TRAVEL TO GHANA

Ghana is often praised for its hospitality and rich cultural heritage. 

Stay informed on vaccination requirements * Practice good health habits (especially regarding mosquito bite prevention and food safety) * Exercise sensible precautions against petty crime

Most travelers have a safe and rewarding experience. Always verify current safety advisories and consider consulting a travel clinic before departure for personalized advice.

Health Considerations CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

a. Vaccinations & Preventive Measures

1. Yellow Fever: Most travelers must have a yellow fever vaccination for entry into Ghana. You may be asked to present a valid vaccination certificate (yellow card) at the airport.
2. Routine Immunizations: Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), polio, and influenza.
3. Recommended Travel Vaccines: 
   • Hepatitis A and B: Recommended, as hepatitis can be contracted through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids.
   • Typhoid: Particularly recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside of major urban centres.
   • Rabies: Depending on your itinerary (particularly if you may have significant animal exposure or plan to work in rural areas), you may want a rabies pre-exposure vaccination.
   • Meningococcal Meningitis: Ghana lies in the “meningitis belt” of Africa, so discuss this with your healthcare provider, especially if you will be traveling during the dry season (December to June).

b. Malaria & Other Mosquito-borne Illnesses

• Malaria is endemic. It’s crucial to take precautions: 
  • Antimalarial Medication: Consult a travel medicine specialist for the right prophylaxis.
  • Mosquito Bite Prevention: Use insect repellents—herbal formulas are highly recommended. Picaridin or DEET are other options. Wear long sleeves and pants (particularly in the evenings), and sleep under bed nets if staying in non-air-conditioned accommodations.
• Dengue, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever: Transmitted by mosquitoes, so bite prevention is key.

c. Water & Food Safety

• Water: In many regions, tap water is not considered safe for drinking. Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water with intact seals.
• Food: Eat food that is well-cooked and served hot. Be cautious with uncooked vegetables and salads unless you are sure they’ve been cleaned thoroughly. Fruits you can peel yourself (bananas, oranges, etc.) are generally safer.

d. Medical Facilities & Health Insurance

• Medical Facilities: Major cities like Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi have hospitals with relatively modern facilities, though they can be crowded. Rural areas have fewer resources, and emergency services can be limited.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance (including emergency evacuation) is highly recommended, as serious conditions may require medical evacuation to another country with more advanced facilities.

PRACTICAL TIPS

1. Local Emergency Numbers: 

• General emergency: 999 (verify with your tour guide upon arrival)
• Police: 191
• Fire: 192
• Ambulance: 193

2. Documentation: 

• Carry copies of important documents (passport, visa, vaccine certificates) and keep originals securely stored.

3. Communication: 

• Ghana has multiple mobile providers (MTN, Vodafone, Airtel Tigo). A local SIM card can be inexpensive and useful for data/communication.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: 

• A polite and respectful approach goes a long way in most encounters.
• Be aware of local customs and ask for guidance if in doubt.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide and may not reflect recent changes or individual circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare professional and relevant government agency for personalized recommendations and updated travel advisories before visiting Ghana.