INFORMATION FOR NEW FAMILIES IN

Anyone who has ever been part of it knows that the world of international schools is a special one. Selecting the right school for your child can be a daunting exercise, particularly if you are moving to Africa for the first time. Children and parents alike experience so many wonderful moments during their time here, which they will cherish for the rest of their lives. We will work hard to ensure you and your children enjoy all the many opportunities and experiences that this multi-cultural environment offers.

The PTO welcome committee has been created to give you an insight into our community with the hope that it can help you to make a smooth transition into our school community and assist with life in Ghana.

The LCS welcome committee is a very caring, dynamic and friendly group of parents who strive to enable parents to integrate into the life in Ghana. The committee has put together this pamphlet with helpful hints and practical recommendations, including lists of physicians and emergency contacts in the area. The committee will also organise several events, such as a welcome brunch, to help new famlies become familiar with the LCS community. The annual family picnic is another great way to meet the old and new families. Occasional outings can also be arranged depending on the interest shown.

In conjunction with the PTO there are several opportunities for those of you who would like to get involved in the activities of LCS. There are many annual functions throughout the year which we always need a helping hand such as: International Day, Bazaar, LCS Birthday Celebrtion, Sporting events, Picnics and many more.

Below is an informal list of helpful numbers, but please note that the information is not limited to the listing below and we thus recommend either purchasing the “No Worries Ghana” latest publication which is an indispensable insider’s guide to Ghana or visiting their website www.noworriesghana.com. The “Official Tourist Guide Ghana” is another good publication which can be purchased for further information on Ghana. Please therefore use the information below purely as a guideline and make a point of contacting anyone in the welcome committee for more information and directions to the various sites. Take note that in Ghana things happen, some of the information may change. WELCOME TO LCS !!

1 WEEKEND BREAKAWAY RESORTS (driving times are always traffic dependant)

Anomabo 024 433 1731 [email protected] 2 hours West of , good beach for children. Pets allowed at a charge

Elmina Bay 054 161 4812 / 020 566 0670 / 028 524 020 www.elminabayresort.com

3 hours West of Accra in the / area. It is located on a beautiful, clean, palm- fringed beach, with cool and clean sea water, great for bathing.

Lou Moon 024 442 4497 www.loumoonlodge.com 5 hours West of Accra, located in a bay with little or no waves, private island available.

Ankobra Beach Resort

054 388 7926 / 024 096 9789 / 031 92 321 www.ghana-resort.com 5 hour West Accra, oceanview and a nice stroll on the beach.

Coconut Grove Beach Resort

042 912 134 www.coconutgrovehotels.com.gh Located on Elmina Beach. Resort has a swimming pool.

Whitesands 024 431 1888 www.whitesands.gh Upmarket resort, 1hour West of Accra located next to Tills Beach resort. www.tillsbeach.com

Volta Hotel 024 410 1419 www.voltahotel.net Located in Akosombo approximately 1hour 15 minutes from Accra, good views of the Volta Lake. Recommended as a Sunday outing.

Afrikiko River Front Resort

024 438 7763 / 034 302 0081 [email protected] Located in Akosombo on the below the dam wall, boat trips and pedal boats available.

Hillburi 0244 385 008 Majestically in the spectacular Akwapim range in the of Ghana. The resort is approx. 45mins drive from Accra along the road. It also has a lovely pool side.

Manet Paradise 0243707864 Located in Ada Foah, close to the mouth of the Volta River. Boat trips and swimming pool. 1 hour 15 minutes East of Accra. Mole National Park 071 6523 The park is not easily accessible from Accra as it is quite a driving distance but flights to Tamale are available. Animals include Elephants, Antelope, buffalo and monkeys, amongst others.

Kakum National Park 0332132583 Located approx. 30km North of Cape Coast. Easy daytrip from Anomabo and Cape Coast. Famous in Ghana for the 40m high canopy walk from where the forest canopy and bird species can be appreciated, visit this early in the morning as it is more quiet then.

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HAIR AND NAILS

Bellitas 0302 782 969 Located in Osu, near Vidya’s bookstore

Antoinette 028 963 3711 Located at the Abelemkpe intersection, near school

Swish Fatet Anderson 024 431 3000. Located near school above Aquatec pool supplies.

Lajen Beauty Shop (Unisex Hair & Nail) 0244660909 / 714892

Star Unisex Salon Abelemkpe Junction. 0244633711 / 0289633711

DAYTRIPS FROM ACCRA

Beads Cedi Beads, tours offered showing how the glass beads are made. Approx. 1 hour 15 min from Accra towards Akosombo. Open daily.

Koforidua bead market, Thursdays only. 1 hour 30 from Accra – traffic dependant. Various local bead makers. Strung and unstrung beads, good prices, bargaining the order of the day.

Prampram A coastal village just past , here you can see how huge logs are hollowed out and made into seafaring canoes. Workmen will gladly show you around and explain the process.

Ostrich Farm An ostrich breeding farm just past Tema where you can see a selection of chicks and birds for breeding. Eggs and meat also for sale. 021 301 287 email: [email protected]

Bojo Beach Located about 40 minutes West of Accra, this beach is open daily except a Monday (unless the Monday is a public holiday). There is a charge to enter. Food may not be taken into the resort however there is a restaurant.

Kokrobite 1 Hour West of Accra, beach huts can be hired for a day – enquire on arrival which ones are available. A beach restaurant is available, however best to take own picnic. Barbeque facilities are available at most huts and fresh fish and lobster (seasonal) can be bought from beach vendors, remember to take charcoal.

