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GHANA
The word "Ghana" means "Warrior King", and was the source of the name "Guinea" used to refer to the West African coast
AREA: 92,456 sq mi (239,460 sq km)
GOVERNMENT: Multiparty democracy
INDEPENDENCE DAY: 6 March 1957
CAPITAL: Accra
PRESIDENT: John Agyekum Kufuor
VICE PRESIDENT: Karim Khalili
POPULATION & LANGUAGE: Ghana has a population of 21,000,000 comprising of tribes such as Akan, Moshi-Dagomba ,Ewe and Ga. The official language of Ghana is the colonial language, English. Nine languages have the status of government-sponsored languages: Akan, Dagaare/Wale, Dagbane, Dangme, Ewe, Ga, Gonja, Kasem and Nzema
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE: Ghana is a country located on the Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the Equator, therefore giving it a warm climate. Ghana has a tropical climate with an average daily temperature of 30°C (86°F). During the cooler rainy season, generally between June and September, the minimum daily temperature is around 21°C (73°F). In March to May, the hottest months, daytime temperatures frequently reach 40°C or higher.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE:
People: Ghanians come from six main ethnic groups: the Akan (Ashanti and Fanti), the Ewe, the Ga-Adangbe, the Mole-Dagbani, the Guan, and the Gurma. The major ethnic groups are Akan 49%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%. European and other: 0.2%.
Culture: Ghana is known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary culture. Items such as colourful woven kente cloth and carved wooden stools take on ceremonial importance as they portray the history and traditions of the country. Among the major products are wooden sculptures and the talking-drums (ntumpane).
Economy: Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the per capita output of the poorest countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold and cocoa production, and individual remittances, are major sources of
foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to revolve around agriculture, which accounts for about 35% of GDP and employs about 55% of the work force The country is rich in gold and industrial diamonds.
CURRENCY :
Ghanaian cedi (GHS)
Obverse of 1 Ghanaian cedi Reverse of 1 Ghanaian cedi
Unit Cedi
Subunit 1/100 pesewa
Symbol ¢
Coins 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 pesewa, 1 cedi
Banknotes 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cedi
Central bank Bank of Ghana
Website www.bog.gov.gh
Currency 1GHC = 0.004371 Indian Rupee
1GHC = 0.0001 USD $
SOCIAL LIFE AND RECREATION:
Ghana is often described as a land of festivals, music, and traditional dances. There is hardly any community or tribe, which lacks an occasion to celebrate. Annually Ghana’s tribes conduct several rites and rituals that are performed throughout the year in various parts of the country. The School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon often hosts drama, poetry and cultural dancing shows. There are three main types of music: ethnic or traditional music, normally played during festivals and at funerals; "highlife" music, which is a blend of traditional and ‘imported’ music; and choral music, which is performed in concert halls, churches, schools and colleges.
EDUCATION:
Presently, Ghana has 18,530 primary schools, 8,850 junior secondary schools, 900 senior secondary schools, 28 training colleges, 20 technical institutions, 4 diploma-awarding institutions, 6 public universities and over 10 private universities. Primary- and middle-school education is tuition-free
TRANSPORT:
• Air Accra (ACC) (Kotoka) is 10km / 6 miles north of Accra. Journey time 20 minutes.
To/from the airport: Taxis to the city are available.
Check in time: 2 hours recommended
Routes to Accra from Delhi
Delhi – Addis Ababa – Accra
Delhi – Dubai – Accra
Delhi – Mumbai – Nairobi – Accra
Delhi – Mumbai – Addis Ababa – Accra
• Land
A coast road links Lagos (Nigeria), Cotonou (Benin) and Lomé (Togo) to Accra.
The best internal road from Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) runs inland through Kumasi. The main north–south route is also in good condition.
Buses and taxis run between Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Ghana. The road from Burkina Faso crosses the border at Navrongo.
Long-distance taxis operate between Ghana and neighboring countries.
• Rail The rail network is limited to a 1,000km (600-mile) loop by the coast connecting the
cities of Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and several intervening towns.
There is also a rail link between the two main ports of Tema and Takoradi.
Trains run at least twice a day on all three legs of this single-track triangle
COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY: Efficient mail, telephone, fax, telex and Internet facilities are available in the capital, Accra, and most of the regional capitals. Post offices are found in all cities and larger towns, as are private communication centres offering phone and fax services.
The international calling code for Ghana is +233
Internet country code - .gh
Package delivery services – Fedex, DHL
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN GHANA • Makola Market • Black Stars Square • Memorial of Kwame Nkrumah • Du Bois Centre
• University of Ghana
• Fuller Waterfalls in the Bron Araho region
• Ancient city of Begro
• Kakum national parks
• Brewa Beach
• Winneba, Elmina Beach
• Gomoa Fateh beach
• Cape Coast Castle • Elmina Castle
• Mole National Park
• Aburi Botanic Gardens
TRAVEL TIPS: • You must be in possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow fever.
• You are advised to buy bottled drinking water, which is widely available.
• Avoid travelling in taxis alone after dark if possible.
• You should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables and be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs in central Accra.
• Avoid receiving or giving, gesticulating in speech, waving at a person, handling food, or pointing with the left hand.
• You should seek permission before taking photographs of people; it is not permitted to take photographs of military institutions or the airport.
• Tipping has not been standardized, however, adding 5% to 10% for good service is a good rule of thumb.
• Make a copy of your passport, ticket, credit card and traveler check numbers. Put these in your main luggage so if you do get robbed of the originals, you still have all the information for insurance and replacement purposes
• Don't wear jewellery, flashy watches or cameras around your neck.
TIME DIFFERENCE: +5.3 hrs
VISA REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURE:
Valid Passport Four Visa Application form duly filled in capital letters and signed as per the passport signature. Four Recent Colour Passport Size Photographs with white background. Covering Letter from Indian Company Stating Applicant's Name, Designation, Purpose & Duration of Visit. Invitation from Ghana Stating Applicant's Name, Designation, Purpose & Duration of Visit. Return Confirmed Air Ticket's for Stay Duration. Foreign Exchange Duly Endorsed / Valid International Credit Card Copy Details of Two References in Ghana to be filled in Visa Form's. Multiple visa is usually issued to the applicants who are into a joint venture with a Ghana Companies. Time Taken: 02-03 Working Days Work Permit: Documentation is same as tourist Additionally required are: Copy of appointment letter Applicant’s bio data Copy of signed contract / Agreement Copy of a letter of Ghana Investment promotion center approving immigrant quota and a letter from Ghana immigration service, sanctioning visa to the applicant. Visa fee and processing time are as above. Note: Multiple entry visa may be issued to an applicant who is required to supervise on-going project in Ghana
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Subject Type of Service Telephone Number
Ambulance Emergency Non-Emergency 193
Fire Fire Service 192 Police Emergency 191
EMBASSIES: Embassy of India Embassy of Ghana No.9 Ridge Road, Roman ridge 50-N, Satya Marg P.O. Box CT 5780, Catonments, Accra ,Ghana Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 Tel : 233-21-772176 Tel: 91-11- 26883338/3298/3315 Fax : 2154 INDIA GH Fax:91-11-26883202 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected]
LOCAL ASSOCIATE Mr. Isaac Addai Chief Executive Officer, BANS Consult Ltd., No.20,2nd Crescent-Asylum Down, Accra, Ghana Tel:233-21-227370
