Ghana Vacations

Inhabited for at least several thousand years, Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in both history and natural beauty. Sandwiched between Togo and Cote d’Ivoire on the Gulf of Guinea, it is also one of West Africa’s most stable and democratic states. The tropical, mostly lowland nation is just a few degrees north of the equator and slightly smaller than Oregon, covering a total of more than 239,000 sq-km (92,278 sq-mi). Its population of nearly 35 million people makes it the second most populous country in the region, with the majority of Ghanaians having descended from the Akan, an ethno-linguistic group believed to have migrated from the Sahara and Sahel regions around the 11th century. Other major ethnic groups in Ghana today include Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, and Gurma.

In 1957, Ghana became the first colony in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve its independence from a European power (Great Britain in its case). Having subsequently devoted itself to decolonization and to Pan-Africanism, it is highly involved in international affairs and prides itself on maintaining a global outlook. To that end, Ghanaians place great emphasis on education and literacy (there are at least three major universities in Ghana and the national literacy rate is nearly 80 percent), on developing industries such as tourism (the country has been attracting over a million tourists annually for well over a decade) and even on a fledgling space program focused on research in space sciences.

What is the visiting etiquette in Ghana?

Ghana is a generally conservative society, so it’s advisable to behave discreetly and to dress modestly in most situations, especially in or around places of worship (the majority of Ghanaians are Christians, while Muslims make up a sizeable minority). Dressing conservatively, however, doesn’t mean foregoing colour, as many Ghanaians wear kente cloth, a vibrantly patterned textile that dates to the bygone Ashanti Empire. One type of attire that should be avoided is military clothing or clothing that has military elements, which are prohibited. Also prohibited is smoking in public areas, although it’s sometimes allowed in private businesses, such as bars or restaurants.

What is Ghana best known for?

Ghana is the seat of Ashanti culture, known for its bright fabrics and exquisite woodworking. The once-dominant Ashanti Empire was a trading and military powerhouse in this part of West Africa from the 18th century well into the 20th. The modern-day Ashanti king still lives in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, where two museums—the Manhyia Palace Museum and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum—house an array of important Ashanti artifacts.

Kumasi is also home to sprawling Kejetia Market, which may be the quintessential African marketplace, offering everything from clothing to cooked food across 11,000 stalls; Makola Market in Accra, Ghana’s capital, is equally impressive.

In addition to its bustling urban centres, Ghana is also known for its sublime natural wonders, from wildlife-rich parks (Mole National Park, the country’s largest, shelters some 90 species of mammals, including elephants, baboons and antelope) to sandy Atlantic beaches (Bojo Beach, just west of Accra, is among the most pristine).

What are some Ghanaian traditions?

Although most Ghanaians identify as Christian, many uphold traditions and beliefs linked to their tribal ancestry, particularly in rural areas. Children from the Ashanti and Fante tribes, for instance, are frequently given names corresponding to the days of their birth, such as Adwoa (which means Monday) or Ama (Saturday). This name can be either their first or their middle name.

At the other end of the life spectrum, Ghana also has an interesting tradition of designing and building elaborate coffins. Typically, these custom-made caskets—true works of art that can take months to create—allude to the occupant’s status or job. Some of the examples realized by carpenter-artisans in Accra and Kumasi include coffins in the shape of automobiles, chili peppers and even cocoa pods, the latter reflecting Ghana’s status as one of the world’s biggest exporters of cocoa.

In between, most Ghanaians share a common passion: soccer (aka football). If they aren’t playing it, they’re likely watching it— on game days, the country’s ardent fans will gather by the dozens around TV screens everywhere to cheer on favourite European teams such as Manchester United.

What are Ghanaian people like socially?

Ghanaians are very sociable people—with the deep-seated social conventions to prove it. Greetings, for instance, are a big deal in the country—it’s considered rude to not greet others at the first instance of meeting. When people enter a room, they should say hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. When they meet a group of adults and greet them with handshakes, they should start with the person on the farthest right.

The left hand, in fact, is universally regarded as offensive. Never pass anything with your left hand; always use your right hand to convey or receive anything. Pointing at people is also considered rude, as is the thumbs-up sign.

At the same time, it is not uncommon for Ghanaians to be habitually late for gatherings by as much as two hours. This tardiness is often related to the challenges of getting around in the big cities, but the phenomenon is countrywide—Ghanaians even tease each other about how bad their timeliness can be.

When they are late, Ghanaians will no doubt call to let you know, as they tend to prefer verbal conversations over texting or online chat. Consequently, visitors who are spending a protracted amount of time in the country should get a local SIM card, so that they have a Ghanaian number. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are.

What language do Ghanaian people speak?

Although English is Ghana’s official language, the Twi language of the Ashanti people is the most commonly spoken language in the central and southern parts of the country, while Dagbani (the language of the Dagoma people) dominates in the north. Nonetheless, English is widely used and understood, as is French.

Given its location just north of the equator, Ghana has an average temperature that is pleasant year-round, with its balmy tropical climate featuring two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The wet period (April to August) is a good time to visit the north of the country because the heat there can be overbearing at other times of the year, although the region’s dusty dry season (November to March) offers better wildlife viewing. In general, Ghana’s highest areas, such as the Ashanti Uplands, see the mildest temperatures, while coastal areas like Accra and the Cape Coast can be consistently humid.

