We're excited about your visit
We can’t wait to welcome you to PyCon Ghana.
Please read this information carefully, and check every item. Some of it is crucial. It will help you have a better trip and stay.
Visa
You may need a visa to enter Ghana. You must check this, otherwise you will likely be denied entry, or probably not even be allowed to board your plane. Any questions? Please contact us immediately.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
You must have yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. Otherwise, you will likely be denied entry. Please ensure you have this in advance, do not leave it until the last minute.
Malaria precautions
All of Ghana including Accra is indicated as a high-risk zone for malaria. Travellers are advised to take antimalarial medication such as Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride) and other precautions.
After sunset, avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing (long sleeves, long trousers), using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Bring appropriate clothing and creams.
Arrival times
We hope to co-ordinate transport on arrival at the airport for some groups. We might not be able to do this for everyone, but please tell us:
- o the date and time of your arrival in Ghana, and the date and time of your departure from Ghana
- o your airline and flight numbers
- o where you will be staying
we will help if we can. We need this information in good time.
How to enjoy Accra
Accra is a big city of 2.3 million people. It’s busy and crowded and full of activity. It’s safe and friendly, but you should still take the usual precautions that you would in any busy capital city:
- o be alert to your surroundings
- o don’t wear or wave around expensive watches, phones, jewellery, etc
- o if you carry valuables, carry them in a safe way and be aware of them
You will not be pestered on the streets, but if someone wants to talk to you or sell you something and you don’t want to stop, just say politely with a smile: Not now, maybe later!
In Accra, you are expected to negotiate for almost everything, from taxi rides to souvenirs. The Ghanaian hosts will show you how it’s done - in a friendly, relaxed way and with a smile.
When you meet someone, for example in a shop or hotel reception desk, you’ll often be greeted with “Akwaaba”, meaning “Welcome!”
It’s considered polite to start the conversation not by getting straight down to business, but with an exchange of courtesies: Hello, how are you? and so on, before making your request.
Ghana has one of the best handshakes in all of Africa - you’ll soon learn it!
Some useful basics for visitors.
What to take home
Ghana is internationally famous for its arts and crafts, powder glass beads, clothing, and cosmetics.
Ideal gifts and souvenirs:
- o carvings and decorated objects
- o a made-to-measure shirt or dress for yourself or someone else - take their measurements before you travel - from a roll of wax-printed fabric that you choose yourself in the market and take to a tailor in a nearby stall
- o raw shea butter, the like of which you will not find in many other places
- o Ghanaian black soap, hand-made and 100% natural
Mobile phone SIM cards
A SIM card can easily be obtained on arrival. We recommend MTN or Vodafone. See the Ghana prepaid data SIM card wiki pages.