Photos - Left: The impressive Kintampo Waterfalls, located on the road from Kumasi to Mole National Park. - Right: The Festival of Edina Buronya, an indigenous version of Christmas, exclusively celebrated by the people of Elmina - Edina.
Indeed for the traveller, Ghana is that latter-day unknown, unexplored and certainly unexploited destination which abounds in an unbelievable array of excitingly striking attractions, succinctly distinctive and peculiar to each of the ten regions in Ghana. This is the black gold which is now being cherished and pursued by lovers of Nature, Historical, Cultural Sights, Leisure Sport and Recreation, and Business. For the recuperating, the prevailing peace and tranquillity is better tasted than described!
Photos - Left: The National Theater - Right: The Supreme Court
There has been a phenomenal growth in the tourist industry since the 90s with the sector registering an annual growth rate of 12 percent. The impact on both local and international levels has been very remarkable both in economic and cultural terms. It is not surprising that the rich Ghanaian culture and traditions has received recognition world wide.
Photos: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology.
After it became clear that the country could no longer depend on fluctuating world market prices for raw materials, the government, 1985 identified tourism in as one of the key sectors for the development of Ghana. In 1993 the Ministry of Tourism was established as the policy making body of the tourism sector, its implementing agency being the existing Ghana Tourist Board. Ghana decided at the time to concentrate on five sectors, namely heritage, culture, beaches, conventions and ecology.
Tourism is currently Ghana's third largest foreign exchange earner, after minerals and cocoa. International tourist arrivals and receipts have grown consistently over the past decade, with tourists arrivals tripling over the last ten years, and with corresponding tourist receipts increasing tenfold over the same period.
It is Government's policy to develop the industry's vast potential, so that by the year 2010, tourism will become a dynamic socio-economic index in the transformation of the Ghanaian economy.
Photo: The Kente cloth - Kente is an Asante ceremonial cloth hand-woven on a horizontal treadle loom. Strips measuring about 4 inches wide are sewn together into larger pieces of cloths. Cloths come in various colors, sizes and designs and are worn during very important social and religious occasions.
Each day you spend in Ghana, will reveal to you the hidden treasures of the African continent. Each place you visit will leave you with memories never to be forgotten, indeed exciting experiences.
- Provision of hotel accommodation of international standards;
- Provision of tourist class hotels, beach and lake resorts;
- Development of safari lodges and camps in Ghana's unique wild life national park reserves; Conversion of some of the European built slave castles and forts into museums and inns;
- Development of water and air transport linkages with the originating markets
- Development of efficient transport linkages between tourists routes;
- Development of recreational tourism services along tourist routes;
- Development of recreational tourism infrastructure and facilities, water sports, river rafting and adventure tourism activities.
TIPS FOR TOURISTS LOCATION
Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea, and is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso. The country covers an area of 238,000 km2.CAPITAL
The capital of Ghana is Accra with a population of 1.5 million.CLIMATE
Northern Ghana has a rainy season from about April to October. The rest of the year is hot and dry with temperatures up to 380C. In Southern Ghana the rains last from April to June and again from September to October. Generally temperatures are between 21°C and 32°C.TIME
Ghana is on GMT.AIRPORT
Kotoka International Airport is situated 12 km from Accra city centre. Hotel shuttle buses and taxis are available.AIRPORT TAX
A departure tax of 22,000 Cedis is payable by all departing passengers on international flights, and 500 Cedis on domestic flights. Rates are subject to change without notice.VISAS
A valid passport with entry visa is required by all visitors, except for citizens of ECOWAS states. These can be obtained from the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission and consulates.HEALTH
Visitors must be in possession of current medical certificate showing vaccination against Yellow Fever. Malaria is also prevalent in certain parts of the country at certain times of the year and the usual precautions should be taken.CUSTOMS
