Do's and Don'ts for visiting Ghana

Do's and Don'ts

We are here to make sure you have a great time while visiting Ghana. For this to best occur, we ask that you follow some basic rules.

Our goal is to make you want to return, and for you to convince your friends to visit Ghana too!

Follow all instructions from your hosts. This is for your own safety.
Do engange with locals in a friendly manner. Ghana is a very friendly country. For those not accustomed, it is easy to accidentally cause some small offense by not responding to greetings.
Be certain to treat those you interact with as fellow human beings, with respect and dignity.
Respect local customs and traditions. Realize that you are in a very different environment than Europe or America. Read some basic cultural etiquette to help you interact with Ghanaians more easily.
Do be aware of your dress and actions. Ghana is still a very conservative country. You will never see people kissing because public displays of affection are the only acceptable on the dance floor.
Inform your hosts of any problems, needs, or special wishes. Be specific, but not rude. The more specific you are in your requests, the better your hosts will be able to give you the correct outcome.
Be patient. Be flexible. Ghana is a developing country and some things are beyond the control of your hosts. Weather, power outages, poor maintenance, or other conditions may cause unanticipated delays and inconveniences.
Speak more slowly, NOT MORE STRONGLY, when there is a communication misunderstanding with any person.
Do ask permission before photographing any person
Feel free to leave a tip or a gift with any person at the end of their service. Even something small is very much appreciated.

Do not say or do anything you would not do in your own country. You are a guest and should act accordingly.
Do not flaunt your wealth, be loud, insulting or disrespectful in any way. This includes flashing lots of cash, jewels or electronic gadgets.
Try not to smoke in public, especially while walking in public. While you will see smoking at some drinking establishments and restaurants, and foreigners are mostly forgiven, Ghana is mostly a smoke-free country.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Drunkenness brings great shame.
Do not curse or use vulgar language. It is a rare circumstance where you will hear a Ghanaian utter a curse and it is poorly received behavior.
Do not spit or throw trash into the street. You will see rubbish everywhere, but people will not appreciate you littering their country.
Do not react oddly when a Ghanaian takes you by the hand. Ghana is a very physical culture and the interpersonal space is smaller that in the West.
You will see men holding hands and women holding hands in public because they are good friends. Do not mistake this as an indication of sexual orientation. Homosexuality is illegal in Ghana, but is only a problem for foreigners if you openly declare your orientation (so don't do that either).
Do not get involved in local politics.
Do not purchase any illegal substances.
Do not photograph any government buildings or military installations.