Bargain Flights to Ghana

Ghana is situated on the southern coast of the West African bulge and is bordered to the east by Togo, to the west by the Ivory Coast, to the south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and northwest by Burkina Fasso.

The coastline consists mostly of a low sandy, foreshore behind which stretches the coastal plain, except in the west where the forest comes down to the sea. The forest belt, which extends northward from the western coast and then eastward into Ashanti for about 170 miles, is broken up into heavily wooded hills and steep ridges. North of the forest is undulating savanna drained by the Black Volta and White Volta rivers, which join and flow south to the sea through a narrow gap in the hills. Ghana's highest point is Mount Afadjato, about 2900 feet (880mtrs) in a range of hills on the eastern border. Apart from the Volta, only the Pra and the Ankobra rivers permanently pierce the sand dunes, most of the other rivers terminate in brackish lagoons. There are no natural harbours.

CLIMATE
The climate is tropical but relatively mild for the latitude. Climatic differences between various parts of the country are affected by the sun's journey north or south of the equator and the corresponding position of the intertropical convergence \one, the boundary between the moist southwesterly winds and the dry northeasterly winds. Except in the north, there are two rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November. In the north squalls occur in March and April, followed by occasional rain until August and September, when the rainfall reaches its peak.

Temperatures range between 21°C and 32°C (70°F - 90°F), relative humidity between 50% and 80%. Rainfall ranges from 30 to 80 inches a year. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March lowering the humidity and causing hot day and cool nights in the north. The effect of this wind is felt in the south during January. In most areas, temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August after the rains. Variation between day and night temperatures is relatively small, but greater in the north, especially in January, on account of the harmattan.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION
To enter Ghana, citizens of all but ECOWAS -member States require visas (at a nominal fee). Visas issued to Egyptian, Kenyan and Zimbabwean nationals are free for the first 30 days, but there is a charge for extended stays. Group visas for tourists may be issued at entry to Ghana if prior arrangements were concluded between the tour operator, the Ghana Tourist Board and the Ghana Immigration Service.

Visa requirements can change at any time - we recommend you contact your local representative to find out the latest requirements.

LANGUAGES
The major languages spoken are Twi, Fante, Ga, Hausa, Dagbani, Ewe and Nzema. English is the official language of Ghana.
The Ashante are part of the Akan tribes who speak various dialects of Twi. The language is very rich in proverbs, the use of which is taken to be a sign of wisdom. Euphemisms are very common, especially about events connected with death

RELIGION
60% Christian, 15% Muslim, 25% traditional African religions
Ghana has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa, but the belief in traditional animist religions is still extremely common

MONEY
Official Currency:    100 pesewas=1 Cedi
Current Exchange Rate:   Today's Exchange Rate

The Cedi is far from stable and fluctuates against foreign currencies daily. Bank rates are slightly lower than those obtained from Forex bureaus. Barclays Bank will accept visa and mastercard for cash advances. Unused local currency can be re-exchanged on proof of authorised exchange, and visitors are advised to retain all currency exchange receipts.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking:    08:30 - 14:00 (Monday to Thursday)    08:30 - 15:00 Friday.
A few banks in the larger cities are open from 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Years Day
6th March	Independence Day
1st May	Labour Day
4th June	Revolution Day
1 July	Republic Day
1st December	National Farmers Day
25th December	Christmas Day
26th December	Boxing Day
Moveable holidays:	Good Friday and Easter Monday

TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you need medical care whilst in Ghana, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

• Insure and Go - UK Travellers
• Travel Insurance - UK Travellers
• Insure My Trip - USA travellers
• Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers