TRAVEL GUIDE
Ghana
POLITICAL SITUATION
Ghana is a parliamentary democracy. The president is both the chief-of-state and the
head of the government; he is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He appoints the vice-president and is entitled to serve a maximum of two four-year terms.
There is a 25-member Council of State, ten of which are elected by regional electoral
colleges constituted by the Electoral Commission, while the remaining 15 are appointed
by the president and subject to parliamentary approval. The Council acts as an advisory
body as required by the constitution. The president also chairs the National Security
Council and appoints district chief executives, who serve as political heads at local government level. The legislature comprises a unicameral 230-The next presidential elections
are scheduled for 2016.
RULE OF LAW
The legal system is based on English common law and customary law. The courts are
used extensively for civil, business and criminal cases. There is no visible sign of government interference in the court system, especially in commercial matters. The judiciary is
considered to be largely independent of political influences, but is susceptible to corruption. The legal processes are slow at times and there are frequent challenges made on
the enforcement of court decisions. Petty corruption exists: the police and civil servants
expect an informal fee for services rendered. Foreigners are rarely stopped, but should
carry passports and documentation at all times.
CORRUPTION
Even though the corruption rate is low compared to other African countries, it continues to
impede economic growth and progress. Contributing factors include low salaries, a culture
of gift-giving, a lack of incentive mechanisms, a lack of reporting channels and poor management practices. Corrupt practices are particularly rife in contract procurement.
POPULATION:
25,370,000
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX (HDI):
HDI is 0.558 (2011), ranked 135 out of
187, indicang low human development.
UNDER-5 MORTALITY RATE:
66 per 1,000 live births. Ghana ranks 45
in the world.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:
English
OFFICIAL CURRENCY:
Ghana cedis (GHC)
NATURAL DISASTERS
Devastating floods can occur, especially along the country's main rivers, during the rainy
season, which lasts from March to November.
SOCIAL UNREST
Protests against government policies or living condition are common in Ghana; student
groups and unions are particularly active in organising demonstrations, which tend to increase in frequency ahead of elections. These are legally allowed under the constitution,
though they must adhere to certain guidelines. Demonstrations are mostly peaceful and
the security forces are quick to disperse them if they turn violent.
CRIME
Petty crime poses the main risk to foreign visitors. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers usually
operate near crowded market areas, beaches, parks and tourist attractions. Travellers
should remain vigilant at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Visitors should avoid ostentatious display of wealth. Credit card scams are on the rise; personnel should exercise
caution when using a credit card and, if possible, minimise its usage. Other common
scams include fake job offers and business opportunities; any such approaches or requests to meet face to face meetings from someone you have only ever met over the internet should be treated with caution. Armed robberies are reported, especially in Accra.
Areas that are popular with expatriates are not immune to the threat of residential breakins and, in some cases, criminals resort to violence against victims that offer resistance.
4
US dollars, Brish pounds and euros are also
accepted
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED:
American Express, Diners' Club and
Visa .
General Tips
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In Ghana, family affiliation is through the mother's family, not the father's.
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People are extremely polite, and typically greet everyone they meet. Failing to greet someone is impolite. Foreigners will frequently hear the
term ‘akwaaba', which means ‘welcome', upon meeting people.
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It is customary to shake hands when meeting and taking leave of people.
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In conversation, people often stand close to one another. There is a greater degree of physical contact – touching and holding hands – between people of the same sex.
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Ask permission before photographing anyone, and before taking a picture of military installations, government buildings or airports.
Ghanaians have a central belief in the importance of family ties, relationships and respect for elders.
It is inadvisable for foreigners to refer to tribalism or ethnic affiliations when discussing current affairs.
Bring a gift when accepting private hospitality, particularly in rural areas.
Dress is conservative and modest. Shorts should not be worn. It is illegal to wear any military clothing or sportswear with a camouflage design.
Always address people by their formal titles unless otherwise instructed.
It is customary to use the right hand when presenting an object to another person, particularly in the case of food or a gift.
Be aware of Islamic social customs, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan, when visiting the predominantly Muslim north. It is
impolite to point the sole of your shoe at a Muslim. The left hand is considered unclean and is not used for eating, greeting or accepting gifts.
Homosexuality is illegal, though men are more likely to be prosecuted than women.
Business Tips
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The business culture is slightly more formal than in some Western European countries.
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With the exception of high-ranking officials such as government ministers, it is relatively easy to arrange visits to local business people and
government officials.
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English is the language of business.
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Ghanaians like regular, face-to-face contact and personal visits are warmly welcomed. In-person visits are generally regarded as the most
effective method of handling new trade initiatives.
Make business appointments in advance.
Western style dress – suit with a tie for me, suit for women – is worn in the workplace. On social or ceremonial occasions traditional costume
or Western-style clothes are equally acceptable.
Exchange business cards after introductions.
The Lebanese and Asian (primarily Indian) communities play an important role in business. Many Lebanese businesspeople are third- and
fourth-generation Ghanaian citizens, and while they may educate their children in Lebanon (and the UK) and travel there for business and
recreation, they consider Ghana their home in a real sense.
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It is common for business appointments to be delayed. Anticipate tardiness – it is not a sign of rudeness.
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Take sensible precautions to mitigate the risk of petty and street crime.
Discussions about social events and family commonly precede business talks.
Even a long-term partner or business contact is usually greeted with an exchange of pleasantries, followed by a handshake and enquiries
about one's health, family and relatives. Never walk into a person's office or begin a telephone conversation without a greeting.
STANDING TRAVEL ADVICE
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Police roadblocks and stop-checks are common; carry photographic identification at all times.
Be aware that occasional bouts of ethnic violence are possible in parts of northern Ghana. These are usually highly localised and do not
pose a significant risk to travellers.
Public transport is not suitable for business travellers.
Do not self-drive unless very familiar with local conditions.
Be aware that carjacking occurs in both rural and urban areas;
Highway robbery poses a risk after dark in rural areas. Overland travel outside the capital Accra should be undertaken in daylight hours only.
EMBASSY OF CANADA
42 Independence Avenue
Accra
Ghana
5
Phone: +233 302 211521
Fax: +233 21 211523
Email: [email protected]