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Ghana, situated on the west coast of Africa, was once famous for gold and European traders therefore called the country "The Gold Coast".  Before the Europeans came, trade in such commodities as gold, ivory, salt and kola nuts was carried on with the Western Sudan, an area over which the ancient Ghana Empire flourished from about 400 AD to the latter part of the tenth century. Ghana today is a modern industrial and agricultural African country covering an area of 239,460 square kilometres with a population of about 18 million.

You will never feel a stranger in Ghana.  Once you are in the country, you feel at home. Visitors are always greeted heartily with a warm "akwaaba" which goes beyond a simple "welcome" to come and join us".

Climate: Tropical humid - average daily temperature is 30C (86F). The coolest time of the year is between June and September when rainfall occurs.  Variations in temperature both annually and daily are quite small.  The minimum temperature is around 23C (73F).

Natural resources: Gold, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, timber, cocoa, fish and rubber.

Airport: Accra's Kotoka International Airport is about 20 minutes drive into the centre of town.

Visa requirements: A valid single or mutiple entry visa is required to enter Ghana. Visas are available upon application from Ghana Missions and Embassies abroad. For more information, log on to http://www.ghana-embassy.org.

Health: A valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required as proof of vaccination within the past three years; and sometimes, when there is a cholera outbreak, a cholera shot is also required. You are also advised to consult your doctor well in advance of your visit so that you may begin the usual malaria treatment.

Languages: English is the official language.  You will hear Ga (gah) around Accra and Ewe (Evvay) in the east as well as Accra.  The most widely spoken language however is Twi (chewee), the language of the Ashanti (which is part of a larger language called Akan) and the Fanti.

Currency: Ghana's national currency is the Cedi.  There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into Ghana. This must, however, be stated on the currency declaration form. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any forex bureaux in the country.

Travellers' cheques: All banks and forex bureaux accept travellers' cheques although the rate of exchange might be slightly lower than for a cash transaction.

Credit cards: Many places take major international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Barclays Bank in Accra will advance Ghana money on Visa but if you have a US card, you will probably have to pay for two exchanges rates US dollars to British Pounds Sterlings to Cedis.  Not all forex bureaux accept travellers' cheques and those that do may not give you a good deal as the banks.

Banking hours: Weekdays from 8:30 to 2pm (3pm on Fridays).

Customs: Whether entering or leaving Ghana, you will almost certainly be asked to declare your local currency money. There are no restrictions on importing foreign currency, but be sure to get a currency declaration form for recording official transactions, as Customs may insist on inspecting it.

Reconfirming airline reservations: When you are preparing to leave Ghana, please re-confirm your international flight reservations at least 72 hours in advance.

International flight check-in time: Arrive at Kotoka International Airport in Accra at least 2 ½ hours in advance of your flight's departure to ensure adequate time for check-in and immigration formalities.

Important - leaving Ghana: For international departures from Accra, there is an airport tax of US$20.00 or the equivalent in local currency. This tax is now embodied within your ticket price.

Public transport buses: Government run STC buses are big, fast and inexpensive servicing a total of 57 destinations, including very remote towns.  Ghana also has many large private buses and you can buy tickets at the main motor parks.

Taxis: Taxis in Ghana are usually multi-seat large passenger cars or station wagons and work together with the much cheaper "Trotro" which are minibuses or small buses.  There are 3 types of taxis in Accra; line taxis, dropping taxis and charter taxis.  Line taxis are shared and obviously cheapest.  A dropping taxi is a taxi to yourself and rates are negotiable, depending on distance and numbers travelling.  Charter taxis are generally hired for multi destinations and the traveller is advised to bargain well.

Trains: The train station is in the city centre on the corner of Nkrumah Avenue and Kinbu Road.  There are three train lines in Ghana: Accra to Kumasi and Accra to Takoradi; both running a morning and night train. Kumasi to Takoradi has three departures daily, including an overnight schedule with bar and restaurant service.

The eastern line, Accra-Kumasi through the Kwahu and Akim highlands is very scenic while the Accra-Takoradi line passes through heavily forested areas on the way to Huni Valley where you have to change trains.  First class tickets are limited to the number of seats available and a sleeper adds roughly 50% to the fare.

Boat: You can take a journey with a difference by steamer up Lake Volta on the Buipe Queen which travels the entire length of the lake to Yapei, stopping en route at Kpandu, Kete-Krachi and Yeji.

Car hire: Several major car rental agencies are located in Accra, including Hertz, Avis and Europcar. Charges vary according to size and type of vehicle from which there is a wide range to choose.

Public holidays: Jan 1 - New year's day; March 6 - Independence day; Good Friday; Easter Monday, May 1 - Labour day; June 4 Anniversary; July 1 - Republic day; December 25 - Christmas Day; December 26 - Boxing day. There are also two Muslim holidays - Eid El-Fitr and Eid Ul Adha based on moveable days.

Business hours: Weekdays from 8am to 12:30 and 1:30 to 5:30pm. Saturdays from 8:30 to 1pm. Government offices are open weekdays only from 8am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 5:30pm.

Exportation of handicrafts: If you should decide to purchase a significant quantity of any Ghana handicraft items such as wood carvings, artwork, trading beads etc., please go to the Museums and Monuments Board in Accra to obtain an export permit.  The Board also has offices throughout the country to advise you.

Electricity: If you bring along any electrical appliances, they should operate on 220 volts.  Electric outlets accept either three-pronged and sometimes two pronged, British or Continental European type plugs or converters.

Tipping: Tipping is permitted in hotels, restaurants etc.  It is rarely added to the bill. Whenever it is not added, the quality of service should dictate your generosity to the waiter, taxi driver, porter, guide, etc.

Use of cameras: While you are encouraged to use your camera throughout your vacation, there are a few do's and don'ts in this area. Where you are in doubt, consult your guide or hotel information desk.

Communications: You can make telephone calls and send international mail from main Post Offices.  Virtually all the major hotels also have business centres which provide secretarial and courier services and direct dial telephones which are now available in most rooms.