10 Tips for Your Ghana Politics & History Tour

Embarking on EWE Tours’ 12-day Ghana Politics & History Tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of West Africa. From the halls of Parliament in Accra to the historic Cape Coast Castle, you will experience an immersive academic and cultural adventure. To help you seamlessly navigate this incredible itinerary, here are the top 10 essential tips for your upcoming trip.

1. Prepare for the Heat Ghana is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures consistently averaging between 75°F and 90°F. Keep high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses in your daypack to handle the intense tropical sun.

2. Hydrate Wisely (Health First) Because of the constant heat, staying hydrated is a top health priority. Tap water in Ghana is not safe to drink, so stick exclusively to the bottled water that EWE Tours provides daily.

3. Dress Modestly While staying cool is important, respect Ghana’s conservative culture by packing modest clothing. Keep shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting institutional settings, parliament, or traditional tribal councils.

4. Embrace a Slower Pace of Life In Ghana, time is felt rather than strictly measured. Keep an open mind and embrace a more relaxed, patient pace of life when traveling between cities like Kumasi and Tamale.

5. Keep Tech Charged Between meetings with ministers and safaris in Mole National Park, your phone will double as your camera. Bring a heavy-duty power bank to keep your technology charged during long days of travel.

6. Prepare for Spotty Wi-Fi and Data Connection While your 3-star accommodations feature Wi-Fi, expect a lack of data connection and spotty cellular coverage in rural areas. Embrace the chance to disconnect and focus on the immersive experience.

7. Master Ghana’s Handshake (New Customs) When meeting locals, you will encounter unique customs. Practice the famous Ghanaian handshake, which ends with a distinct, friendly finger-snap as you pull your hands apart. Handshakes in Ghana are a complex cultural performance showcasing respect, social hierarchy, and even teasing playfulness.

8. Learn a Few Local Words English is the official language and widely spoken, but learning basic greetings in local languages like Twi or Fante shows immense respect. Don’t worry—your bilingual EWE Tours guides are always there to help translate.

9. Carry Cash, Not Cards Ghana runs primarily on cash (the Ghanaian Cedi). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so keep cash on hand for souvenirs at Kejetia Market or snacks along the coast.

10. Navigate the Busy Traffic Safely From bustling Accra market districts to chaotic intersections, traffic is notoriously heavy and fast-moving. Stay alert, stick with your tour group, and trust your EWE trip leaders to navigate the busy roads safely.