All about Accra & Ghana is:
To Ghana from the UK
Nostalgic photograph taken by editor of Ghana International Airlines
As good as any way (on a budget option) to get to Ghana used to be by flying with Ghana International Airline , affectionately known as " Tro Tro in the sky " which flew from Gatwick South terminal ( Tro Tros being the VW vans about 15 years or older ,and falling apart used as public transport vehicles) to Kotoka airport in Accra.
Unfortunately the airline collapsed not long after the NDC party part took over in Ghana, amongst allegations that the previous party (NPP) had been up to some dodgy dealings in subsidizing the airline.
The next best option the editor has found is to fly with Virgin Atlantic ; the flights are direct from Heathrow Airport to Accra Kotoka Arport and the prices I found were not that far off what I used to pay for tickets from Ghana International .
Of course before you can fly anywhere you need to get a Visa from the Ghana High Commission; the address of which is :104 Highgate Hill, London N6
You can download a Visa application form from the Ghana High Commission web site , which has information including general entry requirements : application form
Entrance to Ghana Embassy Highgate,London N6
Alternatively go down to the Ghana High Commission, sign in at the front desk and then grab a numbered ticket from the supermarket type ticket dispensing machines to get yourself into the quew ( there are three colours depending on what your there for- ask which one you need to take to be sure).
Make sure you take with you passport size photographs (2) & and your British Passport & start filling in the form in the queue before you are called to one of the interview cubicles.
There is road side parking in the road opposite but the last time I was there the limit is for one hour ; if your lucky you will be seen in around 45 minutes from entering the building .
Visas are issued for single or multiple entries. Mine cost me £60 for multiple entry endorsed for one year. Also they onlt like cash down there so don't rely on your credit card they will not take it .
The other thing to sort out is insurance. I have previously used Direct line ; they had a policy at covers all family members for :- Personal Possessions
- Emergency Medical Expenses Abroad
- Personal Accident
- Personal Liability
- Delayed or Missed departure
- Legal Assistance
- Loss of passport
The policy covers most of the world, for you to travel at any time , for a whole year for a premium of around £90 for two adults and one child. Check with Direct line for prices on there current number 0845 246 0489.
The editor had the unfortunate experience of testing out the policy acouple of years ago when my daughter became ill in Accra and spent several days in Korle Bu Hospital.
All went fine and my daughter made a complete recovery. The medicine payment receipts were sent to direct line and they paid without any quibble, so I can only give them the highest recommendation
Vaccinations & precautions
Diseases for which vaccinations are usually advised when travelling to Ghana are:
Diphtheria - spread through close respiratory contact.
Hepatitis A - a faecal/oral infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is very common in crowded conditions where hygiene is poor.
Poliomyelitis - spread mainly through food and water contaminated with faeces.
Tetanus - contracted through dirty cuts and scratches.
Typhoid - a systemic infection transmitted via the faecal/oral route, most commonly through ingestion of contaminated food and water. The risk is greater in areas where access to safe drinking water may be limited or food and water hygiene may be poor.
Yellow fever - spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Risk to travellers is highest in rural and jungle areas where the specific monkey host is found. Risk is lower in-cities where outbreaks rarely occur.
Technically you can be refused entry if you don't have proof of Yellow fever Inoculation via an International Certificate.
Some doctors don't do yellow fever Vaccinations ,s but your G.P can point you to a clinic that can.
Doing some research I found that Nomad travel center in Turnpike Lane,london have a qualified nurse available who can carry out vaccinations including Yellow Fever #34;in store".
- Nomad
- 3-4 Wellington Terrace
- Turnpike Lane
- London N8 0PX
- Tel: 020 8889 7014 /
0845 3104470
Useful vaccine information can be found at:
sanofi Pasteur msd
Since Malaria is widespread through out Ghana and antimalarial tablets can time time to work , it is advised that anti-malaria tablets are taken a week or more before going to Ghana.
The editors advice is to take malaria very seriously ; I have known people take the attitude that they don't like taking " medicines "but prefer to take " natural medicines like homoeopathic concoctions.
I was out in Ghana recently and briefly met a man from Germany at a school open day; about 10 days later I enquired with the headmaster how he was getting on, the reply was "he got malaria & he's dead ! "
I also have seen hospita wards full of children with Malaria
On a positive note I was out in Ghana for seven months with my partner & child under 5 , none of us got malaria and I didn't experience any side effects from the medicine (Daraprim).
For more information including anti-malaria tablets see:
Mosquitoes, Malaria & Other Nasties