Getting here and advice about your stay

AND ADVICE ABOUT YOUR STAY HERE GETTING

Getting here and advice about your stay

Entry rules in response to coronavirus Due to COVID-19, Ghana’s entry requirements are constantly being changed and updated in order to be in line with the country's guidelines during the pandemic. For more information see guidance from the FCDO at: https:// www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ghana/ entry-requirements and https://www.gov.uk /foreign-travel-advice/ghana/coronavirus, for up-to-date guidelines for entering Ghana.

Entry requirements

Visas As a British passport holder, you will need a visa in order to enter Ghana. Should you require further information, contact the Ghana High Commission in London, at: https://www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com/ contactus.aspx. Ensure that you are aware of the number of days stamped into your passport by the Ghanaian Immigration Service (https://home.gis.gov.gh/), regardless of the validity of your visa.

Overstaying without the appropriate authority may lead to detention or you may be refused permission to exit Ghana until you have paid a fine.

Dual nationality Dual nationality is recognised in Ghana. In order to avoid visa fees, Ghanaian-British nationals should register with the Ministry of the Interior in Ghana and obtain a Dual Nationality card. Should you show this card at any point of entry into the country, a visa will not be required. Visit Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior website here: https://www.mint.gov.gh/ for more information.

Passport validity Ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your date of entry into Ghana.

UK Emergency Travel Documents UK Emergency Travel Documents are valid for exit from Ghana. However, ETDs are not accepted for entry or transit through Ghana.

Yellow fever certificate requirements Visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/89/ ghana#Vaccine_recommendations to check whether you need a yellow fever certificate.

Volunteering If you are planning to travel to Ghana to work with a volunteer programme or for work experience then you should make yourself fully aware of any terms and conditions that apply to your stay. Ensure that the company you intend to work for is reputable before you commit to travelling.

Residents If you live in Ghana then you should make sure to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana and get a non-citizen GhanaCard, see: https://nia.gov.gh/. This applies to:

• foreign nationals who are permanent residents in the country

• foreign nationals who are resident in the country for 90 days or more in any calendar year

• foreign nationals who are 6 years old or older

You need a non-citizen GhanaCard in order to apply for a residence permit, for admission into Ghanaian educational institutions, for financial transactions including opening a bank account, paying taxes, registering sim cards and applying for public and/or government services, facilities approvals and permissions. You can complete the registration process at:

National Identification Authority Tetteh Quarshie Near Gulf House Accra Telephone: +233 (0) 302218080

Ghana Immigration Service (off Ako Adjei Overpass) Independence Avenue Accra Telephone: +233 (0) 302258250

VFS Global 9 Kakramada Road Cantonments Accra Telephone: +233 (0) 302746212

There are some branches of CAL bank that will also provide this registration service. Ask your local CAL bank branch if they can help you.

Should you fail to obtain a non-citizen GhanaCard, it will be considered a criminal breach. For more information on obtaining a non-citizen GhanaCard, visit the National Identification Authority website at: https://nia.gov.gh.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk] Money

In large towns, ATMs can be found readily, and will accept the majority of UK cards. Many hotels, guesthouses and certain shops in Ghana will accept credit cards, although often Mastercard is not accepted.

Credit card fraud is a frequently perpetuated crime in Ghana.

Be careful when using your cards in Ghana, and make sure you have contacted your card issuer before doing so as they may put a block on your account.

You may exchange travellers’ cheques in large hotels, banks and bureaux de change. However, travellers’ cheques from some UK banks are not accepted. Ensure that you check with your bank prior to departure.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk]

Local laws and customs

Ghana is a deeply religious, conservative country. Although many people also hold progressive and modern beliefs, it is important that you show respect for traditional moral values.

Ensure that if you are out in public, you are dressed modestly.

Wearing military clothing, including camouflage, is forbidden in Ghana.

Avoid becoming involved in drugs in any way. Ghana has severe penalties for drug-related offences. Even possessing small amounts of marijuana can result in prison sentences of over five years, and can involve a long and

costly legal process. It is not common for bail to be granted.

Class A drugs such as cocaine are often laced with other substances and foreign visitors including British nationals have died after having taken these drugs.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times and ensure that the original is stored somewhere safe.

In Ghana, they do not tolerate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Homosexual acts are not tolerated in Ghana and you could face a custodial sentence of between three and 25 years.

