Ghana Facts

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Language: English is the official language, but many other African languages are spoken including Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani.

Currency: The official currency is the Cedi (GHC), which is divided into 100 pesewas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any forex bureaux as well as at some commercial banks; banks and foreign exchange facilities are available at the airport and in all major towns. It is advisable to keep currency exchange receipts in order to be able to re-exchange when departing. Banking hours are usually from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and most large commercial banks have ATMs located outside, although only limited amounts of Cedis can be drawn at a time. Travellers cheques are accepted at banks and forex bureaux in the capital Accra, but the rate of exchange may be lower than for cash transactions. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa, and cards can be used for payment at major hotels and shops, although this can be risky as credit card fraud is very common. The best currencies to bring are US dollars, British pounds or Euros as other currencies exchange at poor rates.

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Both round and flat three-pronged plugs are most commonly used.

Communications: The international dialling code for Ghana is +233. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Accra's city code is 21. The telephone system is relatively reliable, but most people use mobile phones. Telephone, fax and telex services are available in all main towns, and hotels. Most major hotels also have business centres, which provide secretarial and courier services. Internet cafes are on the increase throughout the country, but connection speeds are usually slow. There are several GSM cell phone operations across Ghana that have roaming agreements with most international networks, and phones can be rented in Accra.

Duty Free: Travellers to Ghana over 16 years do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 454g of tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these items; 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits; and 237ml of perfume and eau de toilette. Gift items are dutiable.

Tourist Office
Ghana Tourist Board, Accra: +233 21 222 153 or www.ghanatourism.gov.gh

Embassies
Embassy of Ghana, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 686 4520.

Ghana High Commissioner, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7201 5900.

Ghana High Commissioner, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0871.

Ghana High Commission, Red Hill, Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 2110.

Ghana High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5847.

Ghana High Commissioner, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7201 5900.

Ghana High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 2110.



United States Embassy, Accra: +233 21 776 601.

British High Commission, Accra: +233 21 221 665.

Canadian High Commission, Accra: +233 21 211 521.

Australian High Commission, Accra: +233 21 701 2961.

South African High Commission, Accra: +233 21 762 380.

Honorary Consul of Ireland, Accra: +233 21 518 112.



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