When is the ideal time to visit Ghana?

November to March—Ghana’s dry season—is the best time to visit for wildlife (this is when the elephants in Mole National Park and other reserves are most visible) as well as for festivals (Afrochella, a celebration of African music, fashion, art and culture, takes place in Accra in December). For greener scenery, a profusion of harvest festivals (such as Fetu Afahye) and cooler northern temperatures, April to August is ideal, although this also when the humid coast is also at its stickiest.

When is Ghana’s peak tourist season?

Ghana’s high season is also its dry season, when the Saharan trade winds known as Harmmatan blow down into the Gulf of Guinea. Although the heaviest rains start falling from April onward, sometimes washing out roads in the country’s centre and north, many foreigners continue to descend on Accra and the coast. The thinnest tourist crowds can be found in September and October.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Ghana?

September, October and November. While Ghana is overall one of the most budget-friendly destinations both within Africa and globally, the fall months that precede its high season see the lowest visitor numbers of the year and therefore some of the best flight and hotel rates.

How long should I plan to visit Ghana?

Given its relative affordability, many visitors commit long periods of time to exploring the country in depth. In general, a minimum of 10 days should be allotted to appreciate Ghana fully, with three or four of those spent in Accra and environs, a few more in the Cape Coast area and at least three or four in central and northern centres such as Kumasi or Tamale. Visitors during the wet season should keep in mind that travel by car—the most common way of getting around Ghana—might be affected by heavy rain. During the dry season, a visit to Mole National Park, which is about two and a half to three hours from Tamale, can easily be fit in over a day or two.

How long can you vacation in Ghana?

In addition to a valid passport, most foreigners require a visa to enter Ghana. Single-entry visas are valid for three months and must be utilized within three months of the date of issue. Multiple-entry visas are valid for more than three months; their exact duration is at the discretion of the consular officers issuing them. While in Ghana, stays may be extended by filling out a visa extension form and taking it in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in Accra.

What currency does Ghana use?

The currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi ($1 USD equals about 16 cedis). While on the ground in Ghana, it’s advisable to always have some local cash on hand, as not all establishments or service providers, including Uber drivers, may accept card payments. ATMs, however, are everywhere in the country, so accessing cash is easy. You can still bring both credit and debit cards with you, but be forewarned that acceptance of them isn’t a given.

Do I need to tip in Ghana?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Ghana—with one notable exception. At full-service bars and restaurants—especially upscale ones—servers and bar staff expect and appreciate tips, although the standard 15 to 20 percent common in Western countries might be considered excessive. Instead, something closer to five or 10 percent would be both acceptable and well received.

Is Ghana LGBTQ+ friendly?

LGBTQ+ people in Ghana face severe challenges not experienced by non-queer residents. Sexual acts between males, for instance, have been illegal since the colonial era, while a tough new government bill restricting gay rights was passed in early 2024. At the same time, Accra is a big city with a vibrant creative scene and is generally considered safe so long as caution is used. As in any conservative setting, visitors to all parts of the country should refrain from open displays of affection of any kind in public and exercise discretion in unfamiliar surroundings.

How much is a trip to Ghana?

The cost of flights to Ghana varies depending on where you’re departing from, the time of year and the airline you choose, but a round-trip ticket from most major airports to Accra ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD. Once in Ghana, expenses are reasonable by Western standards. In general, a budget-conscious traveller can expect to spend around $40 to $60 USD per day, while a mid-range traveller can expect to spend around $100 to $150 USD a day. These estimates can vary depending on travel style and preferences, but Ghana overall offers extreme value for money.

What to pack for a trip to Ghana?

Clothes that cover arms and legs (for the sake of modesty, as well as for protection against mosquitoes during the rainy season and the hot sun at any time of year) are advisable in Ghana. This means long dresses and skirts for women, collared shirts and long trousers for men and long sleeves for all sexes. In general, locals tend to wear shorts and T-shirts only on weekends or at the beach, so do bring these if you’re hitting the coast. Also advisable are good walking shoes, strong sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a water bottle with a filter and a lightweight rain jacket.

Do many Ghanaians speak English?

Along with Nigeria, Ghana is one of the few English-speaking countries in West Africa, which consists mostly of former French colonies. As a result, English or pidgin English is spoken by many urbanites, less so in rural areas. Wherever you are in Ghana, it’s good personal diplomacy and much appreciated by locals if you know a few words in Twi or another regional tongue. Mesre wo is Twi for please, while meda wo ase means thanks. A common greeting is an exuberant chale!, which means “friend!” or “hello my friend!”

Can I drink the tap water in Ghana?

Drinking tap water in Ghana isn’t a good idea because there’s no guarantee that it has gone through the proper purification measures. As a rule, only drink water with an unimpeachable source or which you have filtered or boiled yourself.

What’s the best way to get around in Ghana?