Homophobia against the LGBT community can be encouraged by anti-LGBT hate speech perpetuated by religious leaders and government officials, on top of encouragement from a local media that often sensationalises homosexuality. A small gay community does exist, however most Ghanaians do not yet accept the existance of same-sex relationships. See the FCDO’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender foreign travel advice at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gaybisexual-and-transgender-foreign-traveladvice, before you travel.

Do not take photographs near sensitive sites such as military installations and the airport. You must ask permission before taking a photograph of a building that has on-duty guards. Be vigilant against self-appointed officials who will attempt to charge you fees for taking photos of well-known sites of interest.

Family law in Ghana is very different to that of the UK, especially the law surrounding child custody.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk] Safety and security

Political situation In the Ghanaian capital, Accra, demonstrations that occur are usually peaceful and adequately policed. Occasionally, these protests occur at short notice and can therefore cause disruption. Ensure that you remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations where possible. Monitor local media for up-to-date information and be sure to follow the advice given by local authorities.

Crime Although visits to Ghana tend to be free from trouble, criminal activity including petty crime, opportunistic crime and violent robbery, burglary and assault involving weapons does occur. Ensure that you take sensible precautions in order to protect yourself against crime. Do not carry large sums of money or valuables with you, putting them in a hotel safe where possible is advisable. Be especially careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Be careful at public beaches, and avoid visiting them alone as theft can occur, as well as isolated incidents of violent crime and sexual assault in popular tourist areas.

Whilst at the airport, ensure that your passport is always secure and do not leave your baggage unattended; theft of both luggage and travel documentation does occur at Kotoka International Airport and at hotels. All permanent airport staff wear an ID card that states their name and includes a photo. Any ID cards without a photo are not valid.

Ensure you confirm the identity of your driver by asking to see ID if you have requested to be collected from the airport. There have been incidents of British nationals being robbed by people pretending to be their drivers who have approached them before they reach the main arrivals area.

Street crime in Accra has increased. If you are visiting, be vigilant, especially during the night. Try not to travel alone and, if you can, avoid walking to and from your destination. There have been violent robberies carried out which have involved foreign nationals being attacked and robbed at gunpoint.

Petty crime in Ghana has also increased. Incidences of pick pocketing, bag snatching and opportunistic theft have occured on some roads in Accra. The predominant risk areas named by the police are: Graphic Road, George Walker Bush Highway, Accra Mall Roundabout, Awudome Cemetery Road, Pokuase-Amasaman Road, Teshie-Nungua Road, Labadi beach area and the Kokrobite beach area. Be particularly careful when in these areas. You should keep your doors locked and windows closed.

Should you be unfortunate enough to be caught up in an armed robbery, you are advised to comply with the attackers’ demands. If you are not perceived to be complying quickly or fully enough, you may be injured.

It is unlikely that an armed robbery will occur during the day as they tend to be carried out at night, you should, however, ensure you are still vigilant, driving with your doors locked. At night and before you go out you should ensure that your windows and doors are locked and your accommodation is secured. Areas used by the international community living overseas have been burgled, including Airport Residential, Cantonments, Ridge and Kokrobite.

Criminally motivated kidnapping in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi has been reported in the media, including the capture of foreign nationals. These crimes can be carried out for financial as well as political gain, or just be motivated purely by criminality. If you are kidnapped, it is unlikely that the reason for your presence in the country will serve as protection or guarantee your safe release. The stance of the British Government has long been to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners would increase the risk of further hostage taking.

Scams Scam artists in West Africa are increasingly targeting British nationals in numerous forms, for example, romance and friendship, business ventures, and work and employment opportunities. These scams can pose a great financial risk to their victims. Be vigilant, and treat with caution any job offers, requests for funds, or business ventures proposed by someone from West Africa with whom you have had only online correspondence.

You should make absolutely sure that any money you, your family or your friends send over to Ghana is not part of a scam. Thoroughly check that the person requesting the money is the one who will receive it. Ask whether the caller has reported an incident to the British High Commission Accra if someone contacts you claiming to be in distress.

If a police officer contacts you after you believe you have been scammed when sending money to Ghana, ensure that this is not just another part of the scam. It is also possible that scam artists will use the identity of officials at the British High Commission Accra, so ensure that any emails you receive that seem to be from the British High Commission are verified by contacting them at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ british-high-commission-accra#contact-us.

