Iä SÜ Fc IM II
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
iäSÜfc M II I f\Af&( ESUFiriFI TELftIST EEflffiiJ 1st Floor, Ministry of Trade & Tourism, P.O. Box 3106, Accra, Ghana. Tels: (233) (21) 665441 or 665421 Telex: 2143 TORIST GH 2nd September, 1991 Dear Guest and Traveller, Akwaaba - welcome! - is a term of greeting you will come to hear often during your stay. It is meant sincerely. Ghanaians are fun-loving, cheerful people who are proud of their country, its languages, traditions and standing and are keen that the visitor should understand and appreciate what their country has to offer. Ghana is a free and independent society where much emphasis is placed on courtesy and politeness. A handshake is the key to everything. Women especially will notice they enjoy a fully emancipated status as free and equal partners in political, professional and economic life. ï * Here are just some of our country's features which we're sure will help to make you feel... "It's Great to be in Ghana!" Sunshine in plenty Historic forts, castles 0 0 and monuments rr> Beautiful, unspoilt rnr Fascinating wild life '—' sandy beaches and vegetation Africa's friendliest [TX A rich and unique '—' '—' culture people Akwaaba! Sincerely Yours, The ï Photographs in this book are ® Ghana Tourist Board except where otherwise noted. ' Ghana Tourist Board 1991. Produced on the Board's behalf by Cambridge Faxbooks Ltd., P.O. Box 209, Mamprobi, Accra, Ghana. Tel: Accra 229612 2 CONTENTS Page 5 General Introduction 7 Greater Accra Region 17 Eastern Region 25 Central Region 35 Western Region 46 Ashanti Region 51 Brong Ahafo Region 57 Volta Region 61 Northern Region 62 Upper West Region 63 Upper East Region Inside back cover Map of the Regions and Road Distances 3 INTRODUCTION Ghana, situated on the west coast of Africa, was VISA once famous for gold, and European traders Ghana Missions and Embassies abroad will assist in therefore called the country "The Gold Coast". issuing individual as well as group visas. Before the Europeans came, trade in such commo¬ Health Requirements dities as gold, ivory, salt and kola nuts was carried Please do not forget to bring your Health Certificate, on with the Western Sudan, an area over which the which shows that you have been recently innocu- ancient Ghana Empire flourished from about 400 lated against cholera and that you have had a yellow AD to the latter part of the tenth century. Ghana fever vaccination. You are also advised to consult today is a modern industrial and agricultural African your doctor well in advance of your visit so that you country covering an area of 239,460 sq km with a may begin the usual malaria treatment. population of about 14 million. You will never feel like a stranger in Ghana. Once ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FORMALITIES you are in the country, you feel at home. Visitors are always greeted heartily with a warm "akwaaba", On arrival your passport will be examined and which goes beyond a simple "welcome" to "come returned to you by the Immigration Officer. Exten¬ and join us". sions of stay may be granted by the Immigration Ghanaian warmth and hospitality will make your Department in Accra. stay, no matter how long its duration, a memorable and delightful experience. Reconfirming Airline Reservations When This publication "Ghana—a Travel Guide" is meant you are preparing to leave Ghana, please reconfirm your international flight reservations at to help you discover our diverse and ancient least 72 hours in advance. heritage, our time-honoured traditions, our rich and colourful festivals and the natural attractions of the International Flight Check-in Time country. This brochure gives you a glimpse into the Arrive at Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 10 Regions of Ghana and should spur you on to least 2Vè hours in advance of your flight's discover more for yourself, depending on your departure to ensure adequate time for check-in and interests and the time you have available. immigration formalities. Throughout your trips, we invite you to consult the Departure Fees Ghana Tourist Board for any help you may need. We Reserve 10 US dollars per person for the airport have offices in almost every Region with staff who departure fee, which all departing travellers must will be delighted to assist you. With the exception of pay. nominal charges for long-distance telephone calls, our services to individual travellers are free of EXPORTATION OF HANDICRAFTS charge. For our addresses and telephone numbers, If you should decide to purchase a significant please refer to page one of this brochure. quantity of any Ghanaian handicraft items, such as Climate wood carvings, artwork, trading beads etc., please Northern Ghana has a rainy season from about April go to the Museums and Monuments Board in Accra to October. The rest of the year is hot and dry, with to obtain an export permit. The Board