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|  | GHANA COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Ghana is situated in West Africa and is bounded by Burkina Faso, Togo, the Atlantic Ocean and Côte d'Ivoire. A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. Ghana's coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons. The capital, Accra, features the Makola Market, a large and busy open-air market. Kumasi is the historic capital of the Ashanti civilisation, where ruins of the Manhyia Palace and the Royal Mausoleum burnt down by Lord Baden-Powell may be examined. In the northeast, the Boufom Wildlife Sanctuary contains the spectacular Banfabiri Falls. Mole National Park is recommended. Species of antelope, monkeys, lions and elephants can all be seen on guided excursions. Local dishes include traditional soups (palmnut, groundnut), Kontomere and Okro stews that are normally accompanied by fufu (pounded cassava), kenkey or gari. In Accra and other major centres there are nightclubs combining a selection of Western pop music and spectacular Ghanaian music and dancing. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and a ban on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election, succeeded him. Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 34% of GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders. Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002. Priorities include tighter monetary and fiscal policies, accelerated privatization, and improvement of social services. Receipts from the gold sector helped sustain GDP growth in 2004. Inflation should ease, but remain a major internal problem. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Ghana is divided into ten regions but for the purpose of this guide, the country has been split into four regions. This does not necessarily reflect administrative or tribal boundaries. For further details of tours within Ghana, contact the Ghana Tourist Board (see address section).
Greater Accra Region
Accra
The National Museum has a large collection of Ghanaian art. The Makola Market, a large and busy open-air market, is located on Kojo Thompson Road. Traders from surrounding villages bring their wares every day. The Centre for National Culture is an arts centre and crafts market, where crafts, kente and other traditional cloths can be purchased. The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, on the High Street, is a magnificent monument to the first President of Ghana. The National Theatre is a Chinese showpiece and the venue for musical shows, plays, dances and conferences.
Aburi
Located 38km (24 miles) to the north of Accra, Aburi is in the Akwapim Hills. The Sanatorium (now a rest house), built there in the 19th century, is indicative of the refreshing climate. The Botanical Gardens, planted by British naturalists in colonial days, has a comprehensive array of subtropical plants and trees.
Ada
A popular resort at the mouth of the Volta, this is where Ghanaians and tourists go for watersports. A luxury hotel has been built here. Swimming is safe in the river mouth. Anglers have the opportunity to catch barracuda and Nile perch. Nearby are the salt marshes of the Songow Lagoon, famous for their birdlife.
Shai Hills Game Reserve
A comparatively small reserve some 50km (30 miles) by road from Accra. Horses may be hired here to explore the park.
Central and Western Region
The central region of Ghana borders the Gulf of Guinea and is home to ancient castles and forts that were often used during the slave trade as holding areas for human cargo. Cape Coast Castle, built in the 16th-century and later reconstructed and enlarged, served as the seat of British administration in the then Gold Coast until 1877 (when administration moved to Christiansborg Castle in Accra). Further west is the castle of Elmina ('the mine'). Elmina was the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana. This huge 15th-century fort, that largely remains intact, is the location of one of the first Catholic churches in sub-Sahara Africa. Fort St Jago was primarily used as a military base and stands on a hill commanding fabulous views of both Elmina and the Atlantic Ocean. Cultural shows are often performed at the castles and guided tours are available. Fort St Jago and Cape Coast Castle have both been declared World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO.
Kakum National Park
Located 20 km from Cape Coast, the park is a protected conservation area, following governmental concerns to promote eco-tourism. Wildlife that can be seen include elephants, bongo antelopes, monkeys, over 800 species of rare birds, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. Visitors can view wildlife at tree canopy level from the 333 metre tree-top walkway.
West Coast
There are many popular beach resorts along the western coast. At Dixcove there is a fish market and a 17th-century British fort. Nearby Busua is a tropical beach with palms and spectacular Atlantic breakers. However, as with much of the Ghanaian coast, swimming is unsafe due to the treacherous undertow of the waves. In this area there are to be found small rocky inlets which are safe for swimming.
Volta and Ashanti Region
The Volta region is dominated by Volta Lake, the largest man-made lake on earth. The waterway stretches for two-thirds of the length of the country. A round trip on the car ferry to Kete-Krachi takes a day; alternatively one can take the three-day trip to the northern capital of New Tamale at the head of the lake. There are facilities for sailing, water-skiing and other watersports. Ferry links across the lake now make the region more accesible (see Travel - Internal section). Akosombo, centre to the important Akosombo irrigation dam, is developing as a holiday resort, particularly for watersports.
Kumasi
The historic capital of the Ashanti civilisation, where ruins of the Manhyia Palace and the Royal Mausoleum burnt down by Lord Baden-Powell may be examined. The Cultural Centre is a complex comprising a museum, library and outdoor auditorium largely devoted to the Ashanti. There is also a 'Living Museum', a farm and reconstituted village, where craftsmen such as potters, goldsmiths and sculptors can be seen at work using traditional methods. Of particular interest are weavers making the vividly coloured kente cloth, the ceremonial dress of the region.
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary
Located to the west, close to Kumasi. Further to the northeast is the Boufom Wildlife Sanctuary containing the spectacular Banfabiri Falls. To the south is the pleasant gold-mining city of Obuasi.
Northern Region
The northern region is characterised by high plains and a central plateau rising between 150-300 metres. West of the region's main town, Tamale, lies Mole National Park, which is one of the best equipped nature reserves in Ghana. Visitors can go either on foot or hire a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but must always be accompanied by a guide. Routes are planned to take in species of antelope, monkeys, buffalo, warthog and, more rarely, lions and elephants, which have been introduced into the region. Unlike many African game reserves visitors are allowed to camp and explore the area at will, rather than being confined to a car on a set route. Tourist facilities exist at the entrance to the park; these include a motel with restaurant.
Situated five miles north of Mole National Park, the Larabanga Mosque is well worth visiting. Built in the style of former Western Sudanese Empires, it houses a holy Koran and is believed by locals to be a 'God-built mosque'. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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