Ghana, a country in West Africa formerly known as the Gold Coast, is a vibrant and welcoming destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. I recently returned from my second trip to Ghana, and I can’t express how much Ghana felt like home. As soon as I stepped out of the plane, I felt so much peace and calmness. I was greeted with a warm welcome by the airport staff. Akwaab, they said to me, which means welcome in Twi (a Ghanaian local language). From the bustling city of Accra to the serene beaches and lush landscapes, Ghana has something for every traveler. This detailed travel guide will prepare you for a trip to Ghana any time of the year or during the Detty December season.
Both visits to Ghana have been a whole vibe and have held a special place in my heart. From friendly people to mouthwatering food, history, culture, and art, Ghana has so much to offer. The first time I visited Ghana, I paired it with a trip to Nigeria, and I highly recommend country pairing. Whenever I think of my trip to Ghana, I have nothing but warm memories. It helped that we hired a personal driver to take us to tourist attractions outside of Accra.
Before you travel to Ghana, I highly recommend getting travel insurance as soon as you book your flights. My favourite travel insurance is Safety Wing, and AXA is also good. If you are thinking of travelling to Ghana for the first time or returning, this detailed Ghana travel guide is perfect for you.
Map of Ghana showing the 16 administrative regions.
Some Information About Ghana
Ghana is a country in West Africa known as the Gold Coast before being renamed the Republic of Ghana after the country gained its independence in 1957. The Year of Return, Ghana 2019, is an initiative of the government of Ghana to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa (specifically Ghana). Accra, the capital of Ghana, is such a bustling and vibrant city, but I would recommend venturing outside of Accra to truly bask in Ghana’s beauty. I was longing to go to Ghana long before the government marked 2019 as the homecoming year of return, and it was fitting to pair a trip to Ghana with Nigeria during the Christmas period. The year 2019 was symbolic as it commemorated 400 years since the first enslaved Africans touched down in Jamestown, in the English colony of Virginia in America.
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Ghana is the same size as the UK and the official language is English but there the similarities end. Estimates for the number of languages (plus dialects) spoken in Ghana range from 40 to 200+, and youll see the cultural differences as you travel around the country. The Twi-speaking Ashanti are the largest group. The Dagomba live in the north, and are largely Islamic. Other tribes include the Ewe of the Volta Region, Ga around Accra, and Frafra, in the far north.
Travelling To Ghana In 2025 - The Entry Requirements
Ghana has two major international airports, Kotoka International Airport and Kumasi International Airport. In general, the preference for most visitors is to fly into Accra via Kotoka International Airport. There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ghana.
Visas
You need a visa to enter Ghana. For a UK passport holder, a single-entry visa costs £60 and is valid for up to 3 months. For US passport holders, a single-entry visa costs $60. For air travel, an ECOWAS International passport is the only valid document allowed. Alternatively, if you are a Nigerian travelling by road, you can use your NIN, international passport or an ECOWAS Travel certificate. Starting in 2025, all African passport holders visiting Ghana will be able to enter visa-free.
Dual Nationality
Ghana recognises dual nationality. To avoid visa fees, Ghanaian-British dual nationals should register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a Dual Nationality Card. Production of this card at the point of entry into Ghana will indicate that a visa is not required.
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Ghana.
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Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements
You will be expected to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Ghana from all travellers 9 months of age and older, even if you are transiting. Please note that if you are getting the Yellow fever vaccination before your trip to Ghana, you are required to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least ten (10) days before the proposed date of travel. The good news is that once you get this vaccine, it provides lifelong protection.
Yellow fever vaccination card
Where To Stay In Accra?
If you’re heading to Accra for the first time, it’s important to vet your accommodation before booking and always check reviews. The best areas to stay in Accra are:
- Osu
- Labone
- Northridge
- Cantonments
- East Legon
- Airport Residential
Osu: This is one of the most popular and busy areas in Accra, with a busy nightlife. Its unique blend of business and entertainment makes it an ideal location for tourists to explore. From immersing yourself in Ghanaian culture and shopping for authentic local crafts to enjoying the area’s electric nightlife, visitors to Osu are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or simply a taste of urban Ghanaian life, Osu has something for everyone.
Labone: This is a great place for people who love art and culture. There are many galleries and museums there. The Artists Alliance Gallery shows modern African art. The National Museum of Ghana teaches visitors about the country’s history and culture.
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North Ridge: North Ridge in Accra, Ghana, is a vibrant area that offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. There are many exciting things to do and see here. Top attractions include: The National Museum of Ghana, which shares the country’s history and culture through interesting exhibits. Independence Square is a significant landmark that celebrates Ghana’s freedom from British rule. Osu Castle is a historic site to explore. Labadi Beach is a great spot for a relaxing walk along the coast. Aburi Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to connect with nature.
