Ghana

English is the official language and is used in government, business, schools and signage. English is understood almost everywhere, though in rural areas some older people speak only local languages. Ghanaian English has its own expressions, and people often speak fast, so ask them to repeat if needed.

Around 80 local languages are spoken. Twi, a form of Akan, is the most widely understood across the south and centre. Ga is common in Accra, Ewe in the Volta Region, Fante on the central coast and Dagbani in the north. A few words of Twi, such as medaase (thank you), are always warmly received.

• SIM cards: the main networks are MTN, Telecel and AT. MTN has the best coverage, especially outside the cities. SIM registration is mandatory — foreigners need their passport, and it is easiest at an official network shop rather than a street vendor.
• Coverage: 4G is good in cities and along main roads. Signal can be weak or absent in national parks and remote northern areas.

• Yellow fever: a vaccination certificate is required for entry and is checked on arrival.
• Malaria: the risk is high all year across the whole country. Take antimalarial tablets as advised by your doctor, and use repellent and a mosquito net.
• Other vaccines: doctors usually recommend hepatitis A, typhoid and routine vaccines. Ask a travel clinic about meningitis and rabies, especially for the dry season in the north.
• Water: do not drink tap water. Bottled water and sealed "pure water" sachets are cheap and sold everywhere.
• Pharmacies: easy to find in cities and towns, with many basic medicines available without a prescription. Bring your own supply of any regular medication.
• Medical care: good private hospitals and clinics exist mainly in Accra. Care is more limited elsewhere, so travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised.
• Heat: it is hot and humid year-round. Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

Since May 2026, Ghana no longer offers visas on arrival. Most visitors must now arrange entry online before they travel.

• ECOWAS citizens (from West African states) can enter visa-free with a valid passport and usually stay up to 90 days.
• Other African Union citizens and travelers from countries that used to be visa-exempt need a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure.
• Most other nationalities, including EU, UK and US passport holders, need an eVisa. Apply online and allow at least several working days for processing.

Apply through the official portal: Ghana eVisa portal. Carry your yellow fever certificate with your passport, as it is checked at the airport.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Greetings matter: always greet people before asking a question or starting business. A handshake is common, and a simple "good morning" is always appreciated.
• Use your right hand: give, receive, eat and wave with your right hand. Using the left hand is considered rude.
• Dress: casual clothes are fine, but cover shoulders and knees in villages, churches, mosques and at traditional sites. Beachwear is for the beach.
• Photos: ask before photographing people, markets or shrines. Some people will ask for a small payment. Do not photograph military sites, police or airports.
• Chiefs and elders: when visiting a village or palace, you may be expected to greet the chief and bring a small gift, such as a bottle of schnapps or some money. Your guide will advise.
• Bargaining: normal in markets and with taxis. Stay friendly and patient.
• Slave castles: these are places of memory for many visitors of African descent. Behave respectfully during tours.

On public holidays, government offices, banks and many shops close, and roads out of the cities can be busy. Christmas and Easter are major travel periods.

Most shops and offices open Monday to Saturday, from about 8:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Sunday is a church day, so many businesses stay closed or open only in the afternoon. Markets start early, and street food is easiest to find in the morning and evening. Muslim communities, mainly in the north, may keep shorter hours on Friday afternoons.

Distances in Ghana look short on the map, but road journeys are slow. Plan fewer places and more time.

• By air: domestic flights connect Accra with Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi. The flight to Tamale saves a very long day by road if you are heading to Mole National Park.
• By bus: large air-conditioned coaches from companies such as STC and VIP link the main cities. Book a day ahead for popular routes.
• By trotro: shared minibuses go almost everywhere and are very cheap, but they are crowded and leave only when full.
• By taxi: taxis have no meters, so agree on the price before you get in. Outside Accra and Kumasi, ride-hailing apps are rare.
• By private driver: hiring a car with a driver is a common and comfortable way to cover several regions.

Rail travel is not a practical option for visitors.

Ghanaian food is filling, starchy and often spicy. Meals are built around a starch, such as fufu, banku, kenkey or rice, served with a soup or stew of fish, chicken, goat or beef. Breakfast is often porridge, such as spicy millet hausa koko, with bread or fried dough. Lunch is usually the main meal, and many people eat with their right hand.

Try jollof rice, a tomato rice that Ghanaians proudly compare with Nigeria's version. Other favourites are waakye (rice and beans), red red (bean stew with fried plantain), banku with grilled tilapia, and fufu with light soup or groundnut soup. For snacks, look for kelewele (spicy fried plantain), chichinga kebabs and fresh coconuts from street sellers.

Locals eat at "chop bars" (simple local restaurants), roadside stalls and markets, which are cheap and often the best places to try traditional food. Popular drinks include sobolo (hibiscus drink), fresh palm wine in the villages, and local lager beers. Ghana is one of the world's biggest cocoa producers, so local chocolate is worth buying.

Cities

• Accra is the capital and main entry point, with independence monuments, museums, markets and beaches.
• Kumasi is the historic capital of the Ashanti kingdom, known for its royal palace, crafts and huge markets.
• Tamale is the largest city in the north and the gateway to Mole National Park.
• Bolgatanga in the far north is known for basket weaving and traditional mud-built villages.

The coast

• Cape Coast has the most visited slave castle and is close to Elmina Castle and Kakum National Park, famous for its canopy walkway.
• Sekondi-Takoradi is the base for the western beaches and old forts, and for Ankasa Conservation Area rainforest.
• Keta sits on a lagoon in the east, with a quiet beach and a Danish-built fort.

Nature and the Volta Region

• Hohoe is the base for Wli Falls and hikes in the green hills of the Volta Region, while Ho is the regional capital.
• Lake Volta is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
• Lake Bosomtwe is a crater lake near Kumasi, good for a relaxing day trip.
• Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary protects monkeys that local villages consider sacred.
• Kintampo is a stop for its waterfalls on the road north.
• Shai Hills is an easy wildlife trip from Accra, with baboons, antelopes and caves.