From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Ghana Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 15:39:10 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1188 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <961125153910_76702.1202_CHN50-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 143 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ghana ============================================================ Ghana - Public Announcement November 25, 1996 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release The American Embassy in Accra advises that local and national elections in Ghana will take place on Sunday, December 7. The Embassy recommends that during the election period U.S. citizens maintain a low profile, avoid election polling places, rallies, demonstrations and large crowds. U.S. citizens may want to reduce travel during this period, particularly after dark and in isolated areas. In the event of trouble, U.S. citizens are advised to stay indoors, and follow television and radio reports. The Embassy strongly encourages all American citizens to register with the Consular Section. For further information on travel to Ghana, consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Ghana. This Public Announcement will expire on December 20, 1996. Ghana - Consular Information Sheet September 12, 1996 Country Description: Ghana is a developing country on the west coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism in Accra are available, but are limited in the more remote areas of the country. Entry Requirements: There is an airport departure tax. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Ghana, 3512 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 686-4520; or the Ghanaian Consulate General at 19 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 832-1300. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Ghanaian Embassy or Consulate. Areas of Instability: Travel to and through the northern region of Ghana could be dangerous because of the potential for the resumption of ethnic violence. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside the capital. Doctors and hospitals often request immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Robberies often occur in public places and at beaches. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the consular section of the U.S. Embassy. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Import-Export Restrictions: Ghana has strict laws on currency exchange and on the import and export of gold, diamonds and other natural resources. Only designated agencies are authorized to handle import-export transactions. Attempts to evade regulations are punishable by a three-to-seven-year prison term. Smuggling of any kind is a serious crime; airport officials have the authority to conduct body searches. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal. Ghana has roadblock checkpoints where automobiles and sometimes passengers may be searched. Visitors arriving in Ghana with electronic equipment, particularly video cameras and laptop computers, may have to pay a deposit of 17.5 per cent of the item's value. To get the deposit refunded, visitors must apply to the Customs and Excise Office in central Accra 48 hours before departure. Prohibitions on Photography: In some areas, possession of a camera is considered suspicious. Individuals have been arrested for taking pictures near sensitive installations. Photographs of Accra's international airport are prohibited. Dual Nationality: The Government of Ghana does not recognize dual nationality except for minors under 21 years of age. A dual national who enters Ghana with a Ghanaian passport will be treated as a Ghanaian citizen only. If a dual national Ghanaian-American enters Ghana on a Ghanaian passport and is later arrested for any reason while in Ghana, the U.S. Embassy normally is not notified of the arrest by Ghanaian authorities. As a result, consular assistance for dual U.S.-Ghanaian citizens may be limited. Clothing Prohibitions: The wearing of any military apparel, such as camouflage jackets or pants, or any clothing or items which may appear military in nature, is strictly prohibited. Civil Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June 1996, the FAA has found the Government of Ghana's Civil Aviation authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Ghana's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Service of Regional Airlines: The service provided by a number of regional air carriers, including Ghana Airways, has been reported to be unreliable. The airlines have been known to skip scheduled stops, arrive on non-scheduled days and regularly overbook flights, all of which can cause unexpected delays and additional expense. Travelers may be required to handle increased financing of alternate ticketing and/or increased food and lodging needs. Embassy location/Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at the Embassy Annex, 10th and 11th Lanes, near Danquah Circle, OSU, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Ghana. The Consular section's telephone numbers are (233-21) 77-66-01 or 02. The Consular Section's fax number is (223-21) 77-57-47. The U.S. Embassy is located on Ring Road East, P.O. Box 194, Accra, Ghana at telephone number (233-21) 77-53-47 or 48. No. 96-161 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 13, 1996, to revise the section on civil aviation oversight. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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