CUCG RECEPTION BOOKLET 14.15
HEY AIESEC! Greetings from AIESEC CUCG.
As you are reading this then you most probably have decided to partake in a volunteering programme with AIESEC, and you have also decided to come to Ghana, West Africa to do so. Kudos to you. The joy acquired from volunteering is one that can help inspire you as you go through this amazing journey we call life.
This reception booklet is basically an information hub, to help provide you with all the facts about Ghana, AIESEC CUCG and other relevant information which would help make your stay with us truly a remarkable and memorable one. Brace yourself, you are in for quite the ride!!!!!
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TABLE OF CONTENT -
Map of Ghana About Ghana; Basic Information Culture About Sunyani and CUCG Mode of Transport Finances Intern House Health Information Security Travel Information Arrival
CUCG
ABOUT GHANA; BASIC INFORMATION
Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana is one of 18
Climate
countries in Western Africa and among the 15 recognized states of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Ghana is a constitutional democracy made up of ten administrative regions with a population of approximately 27 million people as at 2014. Ghana gained independence on the 6th of March 1957 and became a Republic on the 1st of July 1960.
Ghana’s climate is one described as tropical and has two main seasons: the Wet Season and the Dry Season
Ghana’s varied geography consists of woodlands, savannas, forests, a coastal line, cave systems, mountains, estuaries, springs, wildlife parks and natural reserves. In terms of export, Ghana is one of the world’s largest gold and diamond producers. Ghana is a regional power in West Africa and on the continent Africa, a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a member of ECOWAS and the Group of 24(G24)
Basic Facts
Ghana is considered to be a very religious nation. She is largely a Christian country although there is a considerable number of Muslims as the minority. Traditional beliefs are also practiced. RELIGION Christianity Muslim Traditional None Other
2010 CENSUS 71.2% 17.6% 5.2% 5.2% 0.85
Language km2
Area
238,535
Population
27 million (2014 estimate)
GDP (nominal)
Per Capita $1,902
Currency
Ghana Cedi (GH₵)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC +0)
Calling code
+233
Internet TLD
.gh
CUCG
Religion
/ 92,099 sq mi
There are over one hundred ethic languages spoken in Ghana, however the most common one spoken is Twi. English is the official language of the country. The English proficiency however of the citizenry varies from fluent to pidgin to none at all. English is the official language of AIESEC, as such, all participants and members of AIESEC are required to understand and speak basic English. AIESEC CUCG encourages both members and interns to speak English for easier communication and promotion of understanding. Throughout your stay your English proficiency would be improved significantly.
CUCG
CULTURE Culture is the way of life of a group of people and the Ghanaian culture is one that you would truly admire.
Ghanaian Cuisine The dishes of Ghana are mainly organized around a starchy staple food which normally is accompanied by a sauce or soup with a protein source. Most Ghanaian dishes are quite spicy for the average person but one can easily get accustomed to it. However, there is always the option for some meals to order with no spices. The option of vegan meals is not as easy to come by, however, the easiest option is to order for a meal without meat. Soya milk, fresh vegetables are readily available and can be used to supplement. Food vendors are numerous in Ghana as well as restaurants though the former is more predominant. Snacks are readily available at mini supermarkets and shops. Portable drinking water in plastic bottles and water pouches are safe for drinking and available everywhere. Traditional Clothing There are quite a number of ethnic groups in the country all having their own individual cloth. The most well-known among them is the Kente Cloth. Kente is the most famous of all the Ghanaian cloths. There are numerous other cloths all with different designs and make. Dance and Music Music is very popular here in Ghana with many varies between all the different ethnic groups and regions. The genre of music took a huge turn in the 1990s when a new one was created by the youth called HIPLIFE. Ghanaian artiste of international fame include Sarkodie, Fuse O. D .G, Sway, R 2 Bees among others. Of course where there is music there is dance as well. Popular Ghanaian dance moves include Azonto, Al-Qaeda among others. Trust me, you would want to learn how to dance all of these.
ABOUT SUNYANI AND CUCG Sunyani is a city and the capital of the Brong-Ahafo Region in Ghana. Sunyani is the 5th largest city in Ghana and home to the Catholic University College of Ghana. The location of Sunyani makes it easy to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables and at a relatively cheaper price. The city is a relatively calm place with a few beautiful sceneries.
