• Population: 28, 102,471 (2018). 57% of the population is below 25 years old.
• Capital: Accra
• Demographics: The most populous ethnicities are Adangbe, Akan, Akwambu, Dagomba. Religious identities are 71% Christian and 17.6% Muslim
• Type of Government: Republic
• Currency: Cedi
• Common foods: Fufu (dough with soup), jollof (rice), banku (soup), guinea fowl (similar to chicken)

The official language of Ghana is English. Twi is another common language.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

A visa is required and you should consulate the Ghana Consulate for instructions.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

It is mandated by the government of Ghana that all travelers visiting Ghana receive a Yellow Fever vaccination. You will need to provide proof of the vaccination upon entry.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that travelers receive additional medications and up-to-date vaccinations prior to entry of the country. Refer to the CDC websitee for more information.

The Center for Disease Control has recommendations against drinking the tap water. Refer to the CDC website for more information.

Phones

• Check with your cellphone provider to find out if calls and data usage in this country will be an extra charge or free.
• Country area code is +233. *You must dial the plus sign when calling residents of Ghana.
• WhatsApp is a free internet-required messaging service that is a very popular mode of communication for residents in Ghana.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Depending on your phone plan, 4G speed may not be available through out the entire country. Students will likely rely on University wifi.
• Power is known to go out often in various parts of Ghana. This re-occurrence is called Dumsor.
• 89.8% (2016) of urban areas have access to electricity.

Electricity

• Ghana uses a Type G plug, so you will need an adapter.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• ATMs are virtually everywhere, with almost all accepting Visa (Stanbic's taking MasterCard and Maestro).
• Exchange bureaus are found in most major towns.

Climate

• The climate is tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north. Surface has mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area.
• The rainy season for southern Ghana is March through mid November.

Packing

• Sun screen
• Mosquito repellent with atleast 25% Deet as the active ingredient
• Rain boots
• An empty or lightly filled bag/suitcase for bringing more items back home
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling within Ghana

• Taxis, coach bus, ferry boats
• Use Easy Track Ghana for information on how to use these modes of transportation most effectively.
• Major airports include: Accra (ACC) and Tamale (TML). Accra is the international airport.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.