Information and Travel Notes

XXIII AETFAT CONGRESS 2025 ACCRA, GHANA

(VISA/HEALTH REQUIREMENTS/ADVICE FOR VISITORS TO GHANA)

 

Dear participant, WELCOME to the XXIII AETFAT CONGRESS and 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION to be held in Accra from August 3 – 8, 2025. Participants are encouraged to read this carefully to stay informed and to facilitate a delightful and memorable stay in Accra.

 

  1. Country Information: Ghana, located in West Africa, is known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. It was the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. The capital city is Accra, and the currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHS). Ghana's economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and services.

  2. Languages: English is the official language and widely spoken. Local languages like Akan, Ewe, Ga, and Dagbani are also prevalent, reflecting Ghana's rich cultural diversity.
     

  3. Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

     

  4. Security Level: Very safe and is politically stable, but travellers should remain cautious, especially in crowded areas and when making financial transactions.
     

  5. The Primary Emergency Number is 112, which can be used to contact the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance services. Other emergency numbers include 191 for the Police, 192 for the Fire Service, and 193 for the Ambulance service.

 

  1. Weather: In August, Ghana experiences warm to very warm temperatures, ranging from 25°C in Accra along the coast to 30°C in Navorongo in the North. Rainfall varies, with moderate levels in Accra and heavier precipitation in regions like Hohoe and Axim. The southern regions may see the onset of the second rainy season, while the north continues its single rainy season.

 

  1. Transport: Ghana offers diverse transportation options, including:

  • Road Transport: Trotros (minibuses), taxis, and ride-hailing services like Uber, Yango, Bolt etc. for city travel are the most common.

  • Intercity Buses: Reliable for long-distance travel between major cities.

  • Rail Transport: Very limited but undergoing development.

  • Air Travel: Domestic flights connect key cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.

  • Water Transport: Ferries operate on Lake Volta.

  1. Dress Code

  • Light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen is recommended due to a generally hot and humid tropical climate experienced in August in Ghana.
  • Smart casual wear is widely accepted in most professional settings.
  • Traditional wear is often worn for formal gatherings and cultural events.

 

  1. Utilities & Connectivity

  • Electricity: Ghana operates on 230V supply with Type D & G plugs. Power outages occur occasionally, so hotels often have backup generators. Keep your phone battery charged to ensure the connectivity or carry a power bank if you have one.

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  • Wi-Fi & Internet: Available in most hotels, restaurants, and business centres. Major providers include MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and Airtel Tigo.

 

  • Water Supply: Clean drinking water is available, but bottled or filtered water is recommended for visitors.

 

  1. Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana:

    Location: Accra, Greater Accra Region

IATA Code: ACC

Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0)

Operator: Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL)

Facilities: Two passenger terminals—Terminal 2 for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international flights. 

 

  1. What to Bring Along

  2. Any prescribed medication e.g.: anti-histamines, blood pressure control, vitamins and supplements.

  3. Walking/field gear e.g.: comfortable walking shoes, safety boots, sunglasses, binoculars. 

  4. Transportation arrangements (if extending stay in Ghana to visit additional biodiversity hotspots after the congress). Keep the AETFAT secretariat informed in this instance.
  5. Travel with health insurance documents: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential evacuations. Bring your health insurance card and copies of claim forms.
  6. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at Banking Facilities at the Airport and other parts of the city of Accra .

NB: It is also recommended to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.

 

  1. Visa Arrangements

Participants are advised to verify in their home country or country of residence if they require visa to enter Ghana. If you require a visa visit the Ghana mission in your country of residence and apply for a visa.

Participants should request for a letter of invitation for visa purposes from the AETFAT Secretariat. Please provide your name as in your passport and the bio-page of your passport. Participants are advised to apply for their visas well ahead of time.

Visa on arrivalis only available to visitors with no Ghana High Commission of Embassies in their home country.

Participants are advised to apply for their visa on arrival well ahead of time. – 200 US dollars for Visa on arrival in case of people with no Ghana High Commissions or Embassies, a visa on arrival will be issued at Kotoka International Airport. Participants who require visa on arrival must apply through the AETFAT Secretariat NOT later than 30th June 2025 by providing the Biodata page of their Passports and the required fee. It takes at least two weeks to process such visas. 

Participants from ECOWAS countries do not need visa to enter Ghana. Due to trade and other agreements some nationalities (including some countries in Africa) do not require a visa when travelling to Ghana and as such all participants are encouraged check the visa requirements before applying by following this link: https://www.passportindex.org/

  1. Health information 

Required:

  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged 9 months or older entering Ghana.

 

Recommended:

  • Malaria Prevention: Travelers should take malaria prevention medication, as Ghana is a malaria-risk area. Consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate medication and timing for your trip. 

  • Mosquito Bite Prevention: Take steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the evenings and nights. 

 

Health Facilities around University of Ghana Legon Campus and Environs: 

  • Around the University of Ghana, Legon, you'll find: the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), a modern, quaternary-level medical facility offering a wide range of services, and the University Hospital, Legon, which serves as a Primary Healthcare provider for the University community.

  • There is also: Achimota Hospital near GIMPA, Ghana Canada Hospital at East Legon

 

  1. Emergency Contact Numbers: of  AETFAT Organising Committee members you may call are (a) Mrs Shiela Ashong: +233(0)24 444 0476 or Mr Amoako DeGraft-Johnson +233 (0)20 815 7728