Africa

Shopping in Ghana

Andinkra cloth, wooden stools, dolls for fertility and other magical purposes, real or simulated gold weights, wood carvings, ceramics, jewelry, brassware and oware game board are some specialities of Ghana. Custom-made coffin is a unsual stuff which your eyes can catch. In choosing your specialized coffin, the tradition is to select something that represents you, or something you always wanted but could never have. (Businessmen might choose a Mercedes-Benz-shaped coffin; fishermen might choose one carved to resemble a big fish.)

You can look for kente cloth, an expensive material worn on ceremonial occasions. The colorful geometric patterns have historic meanings. Also look for Kumasi, especially rich in Ashanti crafts.

Shopping Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 am-noon and 2-5:30 pm, Wednesday and Saturday 8 am-1 pm.

Climate in Ghana

Variation between day and night temperatures is relatively small, but greater in the north, especially in January, on account of the harmattan. 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 21C and 32C (70F – 90F), 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.

Ghana: Information for Travellers

Capital: Accra.

Languages: English; more than 50 tribal languages, including Dagbani, Fante, Twi, Ewe and Ga.

Predominant Religions: Animist, Christian, Islamic.

Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Telephone Codes: 233, country code.

Electrical Power
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pins with ground – view
Rectangular blade plug – view

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

LOCAL TIME

Ghana has the same time as that of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:International Flights
From UK: British Airways

From USA: Afrinat International

Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are available on military planes out of Accra airport to Kumasi and Tamale.
Rail: A slow but fairly comfortable railway system connects Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi
Public Transport:There is a fairly efficient bus services connecting the major cities in Ghana. A minibuses service (called tro-tros) also operates in the country connecting smaller towns and urban areas, these are often overcrowded.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st JanuaryNew Years Day
6th March Independence Day
1st May Labour Day
4th June Revolution Day
1 July Republic Day
1st DecemberNational Farmers Day
25th DecemberChristmas Day
26th DecemberBoxing Day
Moveable holidays:Good Friday and Easter Monday