Ghana
Generally, Ghanaian business customs are similar to those in Europe and North America, but are a bit more formal. Most Ghanaian businessmen wear business suits during working hours, but resort to traditional attire for social functions. Many businesswomen often wear African attire during business hours and for social functions as well. Lightweight summer clothing is appropriate year round and the use of an umbrella is essential during the June to August rainy season, although Accra gets less rain than most parts of the country.
English is the official language and it is used in most business transactions. Most urban Ghanaians speak some English. Through some favors, which may seem normal in Ghana, it is quite easy to make friends in Ghana who could facilitate business transactions. This behavior in some cases goes beyond proper business ethics and may amount to bribery.
With the exception of high-ranking officials such as government ministers, it is relatively easy to arrange calls on local businessmen and government officials. Through its Gold Key Service the FCS can arrange appointments upon request. Business cards are widely used. They range from the simple: black and white, standard 2" x 3.5" cards, to colorful: oversized, multi-colored cards with fancy logos.
In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from questionable transactions involving gold and other precious metals. The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these natural resources. All agents must be licensed and all transactions must be certified. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday and 0830-1200 Saturday.
Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. U.S. travelers have reported instances of these types of theft in crowded market areas, beaches and parks, and at tourist attractions. Travelers who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime.
Foreign nationals are expected to carry documentation of their status, such as a passport and visa.
Hotels in Accra range from 1-star to 5-star. The quality of hotel accommodations in other cities also varies widely. The hotels most used by business travelers are:
Accra Novotel Hotel, Independence Road, Tel: 667546, Fax: 667533, E-mail: novotel@ghana.com
Labadi Beach Hotel, Labadi Road, Tel: 772501/772507/774502, Fax: 772520, E-mail: labadi@ghana.com
Shangri-La, Liberation Road, Tel: 777500/776993/4, Fax: 774873, E-mail: shangri.com.gh
Wangara Hotel, Labone, Tel: 772723/772525/779250-2/772585/6, Fax: 772438, E-mail: wangara@africaonline.com.gh
Other less expensive but adequate hotels are also available in Accra.
Telephone IDD service has recently become available to major cities. Country code: 233. Outgoing international code: 00. Rehabilitation and modernization are still in progress. Ghana has about 100,000 telephone lines. Currently, services are provided by Ghana Telecom Limited and three mobile cellular phone operators. Several privately owned communication centers that provide pay phone services are found in all major cities. Prepaid calling cards for both local and international calls can be purchased from travel agents, post offices, and gas stations. There is a 24-hour fax service in Accra.
Ghana is now on line. Three Internet service providers (ISPs) offer a full range of on-line services. NCS (Network Computer Systems - (tel. 238218,225472); AfricaOnline (, tel. 226802); and Internet Ghana (tel. 227654, 232881).
The electric current is 230 volts, 50 cycles. Electric equipment used is 220v/240v. Single phase, 3-pin plugs are used in larger buildings. Older buildings have 2-pin plugs. Light bulbs are of the bayonet type.
220 volts AC, 50Hz; usually three-pin plugs. Single phase three-pin plugs are used in larger buildings. Older buildings have two-pin plugs. Light bulbs are of the bayonet type.
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International food is available in most large hotels and many restaurants serve a range of local traditional foods. In Accra there are also restaurants serving Middle Eastern, Chinese, French and other European cuisine.National specialties:
• Kenkey, hot peppers and fried fish, eaten mostly in the Accra region.
• On the coast, prawns and other seafood are popular.
• Akyeke, cassava couscous served with avocado.
• Fufu, pounded cassava beans, yam, plantain or rice, usually accompanies traditional soups (palmnut,
groundnut), Kontomere and Okro (stews).
• Fante fante, popular in the central regions is a palm oil stew with small fish.
• Akrantee, bushmeat.
• Green green snails.
• Nkontomire, yam leaf soup.National drinks:
• Pito is a beer brewed in the Northern region made from millet.
• Zom koom, toasted millet flour in water.
• Palm wine.
• Coconut juice.Tipping:
Tipping is permitted, it is not usually included in the bill.Nightlife
In Accra and other major centers, there are nightclubs with Western popular music and Afro beat. Concerts can be seen at the national theater in Accra. The School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon often hosts drama, poetry and cultural dancing shows. Foreign and Ghanaian films can be seen at the Ghana Film Theater and Executive Film House in Accra.
