Language Diversity Conference/Logistics

Travel Sheet

Please ensure you check your country's guidance about travel to Ghana, including vaccines and other recommendations.

Currency

Ghana’s official currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).

Mobile money is widely used for both small and large payments across the country. The most popular services include MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), Telecel Cash, and AirtelTigo Money. To use mobile money, you will need a local SIM card, available from major providers such as MTN Ghana, Telecel, or AirtelTigo. You can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport or at any official store. Don’t forget to bring your passport, as it’s required for SIM registration.

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and major shops. However, it is advisable to keep cash or mobile money for smaller purchases, as many local vendors and markets do not accept cards. ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available in Accra.

Climate

Accra experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine, but humidity can be relatively high, especially near the coast.

Average High Temperature: 31°C (88°F)

Average Low Temperature: 25°C (77°F)

Rainfall: Accra has two rainy seasons, April to June (major) and September to October (minor) , with short rains possible outside these months.

What to Pack

Accra’s warm tropical climate means you can pack light and stay comfortable throughout your stay. Here are some essentials to consider bringing:

Lightweight clothing for warm days (e.g., t-shirts, light dresses, or cotton shirts)

A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned venues

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the city and conference venue

Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the tropical sun

A universal power adapter (Ghana uses Type D and G plugs, 230V supply)

Mosquito repellent to prevent bites, especially during evenings

A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the conference

Optional: Traditional or cultural attire if you’d like to participate in cultural or networking evenings

Things to Bring

Sweets to share! (Be mindful of allergies!).
Postcards to write or share.
Stickers or badges to share and swap.
Chargers and adapters.
Light clothes!
Comfy shoes!
Reusable water bottle to fill at breakfast and during the day.
Cap or hat.
Camera/good phone for documenting.

Getting to Accra

By Air: Accra is served by the Kotoka International Airport (ACC), Ghana’s main international gateway, located just about 15 minutes from the city center. The airport receives daily flights from major global and regional airlines, including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Africa World Airlines.

By Land: For those traveling from neighboring West African countries, several intercity bus services connect Accra with cities such as Lomé (Togo), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), and Cotonou (Benin). Popular long-distance bus companies include STC (State Transport Corporation), VIP Jeoun, and Intercity STC Coaches.

Transportation

Safety Tips

Avoid displaying valuables in public.
Only use online-hailing taxis.
Be cautious when exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods, consult locals or your hotel for advice.
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Contact Information

Emergency Services: Dial 999 or 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Conference Help Desk: A help desk and Trust & Safety volunteers will be available at the venue.

Local Embassy: Keep your embassy’s contact details handy in case of emergencies.

Venue

Visa and Travel Requirements

Ghana offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for citizens of ECOWAS member states and a few other eligible countries.

Travelers from other countries are required to obtain a visa before arrival, which can be applied for through the nearest Ghanaian embassy or high commission.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and contain at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Vaccinations and Health

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers from endemic regions. You need to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from an endemic region. The certificate needs to be obtained at least 10 to 15 days before departure. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when returning from Ghana. Please consult your local authorities for specific requirements.

Additionally, you can confirm that your routine vaccinations are up to date, including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and if you’re planning wildlife activities, consider Rabies as well.

Countries with risk for yellow fever virus transmission

Angola	Colombia	Ghana
Argentina	Congo, Republic of	Guinea
Benin	Côte d’Ivoire	Guinea-Bissau
Bolivia	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Guyana
Brazil	Ecuador	Kenya
Burkina Faso	Equatorial Guinea	Liberia
Burundi	Ethiopia	Mali
Cameroon	French Guiana	Mauritania
Central African Republic	Gabon	Niger
Chad	The Gambia	Nigeria
Panama	South Sudan	Uganda
Paraguay	Sudan	Venezuela
Peru	Suriname
Senegal	Togo
Sierra Leone	Trinidad and Tobago

Source: WHO list as of November 2022