Ada Foah Easy 1h20 minute drive from Accra, spend the day at the Manet Paradise hotel which has a beach facing the Volta River and swimming pool. Alternatively the Tsarley Korpey beach resort is located a few properties up from the hotel and also offers a pool, gazebo on stilts in the river as well as meals. Accommodation for overnight stays also available. www.tsarleykorpeyresort.com.

Fishing Fishing charters are also available from Ada, blue marlin being one of the big catches – enquire a Hooker’s Guest house in Ada.

Volta Lake Several venues are available for lunch in Akosombo, popular venues are Afrikiko, Continental and the Volta Hotel. Tours of the dam wall are available, passes for this are available in Akosombo village, security at the lake gate can direct you. Tours not available on a Sunday. Full explanation of the hydro-electric plant is given and excellent views offered from the dam wall. Photography is permitted, but monitored by the guides.

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AFRICAN RESTURANTS

BUKA It is a fine african restaurant that serves variaties of both Ghanain and Nigerian dishes. Adjacent former American Embassy Visa section, Osu. 0244842464. [email protected]

Tante Marie They have two restaurants, one in Labone and at the Accra Mall 0302 778914

THINGS TO DO IN ACCRA

Kente Cloth Weaving Mr Bobo, located in Burma Camp has a wide selection of kente and you can view the weavers at work. Cloth can be ordered using your preferred colours.

La Maison de Africain Located in Cantonments close to the Vodafone offices and GIS school. Local artworks, small carvings and decor items as well as colonial style furniture. When at the shop ask to be shown the furniture as it is located in a storeroom close by.

Colours in Africa Located in Labone just past Bernsweet pharmacy, between Morning Star School and South African High Commission. Small shop selling craft items, beaded sandals, mirrors, colonial style furniture and basket work.

Global Mamas Non profit organisation who offer a sustainable livelihood for women. Various stores, one opposite Koala in Osu. Clothing, beading and many gift items. www.globalmamas.org

Ten Pin Bowling Fully computerised bowling alley with Chinese restaurant on premises. Located on the Labadie/- road (drive East past the Labadi Beach Hotel)

ATAG Aid to Artisans ATAG is located in the trade fair complex, close to Nayak fabrics. Non-profit organisation selling craft items handmade in Ghana.

Artists Alliance Gallery Art gallery showcasing many Ghanaian artists. Paintings as well as handcrafted artworks available for purchase. This triple storey art gallery is located on the Labadie beach road before you get to the La Palm beach hotel. www.artistsallianz.com

Golf Golf courses available in Accra and Tema, contact Ineke Krijthe (PTO SS Coordinator) for further information call 024 086 9211

Mini Golf Marvels Mini Golf course at Abelemkpe 5 minutes drive from LCS further information call 0302 -915400 or 0302-771337.

Gymnasiums Pippas gym has 2 properties one in Ringway Estates and one in East Legon. www.pippasfitnet.com. Patras gym is located in Airport Residential area 0244-362812 www.patras-gym.com.

4 SUPERMARKETS / HOUSE WARES

Koala Supermarket Located on Danquah Circle in Osu (don’t forget to go upstairs)

Maxmart Supermarket There are 2 stores in Accra, one on Liberation road – diagonally opposite the Golden Tulip Hotel. The other property is in East Legon at the A & C mall.

Shoprite Supermarket Located in the Accra Mall

Orca Deco Decor, house wares, children’s toys, furniture and fabrics. Located 4 Graphic Road, Accra. Between Ghana Breweries and Nkrumah Circle (Blue building with Orca Whale detail)

Palace Shopping Mall Located on Spintex Road. This shop sells housewares, curtaining, appliances, gardening equipment as well as exercise equipment.

Melcoms Various stores throughout the country www.melcomgroup.com. Here you will find homewares, limited tinned goods, furniture, curtaining and appliances.

ACTIVITIES AT SCHOOL

Swimming Pool: Parents are welcome to use the school swimming pool: The cost of this is USD40 per semester. Please note full swimming suits are required for ladies. For more information, please contact Dawn Kaba (0244 333534), LCS Director of Sports.

Fitness Gym: Parents are welcome to use the gym at no cost from 6:00 to 9:00am from Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays supervised by Christian. From 3:00 to 6:00 pm everyday unsupervised.

Self Defence: Courses to be arranged by LCS, please also check the Link for details on this. Alternatively contact the LCS Director of Sports.

“Nkɔmɔdɛ” Meet Me There (Akan language meaning: Sweet Talk) Is a fun and cosy place on campus ( Senior School campus) where the administration, parents, teachers and students meet, hang out to share “Sweet Talk” with oneother. The conversations range from academic work to fun activities and ideas that motivate and inspire those present.

Very Important: The first Thursday of every month, after the general meeting at Under the Arches, all parents move to our Nkɔmɔdɛ hang out to present their hobbies, professions and interests that they might have to the community. Some examples are beadmaking, reflexology, qigong, african dance, henna etc. By doing this parents get to know each other much better. There is no better place to share your interests than at Nkɔmɔdɛ.

5 ORGANISATIONS

• GSIER: Ghana Society for Islamic Education and Reformation • NAWA: North American Womens Association • Ghana International Women’s Association • SAS Ladies • BIGS: British in Ghana Society • Accra Accueil

HOSPITALS/CLINICS

LISTER HOSPITAL • Telephone: +233 302 812 325, +233 302 812326 or +233 244 313883 24hours a day • Fax: +233 302 812 397 • E-mail: [email protected]

AKAI HOUSE • Address: Osu, Box OS 01952, • ‪Telephone: 0302 763821‬

WARA West African Rescue +(233) 302 781258

PEDIATRICIAN Omni Healthcare • Dr. Juliert • Telephone: 0244857015

DENTAL Beaver Clinic • Dr. Dennis Ilgu: 0244324639 • Dr. Akl: 0244329332

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