Cantonments: Cantonments is an upscale and affluent area in which to stay in Accra. It has pretty streets with trees and old buildings. Many important people live here because it’s a safe and nice place. Many embassies and offices are also here, so it’s a good place for business people and foreigners. Tourists like to visit, too, because they can learn about Ghana’s history and culture.
East Legon: Watch locals go about their day, eat at great restaurants, and enjoy affordable nightclubs. The people are friendly too! East Legon has fancy hotels, but you can also find affordable places to stay. There’s something for everyone!
Best Hotels In Accra
- Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City - If you’re heading to Accra, I highly recommend staying at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City. It’s a luxurious 5-star hotel with spacious rooms, exceptional service, and a prime location in the heart of the city (North Ridge), perfect for both relaxation and exploring.
- The Ritzz Exclusive Guest House - The rooms are comfortable and clean. It also comes with free WiFi, airport shuttle and a superb breakfast. It is located in a great location in Accra. It’s a good value for your money, too.
- Accra Fine Suites - The Pearl In City - The hotel is located in a popular area for tourists, and it’s very safe and clean. The customer service is top-notch, and the facilities are excellent.
- Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel is located in the Airport Residential area. It’s an affordable 4-star hotel, and I found that their beds were comfy, the breakfast buffet was scrumptious, and I also liked the convenience of this hotel being close to the airport and top attractions in Accra.
Best Apartments To Stay In Accra
- Cosy minimal suite - As its name implies, this apartment is quiet and aesthetically pleasing for taking pictures. Also, the host is very warm and inviting. The apartment was created with exquisite design, and you get value for your money, and it is one of the best places to stay in Accra for solo travellers.
- Sky Suites - This is a cosy apartment, and it gives a homely vibe. It’s a perfect fit if you want to be close to the airport and close to Accra malls and restaurants. Every facility, from the WiFi to the air conditioning unit, works great.
- The Gallery Luxury Suite 16 - looking for a place that feels like home, this apartment fits your description. It is affordable and situated in a secure & safe location. This one-bedroom studio apartment has a kitchen, WiFi, dedicated workspace, gym, pool and cafe.
- Lovely 2-bedroom Apartment with pool & gym (A) - This is a two-bedroom apartment that can accommodate 4 people. Photos don’t do justice to this apartment; you just have to see it. The host is an accommodating and friendly person, too. It’s peaceful and you will have a great stay.
Top Things You Need To Know Before You Go To Ghana
Getting around Accra:
Uber and Bolt work in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast, so make sure you download them if you’re looking for a convenient way to get around. Although card payments can be used for Uber and Bolt trips, you’ll quickly discover that drivers strongly prefer payment in cash. I would also recommend hiring a local driver to get around. I did this for day trips from Accra, which worked better for my schedule and gave me the freedom to choose where to go.
Malaria In Ghana:
The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to cover up with long sleeves and long trousers, especially after sunset, to apply insect repellent to exposed skin and to sleep under a mosquito net. It is also advisable to take anti-malaria tablets during your stay in Ghana. You should consult your doctor or general practitioner about the right anti-malarial tablets for you.
Money in Ghana
The local currency in Ghana is called the Ghana cedi. Cash is king when it comes to shopping in local markets, food stalls and using public transport. If you’re like me and don’t really like carrying a lot of cash with you, I like to do transfers when making purchases that only accept cash/transfers. A good app money transfer app to send money to Ghana to download on your phone is Sendwave. It makes it simple to send money from the UK, US, Canada, France, Italy, Spain and Ireland to Ghana at affordable rates. Use my code OQF8X to get a £5.00 credit towards your first transfer. This was quite convenient for me when paying deposits for beauty services or tours. Additionally, bring your credit/debit cards for larger expenses and withdraw money from ATMs when needed. My go-to travel card is Monzo as it offers great exchange rates and I can easily track my spending.
Language in Ghana
As English is he official language in Ghana, English-speaking visitors are likely to have no language barrier issues. Although English is widely spoken in Ghana, Ghanaians also speak local languages from their ethnic groups, such as Twi, Ewe, Ga and Fante.
How To Stay Connected While In Ghana?
