Ghana is a diverse country with a rich history and culture, and it’s easy to experience all that it has to offer on a budget. You can visit historical sites like Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle,take a walking tour of Accra or explore the markets and shops of Kumasi. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll be sure to have a memorable trip.
Entry requirements
Nigerians need a valid international or ECOWAS passport to cross the Ghana border. You can get an ECOWAS passport at any immigration office for N45,000 and you can get it in under 4 to 6 weeks or if you can pay N75,000 to get it in two weeks. You will also need to pay an extra N2,000 – N4,000 to have your passport stamped at both the Nigerian and Ghana borders.
You will also need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination cards to pass through immigration. To get your Yellow Fever vaccination first register and pay N4,000 online and print the payment confirmation. Take the payment confirmation and a printed copy of your passport bio page to the nearest Port Health Services office where you’ll be administered the vaccine and given the vaccine card.
You will be expected to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Ghana from all travellers 9 months of age and older.
Please research before travelling because entry requirements are constantly changing.
Means of transportation
There are two ways to get to Ghana from Nigeria and that`s by road and flight.
By Road: It takes approximately 6h 50mins by road to Ghana. There are several options available. You can go with the standard transportation services. Most of the buses that ply this route have bus parks in Ajah, yaba, festac etc.
Private vehicles, give you the luxury of being dropped off at the doorstep of your accommodation. Unlike public transport where you are dropped off at the border and must find your way into the city.
Public transport is more of a hassle but significantly cheaper if you’re traveling solo. Cost from N50,000.
Also, transport companies like God is Good (GIG), ABC Transport, and GUO frequently travel these routes, check they websites for prices and travel times.
By Flight: 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. Flying from Lagos Nigeria will cost you about N300,000 depends on when you book. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Ghana.
Where to stay
In Ghana, you can find every type of accommodation for all budgets like
- Accra luxury apartment @ lennox cost about $90 a night
- La villa boutique hotel cost about $80 a night
- The winford boutique hotel cost about $74 a night
- Lou ralph hotel cost $31 a night.
- Kordam hotel cost $47 a night
- Chateau towers hotel apartment cost about $87 a night.
- Belleson homes cost about $104 a night.
You can get where to stay whether you are on a low or high budget.
Getting around
Getting around in Ghana is relatively easy and affordable. Taxis and minibuses (called “trotros”) are widely available in cities, costing from $1 to $4 while buses are the main form of transport between cities, costing from $4 to $20. If you’re traveling within a city, it’s best to agree on a price with the driver before you start your journey. For intercity travel, buses can be booked in advance or at the bus station. Local people are usually happy to help with directions, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Things to do
There are so many things to see and do in Ghana Here are some highlights:
- Black Star Square
- Visit the Markets
- Visit Accra Art Center and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
- Jamestown
- Osu Castle
- Legon Botanical Gardens
- Explore The Many Beaches In Accra
- Shai Hills Resource Reserve
- Experience Nature At Kakum National Park
- Learn About The History Of The Transatlantic Slave Trade at Cape Coast Castle & Elmina Castle
- Boti Falls
In terms of food to try
- Ghana jollof Rice
- Waakye
- Kenkey and fried fish
- Fufu and Goat light soup
- Banku
- Tuo Zaafi
- Boiled yam or plantain with kontomire stew
- Funge and more.
Some top tips for travelers visiting Ghana are:
- Uber and Bolt work in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast so make sure you download it 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.
- The risk of contracting malaria (transmitted by mosquitos) in Ghana is high if preventative measures are not taken place. 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.
- 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/transfer.
- As English is the official language in Ghana, English-speaking visitors are likely to have no language barrier issues. Although English is widely spoken in Ghana, Ghanians also speak local languages from their ethnic groups such as Twi, Ewe, Ga and Fante.
Conclusion to the travel guide for Ghana
Ghana is a warm and welcoming country with a rich history and culture. It is relatively safe, and there are plenty of affordable accommodation and food options.
The main things to keep in mind while traveling in Ghana are to stay hydrated, be aware of your surroundings, and take normal precautions to protect your belongings. Overall, Ghana is a great destination for travelers who are looking for an authentic and rewarding experience.
Thanks for learning more about this incredible country with us.