Key Contacts & Emergency Numbers
Main Organising Institution: African Peace and Research Education Association (AFPREA)
Organisers Phone Numbers: +233207089309 / +233542862973 / +233508545021 / +233242505589
Emails: mbello@ucc.edu.gh /richardeshun@gmail.com /sebastianpaalo@gmail.com / lydiaamoah2003@gmail.com
Emergency Services (Ghana): +233207089309 / +233542862973 / +233508545021 / +233242505589 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
- Arrival & Travel Logistics
Flight to Accra: Participants will fly into Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. Kotoka International Airport provides a variety of services to enhance the travel experience and to ensure that all your needs are met while at the airport. These services are detailed below:
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available at Kotoka International Airport and at all official conference hotel locations.
Mobile Data: Participants are advised to check international roaming plans or data passes, or local SIM/eSIM options (e.g., MTN, Telecel) before travelling to Ghana, as mobile data upon arrival will be highly beneficial.
Financial Services
ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are available at all terminals, and currency
exchange counters can be found in the arrival and departure areas.
Banks: Some banks have branches or ATMs at the airport, providing additional financial services for travellers.
Health and Wellness
Medical Services: A fully equipped clinic is available at the airport, providing medical
assistance and emergency care if needed.
Pharmacy: Pharmacies are located within the terminals and offer medications and
health-related products.
Medical Facilities: Accra: 37 Military Hospital / Ridge Hospital/ University of Ghana Hospital
Special Assistance
Accessibility Services: Kotoka International Airport is equipped with facilities to assist passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps, elevators, and dedicated staff.
Family Services: Baby changing facilities and family rooms are available to ensure a comfortable experience for families travelling with young children.
Accra Airport Transfers: Both official airport taxis and ride-hailing apps (such as Uber and Bolt) operate reliably at Kotoka International Airport. Provided you have mobile data or access to airport Wi-Fi, using ride-hailing apps is recommended over traditional taxis because they offer upfront, fixed pricing and GPS tracking, eliminating the need to negotiate fares upon arrival.
Local Transport Options: Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate reliably in Accra. Local taxis are also available across major urban areas. In Accra, public buses and minibuses (known as tro-tros) can be used to reach the city centre and other destinations. This option is more suitable for adventurous travellers familiar with local transport.
- Health & Entry Requirements
Visas: Participants should have planned their visa applications well in advance and ideally have already received their entry visas using the official invitation letters and the AFPREA Act provided, where necessary. The link to the e-visa application in Ghana is https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/
Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for entry into Ghana and will be inspected upon arrival at immigration.
Malaria Precautions: Consult a travel health doctor well before departure regarding malaria prophylaxis. Practical measures include using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing during evenings.
Drinking Water and Food: Drink bottled water only throughout your stay. Eat foods provided to participants at the conference, hotels and other reliable venues. Participants who wish to try other foods may eat at restaurants.
- Meals will be provided during all official conference days. To ensure our caterers can accommodate everyone, all participants with vegetarian, vegan, or other specific dietary requirements MUST notify the organising team in advance via lydiaamoah2003@gmail.comor mbello@ucc.edu.gh . Please confirm your dietary preferences as soon as possible.
- Insurance: It is strongly recommended to secure comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
- Currency & Financials
- Official Currency: The currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHS). Cash can be exchanged at airport Forex bureaus or major bank branches.
- Cards & ATM Availability: Credit and debit cards are accepted at major hotels and venues in Accra. However, cash is essential for daily expenses and local purchases in Ghana where ATM availability is much more limited.
- Clothing & Climate
- Weather in September: In September, Accra, Ghana transitions out of the rainy season. Expect warm temperatures, high humidity, and occasional heavy showers.
- Dress Code & Comfort: Casual to business-casual attire suitable for a tropical climate is recommended. Light, breathable fabrics are optimal. Conference rooms and hotel facilities are air-conditioned, so having an optional additional light layer or dressing in long sleeves is advisable.
- Practicalities & Cultural Notes
- Plugs & Voltage: Ghana uses UK-style Type G plugs (230V, 50Hz).
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT / UTC+0).
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in hospitality establishments (roughly 5-10% when service charge is not included).
- Cultural Etiquette: English is Ghana’s official language and is widely spoken across all conference locations, hotels, and travel destinations. Traditional greetings are an essential cultural courtesy – always offer a friendly greeting (such as “Good morning” or “Good afternoon”) before asking a question or requesting assistance. While English greetings are standard and universally understood, learning local greetings are warmly received by hotel and venue staff.
- Photography Etiquette: Always request verbal permission before photographing individuals or taking pictures within local community spaces.
- Accommodation & Medical Facilities
- Primary Accommodation: Participants are to secure their accommodation before arriving in Ghana.
- Safety
- Overall Safety: Ghana is relatively safe to explore especial during the day. The main safety issues are petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag theft, and phone snatching, which are the most common visitor-facing crimes in crowded markets, busy streets, and nightlife areas, especially in Accra. Some scams may occur. These may include taxi fare inflation, fake helpers (especially at the airport), and payment confusion, which are common nuisance scams. Check prices in advance and use app-based rides where possible.
- Night Safety: Risk rises after dark on quiet streets, around beaches, transport hubs, and after nightlife. Participants should avoid walking long distances alone at night.
- Police & Emergency: Police are present in major areas, but response and follow-up can be uneven. Hotel staff, hosts, or venue security are often the quickest source of practical help. Police contact numbers include:
- +233207089309: National emergency line for police, fire, and ambulance services;
- +233542862973: Direct police emergency line;
- +233508545021 / +233242505589: Toll-free short code for general police inquiries and reporting suspicious activities (MTN and Vodafone).