There are banks, hospitals, postal services and other basic facilities that would make your stay a memorable one.
The Catholic University College of Ghana (CUCG), is a private university found in Fiapre Sunyani. It was established in March 2003 and has been in operation ever since providing degrees in various fields for the citizenry. AIESEC CUCG is the local committee which operates here and has been in existence since March 2012. The university is a 15 minute drive from the LC house, which is where you and other amazing individuals would be staying.
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION The mode of transportation in Ghana is pretty much the same everywhere except for the fact that more people in Ghana patronize the road network seeing as it is relatively cheaper as compared to the other modes.
Ghana has one International Airport, the Kotoka International Airport which receives both domestic and international flights. There are however four domestic airports which are located in Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale and Takoradi.
Most movement within the country is mainly by road. The most common modes are by taxi, private car, mini bus locally called “tro-tro� and by bigger buses for longer journeys.
FINANCE
CUCG
GHANA is a peaceful and safe country, however it would be best to have your money stored up in a bank. Ghana has a number of banks and financial institutions to aid in that. The common banks in Ghana include Ghana
Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered, Barclays, Zenith, Ecobank, UT bank, Société Générale Social Security Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, UBA, Access Bank, Stanbic Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank). The banks available in Sunyani are Barclays, Zenith, Ecobank, Ghana Commercial Bank, Fidelity Bank and Agricultural Development Bank. Each of these banks have ATM services which support such as VISA, MasterCard
and American Express. For security reasons it would be best to have your money stored up in a ban and withdraw when necessary. There are also various exchange points / Forex Bureaus to help facilitate the exchange of money. The commonly changed money in the country include the Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Euro and Naira. Other currencies are available but it would be best to have either of the above for easier transaction.
INTERN HOUSE
AIESEC CUCG is happy to be able to provide you with that unique experience of living under one roof with other interns from different parts of the world. We believe that in addition to the exchange experience, living together with different individuals would also enhance one’s understand of different cultures as well as promote more cultural integration and cordiality among interns and members of AIESEC CUCG. Electricity in Ghana The voltage is between 220v – 2240v. Plugs in Ghana are the same as those used in Great Britain (large 3 pin). One can plug directly into the mains but getting an adapter to plug your laptop into the power outlet would be ideal. They are widely available from large and small shops. The power grid is unreliable in many developing countries such as Ghana but it is not a rampant occurrence. English, being the official language of AIESEC, is also the language we encourage interns to speak to help in the whole integration and cordial living process. There are 6 bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, a hall and a porch. There is water and electricity. Water sometimes is turned off from the main station but we make efforts to ensure there is always water for interns. Wi-Fi is also available in the house. Room allocations are done so as to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy. The intern house is 10 minutes away from town and a maximum of 30 minutes away from the furthest site we run our projects.
WHAT TO PACK Appropriate everyday clothing (Generally hot) Smart – casual for attending meetings Boys: collared shirts, long trousers and smart shoes Girls: skirt below the knee, flatsoled shoes, long trousers A mosquito net, sleeping cloth and pillow A towel Swimming Costume Toilettries (conditioner, shampooo, perfume among others) Mobile phone (you would be assissted in getting a SIM Card in Ghana)
Laptop, headsets and any other electrical applicances to make you feel comfortable. Country’s flag and other souvenirs for show and exhibition in the house. An AIESEC shirt from your home LC (Optional) Photocopy of important documents Passport, Ghana Visa, Flight details, travel insurance policy. Yellow Fever Certificate
CUCG
HEALTH INFORMATION
Ghana is found in the tropics and as such the hot climate may be unfavourable for some who have never experienced such conditions before. MALARIA This is one of the most common diseases and is carried by the mosquito. Malaria can be easily treated within 3 – 5 days with malaria drugs, rest and healthy eating but one must do well not to get infected seeing as it can be potentially fatal if left untreated for a long period. Malaria preventive drugs are also available here locally and well as in your respective countries. Kindly contact your various doctors for the best recommended one. Mosquito and insect repellants also help.
