The following pre-departure information is for participants in the 2019 International Symposium on Global Community-Engaged Learning.
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Symposium dates | Ghana Overview | Adanu Overview | Visa Application and Fees
Immunizations and Medication | Arrival in Ghana | Food and Lodging | Currency
Health and Security | Extended Stay | Recommended Packing List
The symposium will take place from June 24-29, 2019. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Accra on Sunday, June 23 (Sunday night room rate is not included in the program fee). The program will officially begin in Accra at 5 PM on June 24 at the Golden Tulip Hotel with a cocktail reception hosted by Adanu. From June 25 to June 29, the program will be in Ho, Ghana at the Volta Serena Hotel. We are expecting approximately 60-80 attendees from across North America and Africa.
Ghana is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, and according to the Global Peace Index, Ghana is ranked 54 of 162 countries in the world. The Adanu team is based in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, which is located in southeast Ghana, near Mount Adaklu. The Volta Region was once part of the German colony of Togoland and then occupied by the British, until the entire country was finally unified and gained independence in 1957. Ho is a safe town, enveloped by a lush, mountainous area, and well known for a lively and very large open market that attracts people from all over Ghana and Togo. The town feels like a huge village, with several internet cafes, numerous churches and good restaurants. Ghana locals are very friendly, always willing to chat and teach you their distinctive greeting (a finger clicking handshake).
Adanu is a Ghanaian-led 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that takes a unique approach to community development, one based on empowerment instead of charity. Adanu works alongside rural, underdeveloped Ghanaian communities to create and establish sustainable solutions for education, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of gender, age or economic status. “Adanu” is an Ewe (the primary ethnic group in the Volta region in Ghana) word that means “wise collaboration”. Adanu’s goal is to inspire the communities they partner with, and to ignite lasting change in their lives. Over the past 15 years, Adanu has served over 50 communities throughout the Volta region of Ghana, building schools, sanitation facilities, health care clinics and more. The Adanu team has also hosted over 1,500 international volunteers by providing an affordable, hands-on opportunity to embrace a new culture and partner in a meaningful way with local efforts.
Application
As a tourist to Ghana, you must have a B visa to travel to Ghana. It is strongly advised that applications and passports be submitted for processing at least three weeks prior to the date of departure.
Process/Requirements:
These guidelines are subject to change as may be directed by the authorities in Ghana and processed by the Consulate General Office in New York. For further information, please call (202) 686-4520 ext. 208 or email
Fees
Visa fees must be paid in the form of a money order, cashier’s check, or certified bank check payable to:
The Embassy of Ghana. Personal checks or cash are not accepted. Visa fee schedule:
Please note that expedited/emergency service takes approximately 72 hours to process
We have provided some guidance below on the immunizations typically required or recommended for travel to Ghana, however, all travelers should consult their primary care physician and a travel health professional before departure since vaccination recommendations vary by person. The MSU Travel Clinic is available for students, employees, their families, and the mid-Michigan community.
MSU Travel Clinic
463 E. Circle Drive, Room 123
Olin Health Center
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 353-3161
Email:
Routine Vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. These vaccines include:
Required Vaccine
Strongly Recommended Vaccine
Other Recommended Vaccines
Zika Virus
Although there has been no documented Zika virus in this country, the mosquito that transmits Zika is present (see the Center for Disease Control Zika Travel Information). The CDC advises pregnant women against travel to this country due to the risk of Zika.
Zika fever is a viral disease that mostly spreads to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito but can also be transmitted sexually. It frequently does not cause any symptoms, or if symptoms occur, they are usually mild. However, Zika can cause severe and irreversible birth defects in the babies of women infected during pregnancy.
Prevention is through preventing mosquito bites. Sexual transmission is prevented through use of condoms.
Due to the risk of severe birth defects, many authorities advise pregnant women against travelling to areas where Zika virus is circulating. Following possible exposure to Zika, people should take precautions against sexual transmission and delay pregnancy for six months (different authorities advise different duration of precautions). For anyone with a pregnant partner, precautions should continue for the duration of the pregnancy.
All travelers are encouraged to purchase comprehensive international health and evacuation insurance since domestic insurance plans may be insufficient. For more guidance, review Your Health Abroad on the U.S. Department of State website.