Tourists can bring in personal items duty free, but for details of trade goods and specialists equipment please contact Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, or the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission.CURRENCY
The currency of Ghana is the Cedi. Rates of exchange are posted daily by banks and forex bureaux. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Ghana, but all should be noted on a customs declaration form on arrival. All exchange transaction receipts should be kept for inspection on departure.BANKING
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns. Working hours are Monday-Friday from 0830 -1300 Hours and from 1400-1700 Hours.PHOTOGRAPHY
Ghana is a photographer's paradise, with so many spectacular sights. Film is available in the main towns. However, photography is not permitted at the airport or at military and strategic sites. Also please do not photograph local people without their express consent. Photographic equipment should be declared to customs on arrival.LANGUAGE
The official language in Ghana is English, although we have many other languages based on ethnic groups. The main vernacular languages are Akan, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani.RELIGION
There are three main religious groups in Ghana. These are Christian, Muslim and those who follow traditional faiths. Places of worship are found all over the country.MEDICAL FACILITIES
Good medical facilities are found in all main towns, although visitors are advised to bring with them any drugs they need regularly.ELECTRICITY
Electrical supply is normally 220 volts. 120 volt-appliances will require adaptors.COMMUNICATIONS
The IDD Code for Ghana is +233. Telephone, fax and telex services are found in all main towns and in the main hotels.TRANSPORT
Good roads reach most parts f Ghana, and long distance buses, tro-tros (local mini-buses) and taxis are widely available. There is a rail service between Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. The Volta Lake Transport Company has a lake service from Akosombo to Buipe Port.SHOPPING
Ghana is a great place to shop. Local Ghanaian fashion is world-renowned and Ghana is the home of kente cloth. Shops in the main towns are filled with jewellery, leather goods and basketware. The markets are the place to buy excellent handicrafts such as the Asante stools, traditional masks and drums and souvenirs of every description. A great opportunity to practice your bargaining skills.EXPORTATIONS AND HANDICRAFTS
Anybody wishing to export handicrafts or antiques not exempt must obtain a certificate from the Museums and Monuments Board. This is provided to the main craft centres or the National Museum.DRIVING
Ghana drives on the right, and a current international driving license is required. Drivers bringing vehicles into Ghana require a "carnet de passage and international insurance.PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- New Year's Day
- Independence Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Eid il Fitr
- Eid il Adel
- May Day
- Africa Day
- Republic Day
- Farmers Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
6th March
1st May
25th May
1th July
1th Friday in December
25th December
26th May
WHAT TO WEAR
Light cotton clothing is preferable. A jacket and tie may be required for business meetings and in the main hotels in the evening.TRADITIONAL COURTESIES
Ghanaians are a conservative people and respect traditional courtesies. Handshakes, using the right hand only are the common greeting. Visitors to remote villages or shrines should visit the local elder, taking a small gift such as a bottle of local schnapps.
WHERE TO STAY AKWAABA! (WELCOME) - The Ghanaian welcome is warm and hospitable, and this is evident in all our hotels. All over Ghana you will find a wide variety of accommodation that ranges from international luxury hotels and resorts to medium and budget hotels to suit all tastes. While the major hotels are in the main cities and towns, new developments will soon provide additional facilities in every part of Ghana.A selection of our hotels for geographical region
GREATER ACCRA REGION
5 STAR
La Beach Hotel, La
P. O. Box One
Trade Fair Site,
ACCRA,
104 rooms
Tel: 233-21 772501
Fax: 233-21 772502
4 STAR
Golden Tulip Hotel, Cantoments
P.O. Box 12720
ACCRA NORTH,
167 rooms
Tel: 233-21 665466
Fax: 2333-21 667533
3 STAR
Hotel Shangri-la, Airport Residential Area
P. O. Box 9201
AIRPORT, ACCRA
52 roomsSecaps Hotel, Tetteh Quarshie Circle
P. O. Box 1176
ACCRA
28 chalets
Tel: 233-21 77333209
Fax: 233-21 773209
Mariset Plalza, Osu
P. O. Box 0608
OSU
19 rooms
Tel : 233-21 7745542
Nogahill Hotel, Achimota
P. O. Box C511
CANTOMENTS, ACCRA
30 rooms
Tel : 233-21 500121/22
Fax : 233-21501002Hotel Wangara, Labone
P. O. Box 6565
ACCRA-NORTH
50 rooms
Tel: 233-21 772438
Fax: 233-21 772438
Miklin Hotel, East Legon
P. O. Box 165
NUNGUA, ACCRA.