DIARRHOEA It is likely that you will experience some form of diarrhoea during your stay. You should be aware that this is a normal part of travelling, and usually occurs because your body is not immune to the local bacteria. While it is uncomfortable and irritating, it shouldn't get in the way of you having fun and enjoying your Ghanaian experience! Treatment for sustained diarrhea is best found in Ghana.
SUN SAFETY Ghana is in the tropics, as such the Sun is far stronger here than it is in other parts of the world. Those prone to sun burn and sun stroke should come prepared - as a general rule, the whiter your skin, the higher the effect from the sun on you. Kindly come along with your sunscreen.
In general, Ghana is an incredibly safe country to live, work and travel in. Ghanaians are very honest and helpful, and generally don't try to take tourists 'for a ride'. Nonetheless, to avoid any misunderstandings you must be a street wise and take necessary precautions - don't flash expensive technology or huge wads of cash around; guard your pockets in busy markets; don't walk around very late at night on your own. These guidelines apply especially to girls - even during broad daylight you may find some men keen just to touch your arm, in particular if you are non-African. Try to ignore it as best you can.
It must be said that Ghanaians are not used to the sight of non-African people. Children become very excited at seeing non-Africans walking past, and they and some adults will shout 'obruni' at you as pass.
This means 'foreigner' and is usually meant inoffensively - often they are simply curious to see humans that look differently to themselves.
Even so, looking different cannot help but attract attention, and non-African people are perceived as wealthy - so be aware thieves may think you're a target simply based on how you look.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
CUCG
Visitors coming to Ghana must obtain a visa from any of the Ghanaian diplomatic missions unless they come from either one of the below 24 countries or territories that are either 90 Days maximum visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a 30 Days maximum visa on arrival.
Visa Exemption Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde
Côte d'Ivoire Gambia Guinea
Guinea-Bissau Kenya Liberia
Mali Niger Nigeria
Senegal Sierra Leone Singapore
Swaziland Togo
Visa on Arrival Lesotho
Malawi
Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
Zimbabwe
Those who would need a visa are advised to request for a tourist visa. The cost of these visa’s range from between $50 to $200 depending on the country you are coming from. Some countries also do the visa processing at the airport in Accra.
International Airlines Below are a list of airlines that frequent Ghana. British Airways Kenya Airways TAP Portugal
Delta Airlines KLM Tunisair
Egypt Air Emirates Lufthansa Middle East Airlines Turkish Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Royal Air Maroc
Iberia South African Airways
International Bus Services From: Nigeria, Benin ABC Transport, CHISCO Cross Country
From: Togo ABC Transport Buses from the border are available as well
From: Burkina Faso Imperial Express
From: Côte d'Ivoire STC
The above are the most come ones patronized by past interns. There may be others seeing as the transport business is a growing one.
WHOOOOOOOOOOOP WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Most interns arrive into Ghana via Accra by air at Kotoka International Airport or by road at the station of the bus service they took. Upon arrival you would be picked up by an AIESEC member. From here, interns will be taken to the VIP Bus Station, where you'll take a bus from Accra to Sunyani. The journey would last for between 6 – 7 hours. Your destination is the VIP Sunyani Bus Station where you will be met by another AIESEC member and be shown to the LC House. Occasionally you will stay the night in Accra before continuing to Sunyani, but you will be informed of this by whomever picks you up at the airport or bus station.
Much of this information may look very serious and it may look like your time in Ghana will be difficult and uncomfortable - we assure you that most people have an amazing experience here! With most of travelling, you get out what you put in - make an effort to try local things, get involve and keep a positive attitude, and you'll find the fun and enjoyment will come to you. In our experience, people who come underprepared mentally are those who then don't enjoy fitting in to a new culture. This guide is here to help you prepare mentally for your internship - we wish you the best of luck and are looking forward to welcoming you to AIESEC CUCG.
Akwaaba!
LC CONTACTS Kweku Boatin Local Committee President 14.15 +233249292589 kweku.boatin@aiesec.net
Andrew Awadey Local Committee Vice President iGCDP 14.15
+233541611860 andrew.awadey@aiesec.net Visit us: FACEBOOK PAGE AND GROUP AIESEC CUCG Page, AIESEC CUCG Group.