Contrary to expectations, renting a car in Accra can save money over an extended visit and offers the most comfortable means of intracity travel, although navigating the capital’s chaotic traffic can be extremely taxing. (You will also need an international driver’s license.) Chauffeured vehicles are another option, especially if you’re venturing outside Accra—a car with a driver can be hired for $100 to $150 USD a day plus fuel. Most visitors—especially first timers—use taxis to get around Accra and other cities. Like the country’s Uber drivers, cab drivers tend to prefer cash over cards, so always make sure you’re carrying enough cedis to cover your fares; since most taxis also aren’t metred, always negotiate or confirm the fare before the trip gets started. 

If you aren’t driving or being driven from Accra to points in the north or centre of the country, buses are the most common form of long-distance travel; they are generally safe and clean and sometimes also air-conditioned. Commuter and longer-distance train service is available to a limited degree around Accra and in the south of the country, while a handful of domestic airlines, such as Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir, connect the capital with Tamale in the north, Kumasi in the centre, Tema to the east and Takoradi to the west. Travelling between cities by plane can be a good idea if your time in Ghana is limited.

Given that Ghana encompasses four climate zones and at least 75 ethnic and linguistic groups, its food culture has the kind of range and diversity you’d expect in a larger nation. The main staple foods in the south, which is wet and humid, are fresh fruits, greens and tubers, especially plantains and cassava; fish such as tilapia is also popular in Accra and other coastal areas, where it’s hauled in from the Atlantic and often cooked streetside. In the north, which is hotter and drier, the core foods are millet, fonio (an ancient African grain) and rice. To varying degrees, these staples are integrated with the maize, beans and yams that are popular throughout the country, coming together in the thick stews, flavourful soups and multiple rice dishes that make up the bulk of the Ghanaian culinary repertoire. One common denominator among all of these is spiciness, both in the zesty and aromatic sense (ginger, nutmeg, cloves and star anise are widely used) and in terms of outright heat. If you don’t like fiery food, pass on shito, an especially spicy black-pepper sauce spooned over many dishes.

What is Ghana’s traditional cuisine?

Although meat and fish are big parts of the Ghanaian diet, they are often simply prepared. In coastal areas, seafood such as prawns and crab join key fish tilapia on the grill or in stews, while grilled goat and chicken kebabs are a popular street food countrywide. Where Ghanaian cooks really show off their skills is in the extravagant array of rice dishes, soups and stews they produce. Among these are Ghana’s world-famous jollof rice (a spicy one-pot medley consisting of jasmine or basmati rice cooked with tomato, onion, curry powder, red pepper, garlic, ginger and Scotch bonnet) as well as hearty groundnut stew (which sees chicken and sweet potatoes simmered in a creamy peanut broth flavoured with ginger, garlic and cayenne). Many stews and soups are accompanied by fufu, a starchy dumpling typically made from pounded cassava or plantains. Another popular dumpling is banku, made by shaping a slightly fermented cooked mixture of maize and cassava doughs into single-serving balls. To cap off their meals (or to start off the day), Ghanaians will also indulge in bofrot, delicious fried dough balls with a doughnut-like taste and texture. 

What is the dining etiquette in Ghana?

Finger foods such fufu and bunku are meant to eaten with your hands, but never use your left hand when doing so. From a young age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is to be used for bathroom hygiene and therefore never for eating. When you’re dining and someone joins you, always offer them some food or invite them to partake. If you are so invited, you can decline respectfully or join in as you wish, but make sure you wash your right hand before sitting down. When you are served food, never refuse it. Eat at least some and make only favourable comments about it. Above all, be observant of how those around you are eating, embrace their practices and dig in.

What is the drinking etiquette in Ghana?

Ghanaians are not great consumers of alcohol and find public displays of drunkenness extremely unseemly. If they do imbibe, they often do so behind closed doors in their homes. Consequently, do not drink to excess in public, and only smoke if a bar or restaurant permits it, which isn’t a given. A popular alternative to spirits is no-less-potent akpeteshie, a strong palm wine derived from tree sap. Much less powerful is sobolo, a purple-red hibiscus tea sweetened with sugar and spiked with ginger. The latter is commonly sold in bottles by street vendors.

Does Ghana cater to dietary restrictions?

While Ghanaian main dishes can be meat-heavy, vegetarians and vegans have plenty of options to choose from in the country’s many plant-based soups, stews and sides. Even those that traditionally incorporate chicken or beef made can be meatless upon request; many restaurant dishes are made to order, allowing room from substitutions or omissions as desired. In Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi, moreover, a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants cater to dairy- and meat-free diets. However, many traditional dishes, such as groundnut stew, are heavy on nuts, so those with nut allergies should study menus closely.

What do meals typically cost in Ghana?

Like many other aspects of visiting Ghana, indulging in good food costs little by Western standards. A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, for instance, costs around $46 USD, while a single meal in an inexpensive eatery can be had for as little as $4 to $5 USD. Of particular note are the so-called chop bars—mainly in Ghana’s south—that serve traditional fare like fufu, banku, and omotuo (rice balls) along with domestic beers and spirits. These establishments offer not only good value for money, but also the chance to gather with locals in a quintessential Ghanaian setting.