From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Ghana
Date: 6 Jan 1993 11:49:39 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ghana
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Ghana - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on Ring Road East, 
P.O. Box 194, Accra, Ghana.  The telephone number is (233-21) 
77-53-47.

Country Description:  Ghana is a developing country on the west 
coast of Africa.  Facilities for tourism in Accra are available, but 
are limited in some of the more remote parts of the country.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Evidence of 
immunization for both yellow fever and cholera are also required.  
All foreign visitors who remain in Ghana for more than seven days 
must register within 48 hours of arrival with the Ghanaian 
immigration service.  For additional information, the traveler can 
contact the Embassy of Ghana, 3512 International Drive, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 686-4520.  There is also a 
Ghanaian Consulate General at 19 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 
10017, telephone (212) 832-1300.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, 
particularly outside the capital city of Accra.  Malaria is common, 
as are other tropical diseases.  Doctors and hospitals often request 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be helpful.  
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the 
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at 
(404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is 
common.  Robberies often occur in public places and at the beach.  
Information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of 
State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Import-Export Restrictions:  Ghana has strict laws on currency 
exchange, and on the import and export of gold, diamonds and other 
natural resources.  Only designated official agencies are authorized 
to handle import-export transactions.  Attempts to evade regulations 
are punishable by a three-to-seven-year prison term.  Smuggling of 
any kind is a serious crime in Ghana; airport officials have the 
authority to conduct body searches.  Currency transactions with 
private citizens are illegal.  Ghana has roadblock checkpoints where 
automobiles and sometimes passengers may be searched.  Visitors 
arriving in Ghana with electronic equipment, particularly video 
cameras and laptop computers, may be required to pay a refundable 
deposit of 17.5 per cent of the value of the item prior to entry 
into the country.  To receive a refund of the deposit, visitors must 
apply to the customs and excise office located in central Accra, 48 
hours before departure.

Prohibitions on Photography:  In some areas, possession of a camera 
is considered to be suspicious.  Individuals have been arrested for 
taking pictures near sensative installations.

Dual Nationality:  The government of Ghana does not recognize dual 
nationality except for minors under 21 years of age.  A dual 
national who enters Ghana with a Ghanaian passport will be treated 
as a Ghanaian citizen only.  If a dual national Ghanaian-American 
enters Ghana on his or her Ghanaian passport and is later arrested 
for any reason while in Ghana, the U.S. Embassy normally is not 
notified of the arrest by Ghanaian authorities. Consular assistance 
for dual U.S.-Ghana citizens is therefore limited.

Clothing Prohibitions:  The wearing of any military apparel such as 
camouflage jackets or pants or any clothing or items which may 
appear military in nature is strictly prohibited.

Tips for Travelers:  A Department of State brochure "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" contains further useful information 
regarding travel in the area.  It can be obtained from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402. 

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within Ghana.

 No. 92-145


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