Destination: Ghana

When exploring Ghana with Odyssey Travels, our itineraries meticulously detail the use of coaches and occasional local transports like trains and ferries. The country boasts a comprehensive bus service, offering an efficient and convenient mode of transportation. For those seeking a more local experience, minibuses known as “trotros” are an option, although they tend to be crowded and lack a consistent timetable. While trains are available, Ghana’s railway network is somewhat limited, making it advisable to not heavily depend on them for travel within the country.

In urban centers, Odyssey chooses centrally situated 3-4 star hotels, ensuring convenient access to public transportation. For smaller towns or rural settings, our preference is family-operated hotels or guesthouses. During our extended tours where you remain in one place for the duration, we opt for serviced apartments.

Odyssey always prioritizes the engagement of local guides with deep regional knowledge to guarantee an authentic and enriching experience. This approach allows travellers to delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of the destinations they explore, providing them with valuable insights and a truly immersive journey.

Covering an area of around 238,533 square kilometers, Ghana boasts a diverse physical landscape. From its coastal regions to the interior, the terrain is predominantly flat, showcasing plains, low plateaus, as well as an abundance of lagoons, streams, and rivers. Moving inland, a dense tropical rainforest belt stretches across the central and eastern parts of the country. Notably, Ghana is also home to Lake Volta, recognized as the largest artificial lake globally, with a water surface area spanning 11,000 square kilometers.

The climatic conditions in Ghana are characteristic of a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity levels and warm temperatures. With many regions experiencing significant rainfall, particularly during the mid-year rainy season, travellers are advised to monitor weather forecasts closely and dress appropriately for their visit.

Ghana boasts 2 properties inscribed on the prestigious World Heritage List, complemented by an additional 6 on the Tentative List. The Asante Traditional Buildings represent the final tangible vestiges of the Asante civilization, while the Forts and Castles spanning across the Volta, Greater Accra, Central, and Western Regions stand as enduring testaments to the European fortifications and settlements that adorn Ghana’s coastline, vividly encapsulating the historical European footprint in the region. You can explore these remarkable sites in more detail on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s website: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gh).

Ghana boasts a rich tapestry of local culture and traditions, which come alive through a myriad of festivals and events held throughout the year. Each region within Ghana showcases its unique cultural practices and festivities. For instance, the Agave region observes the Dzawuwu Festival, a harvest celebration characterized by religious ceremonies and traditional dances, while in the northern parts of the country, particularly in Muslim-majority areas, the Bugum Festival, also known as the “Fire” Festival, enchants with vibrant dancing and spirited processions.

Amongst the vibrant array of celebrations, the Fancy Dress Festival stands out as a spectacle of masquerade, gracing January with its lively brass bands and flamboyant costumes. Additionally, Panafest stands as a prominent event of national importance, dedicated to fostering communication and cultural interchange among African nations. This festival showcases diverse artistic expressions including music, drama, dance, and poetry, embodying the spirit of unity and creativity across borders.

• The History of Ghana (The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations), by Roger S. Gocking
• The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay : Life in Medieval Africa, by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack
• My First Coup D’etat, by John Dramani Mahama
• Oxford Street, Accra: City Life and the Itineraries of Transnationalism, by Ato Quayson

Ghanaian cuisine showcases a rich variety of crops native to the region, such as maize, rice, yam, beans, plantains, and cassava. Staples like rice and beans take center stage, starring in popular dishes like waakye (a mix of rice and beans served with fried fish or chicken) and red red (a flavorful curry incorporating black-eyed peas, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and at times, fish or meat). The culinary landscape also includes a diverse array of soups and stews, with highlights like shoko (a hearty beef and spinach stew) and kontomire stew (a savory spinach or cocoyam soup seasoned with spices and paired with fish or meat).

Within traditional Ghanaian beverages, notable mentions go to sobolo, a tangy drink crafted from hibiscus leaves and fruit juice, and pito, an alcoholic beverage fermented from millet or sorghum.

Ghana is generally considered a safe travel destination, with visitors advised to adhere to common sense practices while exploring the country. However, a heightened sense of vigilance is recommended in specific areas such as Bawku, the Tamale municipality, the Yendi district, and the Bimbilla area in northern Ghana due to potential instances of violence. Travelers should also be aware of the possibility of flooding during the rainy season from May to October.

When traveling abroad, it’s essential to pack a suitable travel adapter to ensure compatibility with the local electrical system. In Ghana, the standard voltage is 230V and operates at a frequency of 50Hz. To plug in your devices, you will need adapters for Type D and Type G sockets commonly used in the country. Remember to bring the correct adapters to avoid any power-related issues during your stay in Ghana.