Country Information Ghana: Climate, Flora and Fauna

Since Ghana is a tropical country, it does not experience seasons – instead, there is a distinction between the rainy and dry seasons. The climate zones of Ghana can be divided into the humid south with evergreen rainforest areas and the drier north with savanna landscapes. In the south of the country, there are two rainy seasons, lasting from April to June and from September to October. During these months, there are almost daily heavy rains and thunderstorms as well as floods. In the north, the rainy season lasts from April to October, but with less intense rainfall. During the rainy season, temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The best time to travel is the dry season between November and February. During this time, the climate is most pleasant.

The West African country has an exotic and rich flora and fauna. Unfortunately, Ghana's forest stocks are severely threatened by ongoing deforestation. The evergreen rainforest in the southwest turns into rain-green tropical forest. In the rainforests, giant trees grow that can be up to 300 years old, 50 meters tall and three meters thick. Inland, the land transitions into moist savanna and eventually into dry savanna. Along the coast of Ghana, there is a narrow strip of coastal savanna. The various ecosystems provide a home to numerous spectacular species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, as well as insects and fish. In the savanna, travelers can encounter exotic wild animals such as leopards, civet cats, warthogs, elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, and various species of antelopes. Numerous species of monkeys inhabit the rainforests.

Ghana is a state in West Africa with around 33 million inhabitants. The country borders the Gulf of Guinea, Togo, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast. The name of the country establishes a historical connection to the Empire of Ghana, the first major empire in West Africa to be named. The capital city Accra is home to around 2.5 million people. Until 1957, the West African country was a colony of the United Kingdom. Due to its wealth of natural resources, the colony was named "Gold Coast". On March 6, 1957, it became the first African country to gain independence. The recent history of Ghana is marked by various phases of democracy and several military coups. Since 1993, the fourth republic has existed in the form of a presidential republic in the Commonwealth. The president and the parliament of Ghana are directly elected by the population for a term of four years. The current form of government is considered stable.

The country can look back on an eventful and diverse history. The current territory of Ghana was probably already inhabited by humans 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. The first inhabitants of the area were members of the so-called Sango culture. As a multi-ethnic state, the African country is still home to numerous different ethnic groups, whose population ranges from a few hundred to several million people. Nowadays, as more marriages are made between members of different ethnic groups, the boundaries between ethnic groups are increasingly blurring. The largest ethnic group is the Akan, with a population share of almost 50 percent. Other population groups include the Mole-Dagbani, the Ewe, the Ga-Adangme, and the Gurma.

The official currency of Ghana is the Cedi (GHS). The name Cedi comes from the Akan word for cowry shells, which were used as currency in West Africa from the 15th to the early 19th century. One Cedi consists of 100 Pesewas. In Ghana, banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Cedis, as well as coins valued at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Pesewas and 1 Cedi.
Currently, you get about 15 Cedis for one Euro. Since the exchange rate is subject to strong fluctuations, it is advisable to check the current rate on the Internet.

Foreign currencies may be imported without restrictions. However, larger amounts must be declared at the airport upon entry. The import and export of the national currency, on the other hand, is completely prohibited. For this reason, currency exchange is only possible locally. The exchange can be done at the airport, as well as in government-approved FOREX offices, banks, and authorized hotels. Additionally, it is possible to withdraw money in the local currency using German EC and credit cards. ATMs are mostly found in larger cities. Payment by credit card is also primarily possible in cities. Larger hotels and restaurants, as well as some shops, accept cashless payments. In rural areas, cash payment is usually the only option. When traveling to more remote areas, you should carry a sufficient amount of cash in the local currency.

Since it is very hot in Ghana , you will need light clothing on your trip that provides protection from the strong sun. To also protect against mosquitoes and other insects, it is advisable to predominantly wear long-sleeved blouses and long trousers. Light clothing made of breathable natural fibers such as linen or cotton is particularly suitable. On safari tours, you should be careful not to wear bright colors as these could affect the behavior of the animals. Sturdy footwear provides protection and surefootedness. It is also advisable to pack sunglasses and headgear. For trips to the beautiful beaches of Ghana, you should have swimwear in your luggage.