37 rooms
Tel :233-21 500708
Royal Ravico, Nungua
P. O. Box 165
NUNGUA
50 rooms
Tel: 233-21 712774
Fax: 233-21 712804
2 STAR
Apex Hotel, Kpehe
P.O. Box 53
ACCRA
10 ROOMS
Tel: 233-21 229456
Bojawi Guest Homes
New Achimota
P. O. Box 10814
ACCRA NORTH
23 rooms
Tel: 233-21 221081
Courtesy International Hotel, Tema
P O .Box 8141
Community 10
TEMA
13 rooms
Tel 233-221-204152
Granada Hotel, Airport Residential Area
P. O. Box 6250
ACCRA NORTH
35 rooms
Tel: 233-21-7755343
Gye Nyame Hotel, Asylum Down
P. O. Box 8820
ACCRA NORTH
22 rooms
Tel: 233-21 113321
Hotel Saleria, Odorko
P. O. Box K172
ACCRA NEW TOWN
18 rooms
Tel: 233-21229672
Hotel de Joko, New Achimota
P. O. Box 101134
OSU, ACCRA
30 rooms
Tel : 233-21 669762
Kordam hotel, New Achimota
P. O. Box 4607
ACCRA
21 rooms
Tel : 233-21 228423
Fax ; 233-21 224259
King David Hotel, Kokomlemle
P. O. Box 10323
ACCRA NORTH
18 rooms
Tel: 233-21 225280
Tlx: DK 266
Kingsby Hotel, New Achimota
P.O. Box 5496
ACCRA NORTH
27 rooms
Tel: 233-21 223742
Maple Leaf Hotel, New Achimota
P. O. Box 3787
ACCRA
31 rooms
Tel : 233-21 225185
Fax : 233-21 664545
Bayview Hotel, Accra
Tel: 233-021-507887
Holiday Hotel, Airport West
P. O. Box 8457
ACCRA-NORTH
20 rooms
Tel: 233-21 773660
Fax: 233-21 773432
North Ridge Hotel, Osu
P. O. Box 1365
ACCRA
27 rooms
Tel : 233-21 225809
Fax : 233-21221417
Parker House Hotel, Osu
P. O. Box 267
ACCRA
15 rooms
Tel : 233-21 226467
Penta Hotel, Osu
P. O. Box 7354
ACCRA-NORTH
Tel: 233-21 775429
Fax: 233-21 773418
Sanaa Lodge, Tesano
P. O. Box 66461
ACCRA NORTH
30 rooms
Tel: 233-21 220443
Sunlodge Hotel, Tesano
P. O. Box 6090
ACCRA NORTH
12 rooms
Tel: 233-21 229758
Fax 233-21 667533
Sunrise Hotel, North Ridge
P. O. Box 2287
ACCRA
19 rooms
Tel : 233-21 229758
Sunspot Hotel, Airport Residential Area
P. O. Box 0165
OSU ACCRA
19 rooms
Tel : 233-21 773322
SSNIT Guest House, Ringway Estates
P. O. Box M149
ACCRA
Tel : 233-21 226228
Fax : 233-21 225879
Ada Manet Resort
P. O. Box
ADA-FOAH
51 rooms
Tel : 233-0968-2773
CENTRAL REGION
2 STAR
Coconut Grove Hotel
P. O. Box 175
ELMINA
30 Rooms
Ntiamoah Memorial Hotel, Swedru
P. O. Box 108
Swedru
27 rooms
Tel: 233-041-273
Biriwa Beach Hotel, Biriwa
P.O. Box 277
Cape Coast
10 rooms
Tel: 233-042-33111
Fax: 233-042-33222
Berjaya Elmina Beach Resorts
Tel: 233-042 33742
LUXURY GUEST HOUSES
Marnico Guest House
Akotokyir
P. O. Box 1138
CAPE COAST
4 rooms
Tel: 233-042-33210
Fax: 233-042-33211
1 STAR
Savoy Hotel, Cape Coast
P. O. Box 646
CAPE COAST
20 rooms, 15 chalets, 40 beds
Sir Charles Beach Resort, Winneba
P. O. Box 108
WINNEBA
60 rooms
Tel 233-0432-189
ASHANTI REGION
3 STAR
Hotel Georgia, Addiebeba
P. O. Box 2240
KUMASI
Tel : 233-051-4154/3915
Cicero Guest House, Nhyiaeso
Extension, Kumasi
P. O. Box 1187
KUMASI
13 rooms
Tel : 233-051 4473
City Hotel, Ridge Kumasi
P. O. Box 1980
KUMASI
169 rooms
Tel : 233-051-3293-7
Hotel La Sab, Kwadao Agirc.