also has temperatures up to about 38°C. In southern Ghana offices throughout the country to advise you. the rains last from April to June and again from CURRENCY September to October. Generally temperatures are Ghana's between 21°-32°C. currency is the Cedi ($) which comes in denominations of $50, $100, $200, $500. As of PUNNING A TRIP TO GHANA August, 1991, $1,000 bills will be available. Coins How to get there come in denominations of $10, $20, 5p,1 Op, 20p, Several international airlines, including Ghana Air¬ 50p (pesewas). ways, operate regular scheduled flights to Ghana There is no restriction on the amount of foreign from major cities around the world. Ghana Airways currency you may bring into Ghana. This must, also provides domestic services between Accra and however, be stated on the currency declaration the cities of Kumasi, Sunyani and Tamale. form. 5 Ghana - A TraveI Guide Area Codes Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any "Forex Bureaux" in the country. You can make long-distance telephone calls to other parts of the country by dialling the following COMMERCIAL BANKS area codes before the telephone number. Apart from Forex Bureaux, some commercial banks Accra 021 also exchange foreign currency. Banks are normally Akosombo 0251 open from 8.30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Cape Coast 042 Thursday and until 3 pm on Friday. Ho 091 TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES Koforidua 081 All banks and forex bureaux accept Travellers' Kumasi 051 Sekondi/Takoradi 031 Cheques although the rate of exchange might be slightly lower than for a cash transaction. Sunyani 061 Tamale 071 CREDIT CARDS Tema 0221 The most widely accepted credit cards are Ameri¬ For information on Accra dial 666684. To place a can Express, Diners, and Visa. Your card may be credit card or collect call to the USA direct, dial used for payment at nearly all airlines, leading 0191. hotels, and major supermarkets. Languages HELPFUL HINTS English is widely spoken throughout Ghana. It is the Packing the Right Clothing official language. Other languages spoken, based Since the climate is warm and tropical all year on ethnic groups, are Ga, Akan, Ewe, Dagbani and round, be sure to pack light washable cotton Hansa. clothing and casual wear. Do not forget your sun Religion glasses and comfortable walking shoes. There are There are three main religious groups in Ghana: no restrictions on what men and women may wear. -Traditional : 45% Slacks and shorts for both sexes is permissible. - Christian : 43% of the population. Electricity - Moslems 12% If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, Churches of most major denominations and mos¬ they should operate on 220 volts. Electric outlets ques can be found in every region. here accept either three-pronged, and sometimes Price Guidelines two-pronged, British or Continental European type Whenever possible, we have listed current (1991) plugs or converters. prices for hotels, restaurants, taxis, and attractions. Tipping These prices are subject to change without notice. Tipping is permitted in hotels, restaurants, etc. It is rarely added to the bill. Whenever it is not added the MARKETS quality of service should dictate your generosity to In Ghana and particularly in Accra, women control the waiter, taxi driver, porter, guide, etc. most of the trading activities. But nowhere has their effectiveness been felt more than in the numerous Use of Cameras local markets scattered all over the country. While you are encouraged to use your camera The typical market scene is exciting. There is an throughout your vacation, there are a few "do's and endless wave of buyers and sellers; women with don'ts" in this area. Where you are in doubt consult babies strapped onto their backs, skillfully balance your guide. loads on their heads; everywhere one hears voices Communications engaged in bargaining and all around in the market are the colourful For your convenience, we have provided the main array of foodstuffs, textiles, and a location of the Post Office in each Region where you wide variety of miscellaneous views. It is a visual feast. can make telephone calls and send international mail. The best times to visit the markets are early in the Most major hotels also have business centres which morning about 8 a.m. Prices are not fixed, one is provide secretarial and courier services. expected to bargain. 6 Ghana - A Travel Guide PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Municipal Buses and "Trotros" New Year's Day January 1 For adventuresome visitors, there are many reliable Independence Day March 6 municipal bus companies (OSA, City Express, City Good Friday Line, King of Kings) or popular "trotros" (mini buses Easter Monday March/April or small wooden trucks) which are less expensive. May Day May 1 The buses or trotros can take you from city centres June 4th Anniversary June 4 to any of the suburbs.