EXPENSES WITHIN GHANA:
We recommend that you take about $900.00 US to cover your campaign expenses and personal spending. It is best to take NEW $100.00 bills so the best exchange rate may be secured in Ghana. Please make sure these are the NEW $100.00 bills as the foreign exchanges will no longer accept the old ones.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that the contents of this web page DO NOT replace your own responsibility for your health and safety while in Ghana. Please consult your own personal physician about any health issues you may have, and realize that the health delivery system in Ghana is not like what is available in the USA. If you run out of your medications while in Ghana, you may not be able to find such prescriptions in Ghana. In my opinion, you should not go to Ghana if you have a serious, uncontrolled illness or serious family problems. These problems will inevitably cause problems for the whole mission team. In addition, Africa is a volatile place, and violent conflicts can suddenly explode while you are there. Elections can be especially dangerous times. Although Ghana has had relative peace for many years, there have been repeated tribal conflicts in the Northern Region during the last 50 years that have claimed many lives. Therefore, you must inform yourself about the health and safety realities in Ghana, and make your own decisions accordingly.
REQUIRED: PASSPORT, VISA, IMMUNIZATIONS, MALARIA MEDICATIONS:
You will need a passport, and this often can be obtained through your Post Office. If you have never had a passport, you will need to apply in person. If you need to renew your passport, you may be able do this by mail. Details regarding passports and applications that can be downloaded can be found at the following webpage:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html .
You will also need a Ghanaian Visa. The details can be found and the most recent visa application form can be found at the following webpage:
http://www.ghanaembassy.org/
Then click on the Visa tab.
You must have a Ghanaian Visa to enter Ghana.
You also will need to update your immunizations. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required by the Ghanaian government in order to secure a Visa. In addition, there is a risk of contacting Malaria in all areas in Ghana, and Chloroquine resistance has been confirmed. You will need to take pills in order to prevent Malaria infection. Your alternatives for Ghana are Mefloquine (Larium™), Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™), or Doxycycline. Please check with your physician regarding which of these medications is best for you. Please also check with your physician regarding which routine immunizations you may need to have updated. You should especially ask your physician about your possible need for tetanus booster, influenza (including H1N1), and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Please remember that Ghana, especially in the northern areas, is in the "meningitis belt." If you have not had a vaccination to decrease your risk for meningitis, please discuss this with your physician. If you plan on any activities that could expose you to secretions such as wound dressings, etc., it is imperative that you have the Hepatitis B vaccination series as well.
IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES:
The Centers for Disease Control website has a tremendous amount of information regarding foreign travel. They cover Vaccine recommendations, Yellow fever and Malaria information, Disease-specific recommendations, Health hints, Geographic distribution of potential health hazards, and Travelers with special needs. Their web page address is as follows: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Please study this web page closely so you will be familiar with the many potential health hazards that are present in this area of Africa. I strongly recommend that you visit this site and read the information on West Africa carefully. The World Health Organization also has information regarding Ghana at http://www.who.int/countries/gha/en/.
Another helpful webpage is http://www.travelhealthhelp.com/. This is one of the few places where you can order a treated mosquito bed NET. The newer type now can protect from mosquitoes for up to 5 years. When you leave Africa, remember that leaving your mosquito net there is a wonderful gift for mothers with babies as this will help prevent malaria. Remember that malaria is a big killer of children in Africa. This webpage has other useful information also. Please remember your DEET protection to repel mosquitoes that may carry malaria. DEET is the only chemical proven to repel mosquitoes for any significant period of time. Some DEET preparations last for many hours and I recommend you consider this.
Also, the U.S. Department of State has a Bureau of Consular Affairs that gives you updated warnings on any nation in the world. You can sign up with this agency so that they will provide you with any warnings by email or by phone when you are in Ghana. You can find this at the following web page: http://travel.state.gov/ . You can also consult a number of on-line Ghanaian newspapers at the following web page: http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/ghana.htm. Remember, your health and your safety issues are your responsibilities.
MISC.:
Please click on the following links to explore the Packing List suggestions, as well as Orientation to Ghanaian Culture.