e brancas no exterior do edifício. São mais baratos e poderá conviver com os locais e ouvir as músicas da moda.

Refrigerantes como Coca Cola, Fanta, 7UP (aos quais os locais chamam "minerals") estão disponíveis em todo o país por GH₵0.50.

As garrafas em que se servem os refrigerantes ou a cerveja pertencem à companhia que os engarrafou - se não as devolver ao vendedor, eles perdem GH₵0,50 cedis - provavelmente mais do que pagou pela bebida. Se não for consumir a bebida no "spot" ou no bar em que estiver, diga-o ao vendedor.

sleep

Existem muitos locais fantásticos para passar a noite no Gana. As opções são variadas, desde hotéis de luxo a lugares mais rústicos. Na capital existem algumas cadeias internacionais de hotéis. Existem hotéis em todo o país, mas estes estão principalmente concentrados nos centros urbanos. Um quarto de hotel decente e barato pode custar apenas GH₵20,00.

Para estadias mais longas (alguns meses), é possível alugar uma casa. Casas para aluguer são facéis de encontrar em jornais locais em lugares frequentados por estrangeiros.

Learn

O Gana tem três universidades públicas principais. A maior destas é a Universidade do Gana, situado em Legon, um subúrbio da capital, Accra. Outras universidades são as de Cape Coast (Universidade de Cape Coast) e Kumasi (Universidade de Ciência e Tecnologia Kwame Nkrumah, ou "Tech"). Existem outras universidades públicas, mais pequenas, incluindo a Universidade de Educação em Winneba, a Universidade de Estudos do Desenvolvimento, com um campus principal em Tamale e vários campi menores ao norte, e a Universidade de Minas e Tecnologia em Tarkwa. Existem também vários colégios e universidades privados, tanto religiosos como não-religiosos.

Os professores são normalmente muito rígorosos e o respeito é muito importante.

Work

Muitas pessoas oferecem-se como voluntários em várias organizações ganêsas e internacionais enquanto viajam:

• . Ensine inglês, matemática, informática, etc. numa escola ou orfanato, enquanto viaja. Oferece vários programas a partir de US$400 por duas semanas. 

• . Uma organização não-governamental, dedicada à melhoria de vida dos ganêses através de doações e voluntariado. Não só viaja pelo país, mas também contribui para que muitos ganêses tenham uma vida melhor. Embora também tenham programas de voluntariado para especialistas em medicina e informática, não precisa de ter conhecimentos especiais para ser aceite como voluntário. 

• . Pode voluntariar-se para ser professor, treinador de futebol e/ou médico/enfermeiro. Localizado perto do Volta, mostra-lhe o aspecto do verdadeiro Gana. 

• . Oferece programas de preços razoáveis, com visitas guiadas, carro para o ir buscar ao aeroporto, etc. Pode ver os programas todos here. 

• . Programas de conservação da natureza, de cuidados médicos, de ensino, etc. 

• . Centrada na região de Ashanti, pode voluntariar-se para vários postos: para trabalhar num orfanato, na ala pediátrica de um hospital, numa escola de surdos, etc. 

• . Óptimo para conhecer uma nova cultura e ao mesmo tempo dar uma fonte de rendimento extra aos locais da região norte do Gana. 

• . Trabalha 6 a 9 horas por dia, cinco dias por semana. Durante o resto do dia existe muitas actividades de entretenimento. 

• . Com programas de voluntariado em 17 países a partir de US$200. No Gana, pode ensinar inglês, voluntariar-se para um orfanato, numa clínica, entre outras tarefas. 

• . Uma organização preocupada com a melhoria da educação, saúde e das condições sanitárias. Vários programas de voluntariado, desde programas de alguns meses a programas de um ano. 

Safety

Actualmente o Gana é um país muito seguro e estável, com uma taxa de crimes baixa, comparando com outros países da Western Africa. Tome as precauções habituais e use o senso comum, mas o país é seguro.

