Ghana
Once called “the Gold Coast”, Ghana is well named. The country has one of the most successful stories in Africa. First nation to obtain its independence after European colonization, Ghana has a very strong cultural identity. This Western African country shows multiple facets. The South still bears traces of the European past occupation with its coastal forts and colonial vestiges, but also offers splendid beaches. The North is wilder with its gorgeous natural landscapes, and makes the visitor feel he has landed in a different country. Ghana’s National Parks are home to a diverse fauna, though some species are sadly suffering from habitat loss and poaching…
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
GHANA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Meningitis | Recommended for all travellers during the season(s). Consider immunization for specific groups or itineraries outside the dry season |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| African Tick Bite Fever | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Ghana doesn’t have a good health care situation. Public hospitals are in a dilapidated state and they lack adequate medical equipment. The main hospital center in the country is the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, located in Accra, the capital city. But it provides health care of rather poor quality. Outside of Accra, medical facilities are very few, and sometimes non existent. The health care system in Ghana is totally unfair as there are huge disparities between poor and rich people regarding access to medical care. In the event of serious medical issues, an immediate air evacuation is needed.
Be aware that ambulance services in Ghana are limited.
The country hosts numerous pharmacies, but most of the medicines found here are not of reliable quality, as there are no strict controls on drug importation in the country. It is thus essential for your safety to bring a wide array of basic medicines, including antibiotics, when traveling to Ghana.
SECURITY ABROAD
Chieftaincy disputes and political tension can sometimes lead to localized violence and unrest. While possible throughout Ghana, these conflicts most commonly occur in Bawku (Upper East region), Bimbilla and Cheriponi (Northern region).
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 191 or 18555 from Vodafone/MTN only
- national ambulance: 193
- firefighters: 192 or 0302 772 446