Local travel Occasional local Chieftaincy, land disputes and political tension have led to isolated

incidents of inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest. The most at-risk areas are the Northern, Savannah, Northeast, Oti and Volta regions. Spontaneous outbreaks of localised civil unrest can occur and may become violent. If you are in these areas, remain vigilant, be cautious and listen to the advice given by the local authorities. Local police could impose curfews in this situation in order to contain the disruption. Curfews usually run from 7pm to 5am, but you should be sure to check as times can vary. The Ministry of the Interior may put out a press release with details, check their website for up-to-date information: https://www.mint.gov.gh/.

If you are visiting the Upper West or Upper East regions, ensure that you keep up to date with developments in neighbouring countries. Check the FCDO Foreign travel advice website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/ghana for more information. Many of Ghana’s borders have no physical barriers, meaning that the security situation is susceptible to sudden changes. Make sure you take sensible precautions.

In the Upper West, Northeast, Northern and Savannah regions, be aware that flooding is common between March and November (rainy season). Ensure that you keep up to date by monitoring local weather reports, and be prepared for difficulties if you are travelling to affected areas during this period.

Road travel You are allowed to drive in Ghana if you have an International Driving Permit or a local driving licence. A UK driving licence is not valid. However, your UK driving licence must be authenticated by the UK DVLA in order for you to be able to apply for a local driving licence from the Ghana DVLA. Ensure that you carry your driving licence or your International Driving Permit with you at all times when you are driving. The International Driving Permit will normally be valid for a year and you cannot renew it in Ghana.

The quality of the roads in Ghana tends to be fairly poor. In rural areas in particular they are predominantly in bad condition. You should avoid travelling by car outside of main towns after dark as the risk of accidents and robbery increases. If you see grass or leaves strewn across the road, this commonly means that there is an accident or some other kind of hazard up ahead. Should you decide to drive at night, be aware that impromptu police checkpoints exist.

Taxi services in Ghana often offer poor levels of safety. You should also be aware that a number of isolated incidents involving crimes taking place inside a taxi, including licensed taxis, ‘Tro Tros’ and app-based taxi services, have occurred. It is recommended that you use licensed taxis if you do intend to travel by taxi and ensure that you check the driver’s ID and the condition and safety of the vehicle before you embark on your journey. You should not travel alone in a taxi after dark.

There is no central licence system for drivers and vehicles of ‘Tro-Tros’ and app-based taxi services, unlike for official taxis. Driver training and safety standards will differ from services in the UK that are similar. Do not use ‘Tro-Tro’ services outside of major towns and cities.

Air travel The FCDO are unable to provide advice about the safety of individual airlines. There is, however, a list published by the International Air Transport Association, that details registered airlines that have been audited and been found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. It is important to know that this is not an exhaustive list and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

You can find a list of recent accidents and incidents on the Aviation Safety Network's website, at: https://aviation-safety.net/. The International Civil Aviation Authority carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Ghana in 2006.

Sea travel It is known that there have been incidents of attacks against ships in and around the waters of Accra. Ensure that you are vigilant and take proper precautions.

Swimming Beaches along the southern coast of Ghana are dangerous to swim in as a result of rip tides and undertows. You should avoid getting into the sea in these areas.

Terrorism It is likely that terrorists will attempt to carry out attacks in Ghana. These attacks may be indiscriminate in nature. This includes attacks on places frequented by tourists and foreigners.

The region faces a threat from terrorist groups associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA). Both the capability and intent of this group have been proven as they have mounted attacks against security forces and civilians in several countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali. No recent attacks have taken place in Ghana, however, you should make sure that you remain vigilant, particularly in areas close to the northern border and in busy public spaces across the country, such as beach resorts, hotels, cafes, restaurants and places of worship.

Globally, there is an increased risk of terrorist attacks against UK interests and British nationals, from groups and individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. Ensure that you are vigilant.

Visit the FCDO Foreign travel advice website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduceyour-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad to find out more about global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

Kidnapping In Ghana there is a threat of kidnap from groups originating in the Sahel, including groups who may travel across the region’s porous border such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-IM) and Daesh-affiliated groups. In areas bordering Sahel, the risk of kidnap is greater than elsewhere in the country. Terrorist groups have been known to kidnap foreigners, government officials and civilians in the region for financial or political gain.

If you are engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or in business sectors, you may be seen as a legitimate target for kidnappers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence in the country is unlikely to protect you or guarantee your safe release.