Compared to most other African countries, Ghana is considered relatively safe for travel. There is a low crime rate nationwide. However, robberies do occur occasionally. Thefts and violent crimes mostly occur when the streets are largely empty. Particularly during the night, increased caution is advised on the streets. Travelers are advised to move only on well-lit streets after dark and preferably in groups. To avoid attracting potential thieves, you should never carry valuables openly. It is recommended to deposit valuable jewelry, large amounts of cash, and travel documents in the hotel safe.

The road conditions in the country are partly poor. Due to significant road damage and unpaved sections, there is an increased risk of accidents. Because of the poor road conditions and insufficient lighting, night driving is generally discouraged. During the day, travelers have the option to move independently in rental cars. In addition, numerous taxis and shared taxis are available in the cities of Ghana.

The official language of Ghana is English. Most residents of the country grow up multilingual and additionally learn English and Akan at school. Many Ghanaians speak up to five languages fluently. Due to the widespread use of the English language, you can usually communicate easily with the locals during your trip to Ghana. The government is also increasingly recognizing the importance of the French language.

With 79 different languages and dialects, Ghana's linguistic diversity is very large. The dominant language group Akan is spoken by about 8.3 million residents of the country. Other widespread language groups include the Ewe languages with around 2.25 million speakers, Abron with about 1.05 million speakers, Farefare with 800,000 speakers, Dagbani with 800,000 speakers, Dangme with 800,000 speakers, Ga with 600,000 speakers, Konkomba with 500,000 speakers, and Hausa with 202,000 speakers. As the distribution of individual languages continuously decreases, some of Ghana's languages are now considered endangered. This is due in part to increasing migration to large cities and the greater social prestige of certain languages.

The mains voltage in Ghana is 230 volts and 50 hertz, thus corresponding to the German standard. European travelers can therefore use their electrical devices without any problems. However, since three-pin sockets of types D and G are common in the African country, travelers from Germany need an appropriate adapter. This can be purchased locally in numerous shops and hotels.

A large part of the country's energy is generated in the hydroelectric power station at the Akosombo Dam. Nevertheless, power outages occur occasionally throughout the country, affecting even the large cities. The reason for the power outages is not only the inadequate power supply, but also the outdated lines. However, the larger hotels have a relatively stable power supply thanks to their emergency generators.

The fixed telephone network in Ghana is poorly developed and partly outdated. Instead, the country has a well-developed mobile network. About 80 percent of the population now owns a mobile phone. The authorized telecommunications companies include Vodafone, Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) and AirtelTigo. To use the mobile network during your trip to Ghana, it is advisable to purchase a Ghanaian SIM card. You can get these at the airport, in supermarkets, in specialized mobile phone stores, and from street vendors. You have the option to top up your SIM card with credit and purchase data volume packages.

Since the mobile network is poorly developed in the less populated regions of the country, it is advisable to choose a provider with the highest possible network coverage. MTN and Vodafone offer relatively good network coverage at fair prices. There is also the option to make calls to Europe at affordable prices. Card navigation via GPS also works reliably with the mobile internet connection in most parts of the country. However, you should consider that in very rural areas, there is often no mobile reception.

Most larger hotels offer free access to the Internet & WLAN. In many cases, however, the quality and speed of the connection do not meet European standards. In addition, there are internet cafés in the larger cities of the country. These often provide a stable connection and are predominantly visited by locals.

Medical care in Ghana is significantly below European standards. Especially in the northern region and rural areas, the medical infrastructure has major deficits. In the event of an accident or illness, transportation to the nearest hospital can therefore take a lot of time. In the larger cities, especially in the capital Accra, medical care is comparatively good. Here you will even find some doctors who speak German. In the capital, there are some private hospitals that are significantly better equipped than the public health facilities.

