English is the official language and is used in most business transactions. The majority of Ghanaian businessmen wear business suits during working hours but resort to traditional attire for social functions. A few men may be found in traditional attire during business hours.
Many businesswomen often wear African attire during business hours and for social functions as well.
Lightweight summer clothing is appropriate year round and the use of an umbrella is essential during the June to August rainy season, although Accra gets less rain than many parts of the country. It is quite easy to make friends in Ghana who can facilitate business transactions. In return, they may ask you for some favor, which is normal in Ghana. This behavior in some cases goes beyond proper business ethics. U.S. business visitors have to be wary of these demands, and make it clear to any person that the U.S. government not only frowns upon such acts but considers them illegal, according to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1997.