Apesar de a segurança não ser um grande problema no país, é aconselhável ficar vigilante em áreas públicas, principalmente em Accra e nos seus arredores, e evite andar sozinho à noite, se possível. Evite andar com grandes somas de dinheiro ou valores e esteja vigilante quando estiver a tirar dinheiro do multibanco no centro de Acra. Tem existido casos de roubos de telemóveis na rua. Evite usar o seu telemóvel em público, a menos que tiver que o usar. O roubo de bagagens e documentos de viajem já ocorreu no Aeroporto de Kotoka. Esteja também vigilante em Tamale, Kumasi e seus arredores, onde houve um aumento do crime, incluindo assaltos e ataques a estrangeiros. Existe possibilidade da existência de violência entre facções políticas rivais, lutas inter-étnicas e desordem civil; é boa ideia actualizar-se e estar a par dos acontecimentos diários. Se quiser visitar a região norte, existe a possibilidade de lutas inter-étnicas, por isso tenha cuidado. Se quiser viajar ao longo da costa, tenha cuidado devido às marés de tempestade que atingem a costa.

Apesar de o lesbianismo já ser legal, a homossexualidade masculina é ilegal.

Health

A malária resistente à cloroquina verifica-se em todo o país e deve tomar cuidados para não a apanhar: evitar os mosquitos, ter sempre repelente à mão, bem como profilaxia. A vacina da febre amarela é obrigatória para entrar no país. As vacinas das Hepatites A & B, da Cólera e da Febre Tifóide são também recomendadas.

O risco de meningite é alto na parte norte do Gana, que faz parte do chamado "cinturão da meningite" (uma área de elevado risco de meningite). Isto aplica-se sobretudo durante a época dos ventos secos, de Dezembro a Junho. Para as Meningites de tipo A, C, Y e W135 está disponível a vacina de polissacarídeo.

Embora a ocorrência de SIDA seja menos frequente que em outros país sub-saarianos de África, nunca tenha sexo desprotegido! Receber uma transfusão de sangue no Gana aumenta substancialmente o risco de ter SIDA. Deve também evitar entrar em contacto com água doce parada, uma vez que existe o risco de apanhar esquistossomose.

Alguns restaurantes aproximam-se dos padrões sanitários europeios, mas prepare-se para pagar por eles. Restaurantes mais pequenos, muitas vezes chamados chop bars, tem higiene mais duvidosa e provavelmente não alcançam estes padrões.

Por causa do clima tropical perto da costa, os viajantes precisam de ficar hidratados. Pode comprar água engarrafada em qualquer lado. A Voltic Water é uma marca fiável, mas assegure-se que a garrafa nunca foi aberta.

respect

Deve tentar ter uma atitude respeitosa (não coma ou ofereça algo com a sua mão esquerda), mas em geral os ganêses são compreensivos para com os turistas que se enganam. Os cumprimentos são muito importantes. Os ganêses não perdoam pessoas que não cumprimentam os outros. Por vezes o cumprimento é uma continência, acompanhada por "bom dia" ou "boa tarde"". A resposta esperada é a mesma. Pode também perguntar à pessoa como está.

Stay in touch

Os serviços de telecomunicações e os correios ganêses são pouco fiáveis dentro do Gana, mas o correio internacional, pelo menos de e para Accra, é razoável (aproximadamente uma semana para uma encomenda de ou para o RU, for example). A Vodafone Ghana (anteriormente Ghana Telecom) é a maior companhia do país, mas não é inteiramente fiável nem cobre todo o país. Existem 4 companhias de comunicação móvel, com uma quinta prestes a iniciar serviços. Muitas destas companhias tem cobertura 3G/HSPA. Tem havido um boom no acesso à internet através de pens (espere pagar cerca de 60 cedis por uma pen). A cobertura é boa em áreas urbanas, e é cada vez melhor em áreas rurais e ao longo das principais auto-estradas.

Com o recente boom das T.I.C. nas áreas urbanas do Gana, nunca está muito longe de um internet cafe, onde uma hora de internet custa ₵0,50-₵1,00. Muitos hotéis também tem acesso a internet banda larga através de hotspots.

This country article is usable . It contains links to major cities and other destinations (all with states of usable or better), a valid regional structure, and includes information about the country's currency, language, cuisine, and culture. At least the most important attraction is identified with directions. A braver person could use it to travel, but please dig deep and help it grow!