In addition to the state healthcare system and international health organizations, traditional African medicine also plays a major role. Due to the increased deployment of international aid workers, the medical care in Ghana is improving increasingly. More and more Ghanaians are gaining access to medical care.

Since Ghana is considered a yellow fever infection area, a corresponding vaccination is required for entry. In addition, there is a risk of malaria infection throughout the country. Due to the increased risk, adequate mosquito protection is especially recommended during dusk and at night.

The statutory health insurance does not include treatments in countries outside the European Union. In light of this, it is advisable to take out appropriate insurance cover before your trip to Africa. This must be completed before starting the trip.

Before your trip, you should clarify with your health insurance whether the insurance cover also includes costly treatments, longer hospital stays, and the costs for a rescue flight home. Without adequate insurance coverage, high costs can arise on-site, which must be borne by the affected individuals themselves. In most African countries, it is customary for the costs charged by doctors and hospitals to be settled before the actual treatment or discharge.

In addition to health insurance, it may be sensible to take out trip cancellation insurance. In the event of cancellations, travel warnings, illnesses, and other unforeseen events, the costs for flights and hotels will be reimbursed by the insurance.

The German Foreign Office indicates that due to the severely deteriorated economic situation, there are currently nationwide demonstrations. In particular, in the cities of Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale, there have been increased assemblies, which in the past were peaceful. However, as dissatisfaction among the population increases, the risk of violent protests grows. Travelers are therefore advised to avoid large gatherings, stay informed through local media, and follow the instructions of local security forces.

Furthermore, the German Foreign Office announces that there is an increased risk of terrorist acts of violence and kidnappings in the north of Ghana. It is advised to be particularly cautious when traveling to the northern regions and to inquire locally about the current security situation.

Travelers are recommended to regularly check the German Foreign Office's website, as the security situation can change quickly. In case of doubt, it is advisable to seek more detailed information from local authorities.

Ghana is a spectacular country with much to discover. Travelers can expect pristine nature with an exotic wildlife and flora. On tours through the African country, you can discover interesting sights and experience exciting adventures every day. Since tourism in Ghana is not yet very developed, you can expect particularly authentic insights into the traditional life of numerous African peoples. The country's large cities are contrasting, lively and colorful.

The Mole National Park is the largest national park in Ghana and attracts visitors from all over the world. On safari tours, you can explore the savannah landscape and encounter wild animals such as elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and zebras in the wild. During the dry season, you can observe how large herds of animals visit the waterholes to quench their thirst. In addition to the numerous nature parks, forests, and reserves, the beaches along Ghana's coast attract many travelers. There you will find endlessly vast dream beaches, which are sometimes almost deserted.

The Ghanaian cuisine is similar to the cuisine of many other West African countries, but still has its own culinary specialties. Staple foods include plantains, cassava, yam, corn, and beans. The national dish "Fufu" is a mash made from plantains and cassava or yam. It is served with a spicy sauce or soup and a piece of meat or fish. "Banku" is a mash made from corn and cassava, eaten with a soup like Fufu. "Kelewele" are fried plantain slices that are often sold as a popular snack on the roadside. Other popular Ghanaian dishes include "Wakyee", a dish of rice and beans, "Jollof Rice", a stew of rice and vegetables, and "RedRed", fried plantains with beans.

Meals in Ghana are mainly accompanied by water. Travelers are advised to drink only boiled or bottled water from sealed bottles. Coffee and alcohol are not widely consumed among the locals, but can be purchased in certain stores and some restaurants and hotels.

Ghana is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone. There is no daylight saving time adjustment planned in the African country. During the German winter time from the end of October to the end of April, there is a time difference of one hour between Ghana and Germany. When it is 12 noon in Germany, it is only 11 AM in Ghana. During the German summer time from the end of April to October, there is no time difference between the two countries.