Formerly the Gold Coast, Ghana is on Africa's west coast, stretching between the arid Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea and is surrounded by Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo.

 Accra, the capital, is on the coast and amongst its historical gems are castles and forts built by French, British, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedes and Germans, reflecting Western Africa's colonial past.

Ghana's natural resources include gold, diamonds, Manganese, timber and cocoa, although its footballers are fast becoming a national treasure since Ghana's national team earned it a semi-final place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
01-Jan	New Year's Day	01-Jul	Republic Day
06-Mar	Independence Day	10-Sep	Eid al Fitr
22-Apr	Good Friday	06-Nov	Eid al Adha
24-Apr	Easter Sunday	02-Dec	National Farmers' Day
25-Apr	Easter Monday	25-Dec	Christmas Day

 

MOLE NATIONAL PARK

The largest and one of the best-equipped nature reserves in Ghana. Visitors can explore either on foot or 4-wheel drive vehicle, but must always be accompanied by a guide. Visitors can choose between camping at Lovi camp or staying at the Mole Motel, both inside the park.

KINTAMPO FALLS

These stunning waterfalls, nestled in the woods close to the Kumasi.Kintampo highways, mark the 229ft drop of the Pumpu River down beautiful rocky steps on its journey towards the Black Volta at Buipe.

BEACHES OF GREATER ACCRA

A series of exquisite white sand beaches run along the Ghanaian coast, mostly in Accra. Relax on Labadi Pleasure beach, Dixcove, Busua or Ada, to name but a few. All the beaches boast tropical palms and spectacular Atlantic breakers. Swimmers should beware of strong currents and tides.

ADUKLU MOUNTAIN HIKE

duklu Mountain hike tours are available through the Ministry of Tourism, and Afadjato Mountain in the Volta region attracts climbers of all ages. Mount Afadjato and Togbo Falls at Liati Wote are excellent hiking destinations.

OWABI FOREST RESERVE AND BIRD SANCTUARY

Animal and bird lovers can visit this haven located close to Kumais. Its scenic appeal offers visitors the chance of picnicking and bird watching, observing monkeys in the forest, boating and recreational fishing.

Ghana Cedi (GHS; symbol ¢) = 100 Ghana pesewas. Notes are in denominations of ¢50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ¢1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesewas.

Health insurance is essential, preferably with cover for emergency evacuation.

Medical facilities exist in all the regional capitals as well as in most towns and villages. Emergency medical facilities are extremely limited.

Cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential.

Mon-Thurs 0800-1400; Fri 0800-1500