Staying connected to the internet during your stay makes it easier to navigate the country. You’ll be able to use data to travel around the country, call Ghanaian businesses about enquiries or contact Uber drivers. For SIM card registration, you’ll need to bring your passport with you, as the SIM card will be registered under your name and passport details. MTN has the country’s best coverage and speed network. Obtaining a physical SIM card in Ghana can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Getting an e-SIM is a much simpler process than going to a store to register for a SIM card. As soon as you land at the airport, you’ll be able to connect to the internet while you are travelling around Ghana without being charged roaming fees from your phone company.
Restaurant Recommendations In Accra
If you leave Ghana without trying its delicious cuisine, then I am side-eyeing you. When in Ghana, you have gotta try some street food and eat Red Red, Ghana Jollof, fried rice, Shito, Kelewele, and waakye. Chale, these dishes will leave you in a food coma (literally 😂). If you’re looking for more traditional Ghanaian foods to add to your list to try, check out this A to Z guide of Ghanaian food favourites.
Ghanaian jollof rice with shitto, chicken and salad at The Buka Restaurant
Restaurants To Try In Accra:
- The Living Room (£-££) - This is a budget-friendly restaurant serving authentic Ghanaian cuisine. I recommend visiting on Sundays.
- The Buka Restaurant (££ - £££) - Authentic Ghanaian and Nigerian cuisine located in Osu.
- Kozo (£££ - £££ £££££) - This is an upscale and elegant afro-asian fusion restaurant perfect for a date night or special occasion. We celebrated my friend’s birthday here, and the ambience, service and food were perfect.
- La Gardina (££ - £££) - This is a gorgeous, floral, contemporary, French-inspired courtyard in East Cantonments with Alfresco dining. They serve some Italian classics and have a day brunch menu. Time your visit for their 2-for-1 cocktails from Tuesday to Friday between 5 pm and 8 pm.
- Bistro 22 (££ - £££) - International, European, & Vegetarian friendly
- Pomona (£££) - Italian restaurant located in Osu.
- Coco Lounge (££ - £££) - International, bar and pub food located in Airport City.
- Urban Grill (£££) - Seafood restaurant located in Airport City.
- Breakfast to breakfast (££ - £££) - International, Vegetarian-friendly and vegan options located in Osu. It’s also one of the few restaurants that is open 24 hours a day.
Top Things To Do In Ghana
Ghana is a small country, but travelers will find many diverse experiences here. In just a week or two, you can meet a village chief, track wild elephants, bask on a tropical beach, learn to dance or drum, participate in Ashanti festivities and cruise down a river in search of hippos and its unlikely youll spot many other tourists while doing so.
- Accra: Accra, the capital of Ghana, is a bustling and vibrant city with a mix of historical sites and modern attractions.
- Central Region: The Central Region is rich in history and nature, offering experiences like exploring national parks and learning about the transatlantic slave trade.
- Eastern Region: The Eastern Region is known for its beautiful waterfalls and botanical gardens, providing a serene escape into nature.
- Volta Region: The Volta Region offers stunning landscapes, including the country's highest mountain and impressive waterfalls.
- Other Regions: The Western and Northern Regions offer unique cultural and natural experiences, showcasing the diversity of Ghana.
Top Things To Do In Accra
- Black Star Square: Visit this iconic monument symbolizing Ghana's independence.
- Visit the Markets: Experience the local culture and shop for unique items.
- Visit Accra Art Centre and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: Explore Ghanaian art and learn about the country's first president.
- Jamestown: Discover the historical significance of this vibrant neighborhood.
- Osu Castle: Tour this historic castle with a rich and complex past.
- Legon Botanical Gardens: Enjoy the tranquility of these beautiful gardens.
- Explore The Many Beaches In Accra: Relax and soak up the sun at Accra's beaches.
- Shai Hills Resource Reserve: Observe wildlife in this natural reserve.
- Batik Making Class: Learn the art of batik making.
Top Things To Do In Central Region
- Experience Nature At Kakum National Park: Walk among the treetops on the famous canopy walkway.
- Learn About The History Of The Transatlantic Slave Trade at Cape Coast Castle & Elmina Castle
Things to note before you go to Elmina Castle: Facing up to the evils of the past is a necessary and moving experience in Ghana. The West African coast is littered with slave forts, through which over six million slaves were estimated to have been shipped. The events live on in Ghanaians collective memory, vividly illustrated by the dungeons, forts and Door of No Return.
Top Things To Do In Eastern Region
- Boti Falls
At Boti Falls, you can:
- Explore the Umbrella Rock
- Visit the Three-Headed Palm Tree.
- Abrui Botanical Gardens
- Asenema Waterfalls
Top Things To Do In the Volta Region
- Wli Waterfalls
- Visit Arikiko Resort in Akosombo
Other Regions To Visit
- Western Region
- Northern Region