P. 0. Box 19937
KUMASI
35 rooms
Tel : 233-051 6549/4111
Roses Guest House, Ridge
P. O. Box 4176
KUMASI
12 rooms
Tel : 233-051-4072
Noks Hotel, Asokwa Kumasi
P. O. Box 8556
KUMASI
18 rooms
Tel : 233-051 4162
Anyinam Lodge, Obuasi
P. O. Box 699
Obuasi
Tel : 233-0582 367
Sir Max Hotel, Abodwo
P. O. Box 3733
KUMASI
20 rooms
Tel: 233-051 5222/5278
BRONG AHAFO REGION
2 STAR
Dymns Hotel, Techiman
P. O. Box 266
TECHIMAN
25 rooms
1 STAR
Tropical Hotel, Sunyani
P. O. Box 507
SUNYANI
40 rooms
EASTERN REGION
3 STAR
Volta Hotel, Akosombo
P. O. Box 25
AKOSOMBO
35 rooms
2 STAR
Saint James Hotel, Koforidua
P. O. Box 87
KOFORIDUA
28 rooms
Tel : 233-081 3115
WESTERN REGION
3 STAR
Hillcrest Hotel, Takoradi
P. O. Box 634
TAKORIDUA
Tel: 233-031-22277/22773
2 STAR
Takoradi Beach Resort
Tel: 233-031 21021
Fax: 233-031 25127
Atlantic Hotel, Takoradi
P.O. Box 273
TAKORADI
62 rooms
Tel: 233-031 310-2
Hotel Animens, Takoradi
P. O. Box 0475
TAKORADI
18 rooms
Tel: 233-031
Tlx: 2189
Westline Hotel, Takoradi
P. o. Box 040008
TAKORADI
20 room
Tel: 233- 031 46799/145
Cocoville hotel, Elubo
P. O.Box 5
ELUBO
34 ROOMS
Ahenfie hotel, takoradi
P. O. box 0684
TAKORADI
44 rooms
Tel: 233-031 2966/4272
Busua Beach Resort
P. O. Box Busua
26 rooms
Tel; 233-21 774582
Planters Lodge hotel
P. O. Box 1096
TAKORADI
Tel: 233-31 2233
Villa Cisnnnneros Hotel
Sogak ofe
P. O. Box 96
SSOGAKOFE
46 rooms
Tel : 233-0968-311
1 STAR
Hotel Vilcabamba
Hedzraanawoe Denu
P.O. Bo x 73
AFLAO
Tel: 233-0962-354
Woezor Hotel, Ho
P. O. box 339
HO
38 rooms
Tel : 233-091-534
Matvin Hotel, Hohoe
P. O. Box 73
HOHOE
25 rooms
Tel: 233-091 134
Hotel Makavo, Aflao
P. O. Box 240
AFLAO
21 rooms
Tel: 233-0962-409
NORTHERN REGION
2 STAR
Gariba Lodge
P. O. Box 541
TAMALE
16 rooms
Tel; 233-017 23041-3
Fax: 233-017 23040
E-mail: Gariba@Africaoonline.comGM
Las Hotel, Tamale
P. O. Box 121
TAMALE
20 rooms
Tel: 233-017 2217
Picorna Hotel, Tamale
P. O. Box 1212
TAMALE
35 rooms
Tel: 233-071 26672
1 STAR
Catering Rest House, Tamale
P. O. Box 247
TAMALE
35 rooms
Tel: 233-071 2978
Mirihca Hotel, Tamale
P. O. Box 247
TAMALE
10 rooms
Tel: 233-071 29935
UPER WEST REGION
1 STAR
Upland Hotel, Wa
P. O. Box 308
WA
Tel: 233-0756 180