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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: September 27, 2006 16:24
EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:51
EST
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| Ghana |
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1. INTRODUCTION
Sections 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Armed robberies have increased in and around Accra, Tema, Kumasi, the Upper East and West Regions, but also occur elsewhere. Several foreigners have been victims of theft at gunpoint and knifepoint. Armed attacks have occurred along the Accra-Tema highway and near the Togolese border. You should exercise caution and remain alert to your surroundings. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are common in crowded markets, in parks, and at beaches and tourist attractions. Do not show signs of affluence. There has been an increase in purse snatching in the Osu area of Accra. Bags and purses should not be exposed. These incidents usually occur on side streets in the evening. The thieves are usually on motorbikes or in cars. Avoid back streets and do not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards, particularly at night. Ensure your personal belongings and your travel documents are secure. You should exercise caution in Osu, Nima, and affluent residential areas of Accra, particularly after dark. Pickpockets are active at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Luggage and travel documents are frequently stolen. Be wary of unsolicited assistance, particularly from uniformed porters or officials at the airport with identification cards that do not bear both a name and photograph, as well as in transit from the airport.
The possibility of civil disturbances exists. Clashes between ethnic communities can occur. Curfews may be imposed as a result. Canadians should avoid political rallies and demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the local police: Headquarters- 021-775765/773906; Accra Region- 021-664612/662290; Tema Region- 022-202936/7; and Ashanti Region- 051-22323
Ghana is a base for commercial fraud schemes. Please see the Annex of the Travel Report for Nigeria for tips on recognizing business scams, brief descriptions of the most common schemes, and contact numbers for further information.
Periodic shortages of electricity and city water can occur.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Poor road conditions in rural areas, inadequate lighting, cyclists, pedestrians, roaming livestock, and broken-down and abandoned vehicles pose risks. Traffic accidents are common on the road from Accra to Cape Coast and Kumasi. Travel outside urban areas should be restricted to daylight hours. Police checkpoints are routine, and vehicles and passengers may be subject to inspections. You should always carry copies of identification documents (such as passport and valid visa) and your International Driving Permit (see below). Foreign-registered vehicles may not circulate in Ghana between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles may be seized for the night and fines imposed for non-compliance. Canadians contemplating overland travel out of Ghana should seek the advice of the High Commission of Canada in Accra (see section 7 below) prior to departure.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Buses are unreliable and inconvenient. Car rentals are available, but expensive. Taxis are also available, but taxi fares should be agreed before departure. Domestic air travel may be subject to disruptions.
Mariners should be vigilant in and around Ghanaian waters, where attacks against ships have occurred. A Weekly Piracy Report may be found on the International Chamber of Commerce's Web site (www.iccwbo.org/ccs/imb_piracy/weekly_piracy_report.asp).
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy seasons extend from May to July and September to October. Heavy rains and flooding can occur during these periods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Gold, diamonds, and other precious natural resources are subject to strict import and export regulations. Only agents licensed by the Precious Metals and Mining Commission are authorized to handle import-export transactions of these natural resources.
Although Ghana recognizes dual nationality, dual nationals are considered Ghanaian citizens and are subject to Ghanaian laws without regard to the other nationality.
Possession of pornographic material is illegal.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behavior. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Homosexual activity is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognized.
It is illegal to wear military or camouflage clothing. Photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, bridges and Accra's international airport, is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Ghana - ACCRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 42 Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1639, Accra, Ghana
Tel.: 233 (21) 21-15-21 or 22-85-55
Fax: 233 (21) 21-15-23 or 77-37-92
E-mail: accra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.accra.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Accra and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Ghana is 019-233, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ghanaian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 1, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of Ghana and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Ghana. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: RequiredTravellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the cedi (GHC). The import of cedis is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies provided that they are declared upon arrival and exchanged for local currency only through banks and foreign exchange bureaus. An Exchange Control Form T-5 may be given to visitors on arrival; if not, you may request it. Foreign currency and all transactions made while in the country must be recorded on this form. Store this form safely; its loss can result in problems. Unused cedis can be reconverted into foreign currency by local banks or the Bank of Ghana, but the T-5 declaration form must show that the monies were obtained while in Ghana from an authorized dealer in foreign exchange. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
Credit card fraud in Ghana is on the increase and is now a considerable problem. Although a relatively small number of establishments in Ghana accept credit cards, their use should be very limited and avoided whenever possible.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Ghana (capital: Accra) is located in west Africa, bordered by Burkina Faso, Togo, the Atlantic Ocean, and Côte d'Ivoire. The official language is English. Tourist facilities are becoming more and more available even outside of Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring the continuing outbreak of poliomyelitis (polio) in Ghana. Health Canada is also following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis and poliomyelitis (polio) can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site .
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are inadequate. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. You should carry sufficient supplies of prescription medicine.
You should be cautious about water-borne and insect-borne diseases. Do not drink tap water and avoid eating food from street vendors. To avoid risks of mosquito-borne diseases, you should cover up and use mosquito repellent.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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