Medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. In many cases there is also a lack of qualified doctors. Medical care in Accra is sufficient. The city is the seat of a regional doctor of the Foreign Office and also has some German-speaking doctors. In addition, there are English-speaking specialists from almost all disciplines. Plannable operations should only be carried out in Europe. In emergencies, individual private clinics come into consideration, in severe cases the cardiothoracic surgery department of the Korle-Bu University Hospital in Accra or, in the case of accidental injuries, the 37 Military Hospital. a sufficient, Health insurance coverage valid in Ghana and reliable repatriation insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit under the advice of a doctor should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] According to the WHO, Ghana is a country with yellow fever infection areas (Upper West Region, Upper East Region). A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers. Exceptions are children under the age of 1 and transit passengers who do not leave the airport in Ghana. [2] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement, the risk of infection is low, but currently increasing. The Upper East District (border area to Burkina Faso), Accra and Kumasi are affected. To protect oneself, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Year-round protection against malaria required in all parts of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum (85%) is said to be resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
Food and drink
Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized or bought packaged before drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Unpasteurized milk should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Dairy products made from unboiled milk should not be consumed. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Hepatitis A is widespread, hepatitis B is endemic. Vaccination against hepatitis A is generally recommended, against hepatitis B for long-term stays and in cases of special exposure. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Lassa fever, which is transmitted by small rodents, occurs in isolated cases, but can be avoided by careful food and drinking water hygiene. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur mainly in the north between December and April. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. For backpackers, kids, Vaccination is recommended for occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents.
Money
Currency
1 Ghanaian cedi = 100 pesewas. Currency code: GHc, GHS (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 GHc; Coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesewas and 1 cedi.
Credit cards
All major credit cards, notably Visa, are accepted by leading hotels, banks and a few shops. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. Since there is increasing abuse and copying of credit cards when withdrawing money from ATMs, money transfer via Western Union Bank is a safe alternative.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in Accra and, more rarely, in other cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Ghana.
Bank opening hours
General Mon-Fri 08.00-16.00, Sat 08.00-15.00 (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is not permitted. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation (special form). The export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts (proof and note of exchange on the declaration receipt received upon entry required).
Currency Exchange
The new cedi is pegged to the US dollar, but is frequently devalued. It is recommended to bring cash in euros, US dollars or British pounds. Currency can be exchanged in banks, forex offices or at the reception of large hotels. Forex bureaus usually have the cheapest rates. The exchange rate for cash is better than travelers cheques.
