Ghana Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Ghana is 92.1 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 77 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Accra (GH) and Washington D.C. (US) is 5270 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Accra click here
Country Comparison
Compare Ghana to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Ghana
| Miles | Accra | Kumasi | Cape Coast | Elmina | Tamale | Koforidua | Obuasi | Hohoe |
| Accra | - | 125 | 80 | 87 | 269 | 36 | 112 | 118 |
| Kumasi | 125 | - | 112 | 112 | 195 | 102 | 34 | 147 |
| Cape Coast | 80 | 112 | - | 7 | 298 | 96 | 81 | 184 |
| Elmina | 87 | 112 | 7 | - | 301 | 102 | 81 | 190 |
| Tamale | 269 | 195 | 298 | 301 | - | 233 | 228 | 180 |
| Koforidua | 36 | 102 | 96 | 102 | 233 | - | 98 | 89 |
| Obuasi | 112 | 34 | 81 | 81 | 228 | 98 | - | 162 |
| Hohoe | 118 | 147 | 184 | 190 | 180 | 89 | 162 | - |
A Brief History of Ghana
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
4000 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementPeople settle in the region now called Ghana.
1471
The Gold CoastPortuguese traders arrive to acquire gold in exchange for items such as cloth, metals, and guns, and ammunition. The region will come to be called the Gold Coast.
1482
Portuguese tradersThe Portuguese set up a permanent trading settlement.
1500s
SlaverySlavery overtakes gold as the main export in the region.
1600s
Trading stationsDutch, English, Danish, and Swedish traders build their own trading stations. In 1642, the Portuguese give up their territory to the Dutch and leave the Gold Coast.
1874
British colonyThe British claim the Gold Coast as a colony.
1878
Land of cocoaCocoa is introduced to the region. Today, Ghana is one of the largest cocoa producers in the world.
1957
Independent nationThe British Colony of the Gold Coast becomes the independent nation Ghana.
1992
New constitutionGhana's new constitution is approved. It is the fifth in the country's history.
1994 - 1995
Local warsDisputes over land ownership in northern Ghana lead to 1,000 deaths and 150,000 people driven from their homes.
2007
Oil reservesThe discovery of major off-shore oil reserves is announced.
2012
An energy crisisAn energy crisis begins after the West African Gas Pipeline is severely damaged, disrupting the supply of natural gas to Ghana.
Best Ways to Experience Ghana
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreGhana Cedi (GHS)
- EUR
- GBP
- GHS
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- GHS
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ghana.
Routine vaccines
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Ghana for tourism
A visa is required, it must be obtained at the embassy or at the appropriate consular office.
- International Certificate of Vaccination required.
- An application for a visa into Ghana within 30 days before the intended date of departure is mandatory.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Ghana the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type D, G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type D
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 76 / 231 Ranking | 31 072 940 Akan 47.5%, Mole-Dagbon 16.6%, Ewe 13.9%, Ga-Dangme 7.4%, Gurma 5.7%, Guan 3.7%, Grusi 2.5%, Mande-Busanga 1.1% |
Area | 77 / 232 Ranking | 92.1 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 73 / 221 Ranking | 69 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 67.3women 70.7 |
Median age | 73 / 222 Ranking | 21.4 Average age of population expressed in years.men 21women 21.9 |
Population growth | 72 / 224 Ranking | 2.26% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 68 / 210 Ranking | 79% Ability to read, write and count.men 83.5%women 74.5% |
GDP | 65 / 194 Ranking | 5 742 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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