​AKWAABA! 
That is welcome in Ghana!

Hosting our next conference in Accra, Ghana was a deliberate decision, as RSV is more and more recognised as a Global Health problem! Statistics show 99% of RSV cases occur in LMICs and, therefore, it is important to involve LMICs, such as Ghana, to combat and continue to spread awareness of RSV. We are very excited to have the opportunity to hold our 5th conference, RSVVW 2019, in Ghana to broaden the scope of awareness and bridge access and opportunity to RSV information.

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana located right on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). It is also surrounded by the Ivory Coast to the West, Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East. The official language is English, however, there are over 79 different spoken languages and dialects in Ghana. Parallel to the national government there is a system of tribal government. The currency is the Ghanaian cedi - cedi means “cowry shell” which were historically used as money.

Ghana is known for its “Gold Coast” which refers to the abundance of salt and gold used for trade by the Ghana Empire and British merchants. Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan African to achieve independence postcolonialism in 1957 and has since then been ranked as Africa’s most peaceful country. Ghana now produces the 2nd most cocoa beans in the world (behind Ivory Coast). It has the largest market in West Africa known as the “Kejetia Market” located in Kumasi. Soccer is the national sport and located in the center of Accra is the largest soccer stadium in Ghana.

LOCATION Ghana is located in in West Africa. Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana located right on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). It is also surrounded by the Ivory Coast to the West, Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East.

LANGUAGE The official language is English, however, there are over 79 different spoken languages and dialects in Ghana.

TIME Ghana is in the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Time Zone. There are no daylight savings.

WEATHER Ghana as a tropical climate with a temperature generally between 21-35 degrees celsius. During the month of November, it is considered the “dry season.”

IMPORTANT PACKING TIPS Diarrhea Medicine & Insect Repellent

VACCINATIONS/MEDICATIONS Required to have received (documented proof) of a Yellow Fever vaccination within 10 years of planned visit. For your own safety it is recommended to take anti-malarial pills.

1. INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Also known as “Black Star Square” is a public square in Accra, Ghana which represents Ghana’s independence from colonialism in 1957. Learn More Here

2. JAMESTOWN
Jamestown is a community immersed within the greater area of Accra. It emerged around the 17th century British James Fort and many of those colonial buildings still stand today. It is known for its street art and lighthouse which has a great view of the city. Learn More Here

3. LABADI BEACH
Labadi Beach is Accra’s most beautiful and popular beach. If you want to relax on the beach, go surfing, go horseback riding on the shoreline, or see a spontaneous music/dance performance Labadi Beach is a great place to go. Learn More Here

4. OXFORD STREET
Located in “Osu” - the main cultural hotspot in Accra for boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. It is a good place to get in touch with locals and find stallholders with traditional crafts. Learn More Here

5. GLOBAL MAMAS
Located in the heart of Accra, Global Mamas is one of the bigger Fair Trade entreprises which promote sustainable income-generating activities for women. Everything sold here is handmade in Ghana. If you are looking for authentic Ghanaian products and donating to a good cause this is the store to visit. Learn More Here

6. BUKA RESTAURANT
Interested in experiencing some of the best West African food in Accra? Here you can experience plates of jollof rice, tilapia and groundnut soup. Learn More Here

7. MAKOLA MARKET
Makola is a great place to wander and get lost. It is a market filled with street vendors selling all kinds of goods. Learn More Here

ATTIRE Attire at the RSVVW 2019 is business casual. Since meeting room temperatures and personal comfort ranges may vary, a light sweater or jacket is recommended. Ghanaians tend to dress more formally than Westerners

ELECTRICITY Voltage in Ghana is 220/240 volts like Europe - the standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets are for type D and G power plugs.

EXCHANGE RATE Help plan your trip by checking the current exchange rate of your currency to the Ghanaian Cedi.

WITHDRAWING MONEY If you are planning on withdrawing money from your foreign account via ATM in Ghana this usually is the best option for exchange rates. If you have a Visa credit card, you will easily be able to withdraw local currency at any ATM. Mastercard is becoming more widely accepted. The best bank to use is Barclays’ ATMs.

VISA Required to attain a business days within 90 days of planned visit. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before planned visit.

WIFI Wifi is available in the meeting space at Mővenpick Ambassador Hotel.

BARGAINING & TIPPING With the exception of goods in the supermarkets, high-end shops, hotels and restaurants, nothing in Ghana has a set price, so you must make it by doing some friendly bargaining with the vendor.
Generally the seller will offer the item at 30-50% more than what they expect for the item. You should counter-offer very low, about 50% less than what you are willing to pay and then you will go back and forth until you agree.
When receiving any service in Ghana generally a tip is expected and always appreciated. You do not need to be overly generous but enough to show appreciation for the services you receive.

1. CAPE COAST CASTLES
This whitewashed castle, overlooking the sea, was once one of the world’s most important slave-holding sites. You can take a hour-long tour lead by knowledgeable staff to gain insight on the workings of the trade. This is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument. Learn More Here

3. FORT ST. JAGO
This fort stands on a hill opposite to Elmina Castle and has a museum inside to learn more about the history of the site. This is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument. Learn More Here

2. KAKUM NATIONAL PARK
Kakum National Park is one of the most popular ecotourism parks of virgin rainforest. There are walking tours through a canopy walkway. Learn More Here

4.  WLI WATERFALLS
This is the highest waterfall in Ghana and in West Africa. You can take an easy hike to the waterfall and be immersed in the beautiful jungle. Learn More Here

5. KEJETIA MARKET
Located in the heart of Kumasi, Kejetia Market is the largest market in West Africa. There are 11,000 stalls and looks similar to a shanty town. Here you can find about anything from food, to clothing, knick-knacks, and many Ghanaian treasures. Learn More Here

6. MOLE NATIONAL PARK
This is a top rated national park in Ghana where you can get up close and personal with elephants. There is a total of 90 species in the park from baboons, warthogs, water bucks, antelopes and more. Learn More Here