Ghana is situated on Africa’s west coast, roughly halfway between Senegal and Cameroon. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Atlantic Ocean form its borders. The subequatorial climate of Ghana is hot and humid, with distinct seasons of wet summers and dry winters. It is hotter in the north than the coastal areas.

In March, Accra typically experiences warm and humid weather. Average temperatures generally range from around 24°C (75°F) during the night to about 32°C (90°F) during the day. Rainfall is relatively low, but as the month progresses, the likelihood of occasional showers increases as the city approaches the rainy season. Humidity levels can be high, making it feel warmer than the actual temperature. It's advisable to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated if you're visiting during this time.

Ghana’s official language is English, a legacy of its colonial history, and serves as the primary medium of instruction and administration. Akan, widely spoken across the country, has become the de facto national language, used for communication among various ethnic groups. Ga-Adangme, Ewe, and Hausa are also common, contributing to the country’s linguistic diversity. Many Ghanaians are multilingual, fluent in both English and one or two indigenous languages. Despite being surrounded by French-speaking countries, French proficiency remains low among Ghanaians.

Ghana operates under a single time zone, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT; UTC ±0).

The official currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). The cedi is subdivided into 100 Gana pesewas (Gp). Notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cedis.

You can exchange foreign currency at banks, licensed forex bureaus, or hotels. Major currencies like USD and GBP are easier to exchange.

As of July 4th, 2023, the exchange rates were:

$1 = GHC 15.73
€1 = GHC 20.89
£1 = GHC 17.54

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

Tipping in Ghana is generally appreciated but not obligatory.

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that all delegates take out their own travel and medical insurance prior to coming to ISTS43. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the meeting, or through cancellation of ISTS43 itself, loss of airfares for any reason, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. Neither the ISTS President or International Turtle Society will take any responsibility for any participant failing to insure. Please speak to your travel agent or airline in regard to this matter.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Ghana. Remember to bring your Yellow Fever card as proof of vaccination.

Malaria is prevalent due to Ghana's tropical climate. It is recommended to use malaria prophylaxis (medication), insecticide-treated nets, and insect repellents. Please consult your doctor before traveling.

Accra has several well-equipped medical facilities, including The University of Ghana Medical Centre LTD, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and Nyaho Medical Centre, which provide a range of healthcare services.

Ghana, a culturally rich nation and the first African country to gain independence, is home to a diverse population where Christians form the majority, followed by Muslims and adherents of traditional spiritual practices. Unified by symbols like the black star, which stands for black pride and pan-Africanism, Ghana embraces its ethnic diversity, with languages such as Akan (Twi), Ewe, and Ga spoken alongside English, the official language. The country celebrates its heritage through festivals like the Akan Odwira and Ga Homowo, while social gatherings revolve around staples like fufu, plantains, and millet, often paired with palm wine or local beer. In urban areas, modern infrastructure blends with bustling markets, reflecting the vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary life. To know more about Ghana, please visit this page.

While visitors are encouraged to embrace the cultural vibrancy of Ghana, it is important to be mindful of the country's social norms which are deeply rooted in their culture and may differ from those in other parts of the world. For instance, public expressions of certain personal identities or behaviors, such as those related to LGBT+ issues, may not be widely accepted. Travelers are advised to exercise discretion and seek guidance from their respective embassies for further advice on these matters. For more travel-related information, including safety and legal considerations, please visit the U.S. Embassy Travel Advisory and other similar pages page.

Electricity in Ghana operates at 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The standard plug type is the British-style plug (Type G), which has three rectangular prongs. Visitors may need an adapter or converter depending on their home country's plug type and voltage.

General Information