MSU faculty, staff, and students must register their trip in the MSU Global Travel Registry. This will activate international health insurance coverage and enable medical and security assistance through International SOS. MSU’s policy does not cover personal travel or dependents but a separate policy may be purchased. More information on the trip registration may be found on the Office of International Health and Safety website. Any non-MSU individuals coming to the Symposium on their own are encouraged to purchase their own insurance coverage or their home institution might have something to offer)
Upon arrival to the Accra airport, you will be asked to fill out an Arrival Form. Most of the information required is basic, but you will also need to fill out a local name, address, and phone number of where you will be staying. Please use the following information:
Richard Yinkah
2nd Fl SIC bldg.
Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
Cell: +233 055 555 2992
Volta Serena Hotel
Kabakaba Hills
Ho, VR, Ghana
Phone: +233 36 202 5243
Once you clear initial immigration and collect your bags, it is likely that there will be several people looking to help you with your bags. They are usually quite nice and helpful, but it is completely up to you if you want to use their services. They will expect payment; a rule of thumb is $1.00 per bag (4-5 cedi per bag)
Once you leave the airport, you will be met by one of Adanu’s staff who will take you to their vehicle, load you and your luggage, and drive you to your hotel in Accra.
Food and clean drinking water are provided during your trip. You will be staying at Volta Serena Hotel that also serves three meals a day. You are advised to only drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water or canned/bottled beverages. Avoid ice in your drinks as it may have been made from unfiltered water.
Food served in hotels is generally safe but choose food that is fresh, thoroughly cooked, and served hot. Be cautious if eating from street vendors where the standard of hygiene may be lower. If eating from street vendors, select food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Select fruit and vegetables that can be washed and peeled. Avoid shellfish and unpasteurized dairy products.
The currency in Ghana is the GHS, or ‘cedi’. US funds (cash is recommended) can be exchanged for GHS at the airport in Accra. The exchange rate fluctuates, and the latest rates can be found at websites like XE. You should plan to have extra spending money for arts and crafts, or other items that might appeal to you.
Health
Generally, the standard of medical care in Ghana is good and most hospitals are working towards internationally accepted standards. Complicated medical conditions requiring hospitalization will require travel to Accra, Ghana, where the medical facilities offer a higher standard of care. Travelers should arrange a copy of one’s personal health record to carry when travelling; include a letter from your doctor explaining your need for all medication you are carrying, including over-the-counter-medicine. Travelers should also make sure to have copies of all needed prescriptions. Medication should be packed in your carry-on not your checked luggage. Ensure that all medications are in their original packaging. Review TSA guidelines if you have a disability or are traveling with medical equipment including CPAP machines, pumps and syringes, and freezer packs for medication.
Security
Ghana regained its independence in 1957, and since 1992, it has established itself as a stable democracy due to its ability to peacefully transition from one legitimately elected leader to the next. Corruption levels are low in Ghana, compared to other African countries. However, foreign travelers may still encounter low-level corruption, such as demand from bribes from traffic police. Ghana is currently a very safe country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. However, you should still use caution when you are in unfamiliar surroundings.
The main risk to foreign visitors is petty crime, which typically occurs near crowded market areas, beaches, parks, and tourist attractions. To reduce the risk of petty crime, avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and remain vigilant when in crowded public spaces. Due to the risk of credit card scams, travelers should exercise caution and attention when using a credit card. Use only ATMs connected with hotels or banks. Additionally, while not common, armed crime and car-jackings do occur occasionally in Ghana; to mitigate these risks, avoid driving in rural areas after dark or travelling unaccompanied, keep car windows rolled up, and remain aware of your surroundings. Travelers should use only transportation arranged through their host or official taxis arranged through their hotel. Travelers should not self-drive, use public transportation, or hail taxis from the street.
With the increase in global religious conflict, it is good to note that Ghana has an excellent history of religious tolerance and inclusion. The country is approximately 70% Christian, followed by Muslim and Traditionalist religions. It is likely that when you go to villages you will see Christians, Traditionalists and Muslims living and working side-by-side. Clashes between political and ethnic groups can occur in Ghana, but these conflicts are typically localized and do not pose a risk to travelers. Protests against government policies, especially ahead of elections, are common in Ghana and are legally permitted under the constitution. Demonstrations are mostly peaceful, and it is rare for them to become violent. That said, all travelers should avoid any protests and demonstrations that may occur.
If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, Ghanaian locals and previous International travelers vouch for the following accommodations, restaurants and sights:
Near Cape Coast (Central Region)
Places to stay:
Places to visit:
Near Accra and Osu
Places to stay:
Places to visit:
Places to eat:
Near (or on the way to) Ho
Places to Eat:
Places to visit:
Toiletries
Clothing
Note: It is very hot and humid in Ghana – all clothing should be designed to dry quickly
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