The stance of the British Government has long been to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners would increase the risk of further hostage taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payment to terrorists illegal.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk]

Natural disasters

Earthquakes Ghana experiences periodic earthquakes and tremors that vary in magnitude. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, at: https://www.fema.gov/ to find out what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk] Health

Check the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s (NaTHNaC) advice on their TravelHealthPro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries at least eight weeks before travelling to Ghana. The Ghanaspecific page has information regarding vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks within the country as well as a fact sheet with information on how to stay healthy abroad. See the NHS (Scotland)’s FitForTravel website: https://www. fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx and the NHS Choices’ website at: https://www.nhs.uk/ using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/ for further information.

You can find general information about travel vaccinations, as well as a travel health checklist on the NHS website. You may want to consider contacting a health advisor or pharmacy for further information regarding preventative measures or advice on how to manage pre-existing medical conditions.

Medicines that can be used in the UK may have a different legal status and regulations in Ghana. If you plan to travel with a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, the NaTHNaC has guidance on how to travel with medication: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/ medicines-abroad. You can also contact the British High Commission Accra to get advice on the legal status of certain medication: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ british-high-commission-accra#contact-us.

Outside of major towns and cities, medical facilities tend to be of poor quality. Should you require serious medical treatment, medical evacuation will be required. Ensure that you have adequate travel health insurance as well as accessible funds to cover the cost of treatment and possible repatriation.

Isolated incidents of cholera and meningitis have been reported in Ghana. In particular there is a risk during the wet season. Ensure that you follow the advice and guidance of NaTHNaC: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ country/89/ghana#Other_risks.

Although travel is enjoyable, it can be challenging, so ensure you look after both your mental and physical health when abroad. More information regarding travelling with mental health conditions is available on the FCDO travel and mental health guidance page at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign -travel-advice-for-people-with-mentalhealth-issues or from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC): https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/85/ travelling-with-mental-health-conditions.

COVID-19 Ghana is affected by the global outbreak of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Make sure you comply with all screening measures that local authorities have put into place, see: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ ghana/coronavirus, for more information.

For more information when travelling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see the UK Government’s advice at: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-fromengland-during-coronavirus-covid-19. FCDO Foreign travel advice If you are travelling to Ghana for business, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visit overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there.

For up-to-the-minute advice please visit the FCDO Foreign travel advice pages on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice/ghana.

Travel insurance Make sure you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel, as well as accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

[Source – FCDO Foreign travel advice: Ghana, gov.uk]

Dawa – Ghana’s smart city

LMI Holdings has impacted significantly on Ghana’s economy by providing access to litigation free land and associated ancillary services to attract both local and foreign investors into the industrial and manufacturing sector in Ghana.

LMI Holding is a highly diversified Ghanaian conglomerate with a presence in the construction, land investments and development, real estate development, warehousing and logistics, utilities and ICT sectors in Ghana. Established in 1992, LMI Holdings has five subsidiaries:

• John Murphy Group – general construction and engineering • Land Holdings and Investment Group-

Land Holdings and Property Development (Dawa Industrial Zone and Tema Free

Zone Enclave) • International Warehousing and Logistics

Group • Patrick Murphy Homes- Affordable and middle-income housing. • Southern Utility Group – Electricity and water distribution, ICT/Telecoms.

With the Tema Free Zone Enclave almost full to capacity, LMI Holdings started work on the new world class 2000 acre Dawa Industrial Zone (DIZ). The DIZ is the focal point of a new 22,000 acre planned urban development initiated and completely funded by LMI Holdings. The DIZ is engaging relevant partners to establish enclaves for industries including:

• Automotive Manufacturing and assembling • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing • Garment Manufacturing • Steel Fabrication • Cement Manufacturing • Food Processing • Warehousing and logistics.

Why Locate in Dawa:

• Strategic and central location in West

Africa, providing access to the Ecowas market of over 400 million people • Designed to accommodate both Free

Zone and Non-Free Zone Enterprises • Reliability and Quality of electricity is comparable to first world levels, with over 99 percent uptime • Easy access to the Tema port by road and rail • Container Terminal and Logistics Hub • Treated water and waste-water treatment • Complementary affordable housing • Fiber broadband data facilities • Availability of Skilled and Unskilled Labour

LMI Holdings, privately funded and managed Dawa Industrial Park provides unparalleled advantages to the industrial investor.

For more information visit www.diz-ghana.com

LMI Holdings Limited, 1 EL Senoussi Street, off Independence Avenue, Ridge-Accra.

Contact numbers: +233 (0) 552030000, +233 (0) 552040000 E: enquiries@diz-ghana.com

GHANA

Ghana was one of the first countries to implement widespread liberalisation in basic telecommunications services. The country embraces technology and sees the potential to generate growth and innovation in the sector.