GC3B Travel information

Conference venue: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City 

We are excited to announce that the GC3B takes place at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, nestled in the heart of Accra, Ghana’s capital. Please click here for more information on the venue.  

Travel plan, visa  
We’d recommend you organize your travel plan as soon as possible. Depending on your country of residence, a visa for Ghana may be required. Please contact your embassy or consulate to apply for a business visa (if applicable), and please note to include the following details regarding the host:  

  • Cyber Security Authority 
  • KIA, 6 Airport By-Pass Rd, Accra  
  • Digital Address: GL-126-7029 
  • Tel: 0303 972530/ 0303 972531 

If you require our assistance with applying for a visa, or if there is no consulate of Ghana in your country, please contact us at gc3b@csa.gov.gh. We will then either support you with your visa application or arrange for a visa on arrival. In case of a visa on arrival, we will send you a letter from immigration that enables you to board your flight. The fee for the visa on arrival must be paid in cash at the Accra Airport and is $75 (USD) or the equivalent in Ghana Cedis. Information on the costs is available on this website. Please make sure to collect all documentation relevant for the regular visa application process. 

Accommodation 

To support you with your accommodation, please find herewith an overview of suitable hotels that are happy to welcome you, and that offer a special rate for GC3B-participants. Please click here for more information about these hotels:

  • Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel ***** 
  • Accra City Holtel **** 
  • Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites ***** 
  • Prestige Suites Accra ** 
  • Alisa Hotel North Ridge **** 
  • La Villa Boutique Hotel *** 
  • San Marino Hotel Ghana *** 
  • Olma Colonial Suites *** 
  • Labadi Beach Hotel ***** 
  • Holiday Inn Accra Airport *** 
  • Best Western Premier Airport City **** 
  • African Regent North Airport **** 

Yellow fever vaccination certificate 

In Ghana the yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all, except infants under one year. Please do not forget to bring your Health Certificate, which shows that you have a yellow fever vaccination. The international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so please plan your vaccination in time. We also recommend you consult your GP for other recommended vaccinations and anti-malaria treatment. 

Transport

Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport (10km from the city centre) transport to your hotel is arranged. If you have any questions upon arrival, a GC3B representative will be happy to assist you at the GC3B Information Desk. Regarding transport from hotels to the conference venue: all hotels that have been listed offer transport from the hotel to the Kempinski hotel (in the morning) and back (in the evening).  

Currency 

Ghana’s currency is the Cedi which comes in denominations of GHC 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of GHC 2 and 1 and also 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p & 1 pesewas. ATMs are available. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Bank or Forex Bureaux in the country. All banks and Forex Bureaux accept Traveller’s Cheques although the rate of exchange may be slightly lower than for cash transaction. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. These cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, banks and businesses. Your card may be used for payment at most airlines, leading hotels and major supermarkets. However, be cautious when using your credit card to avoid fraud. 

Weather 

Ghana is a tropical country and Accra is located in the dry equatorial zones. This means that most visitors will experience the hot climate with temperatures around 23 to 35 degrees Celsius. 

Electricity 

If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220/240 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3-pronged, or sometimes 2-pronged plugs. Bring your converter to be sure to use your electrical appliances. 

Drinking water 

Safe but it is advisable for visitors to use bottled drinking water which is available for sale in hotels and supermarkets. 

Useful numbers 

Emergency (general): 112 

Ghana Police Service: 112 or 191 

Ghana Fire Service: 112 or 192  

Wi-Fi and Connectivity 

The conference venue is provided with a high-quality Wi-Fi network. Most major hotels also have business centers which provide secretarial and courier services. Ghana has six Telecommunications companies which provide voice and data services. With a valid identity card/passport, one can acquire a sim from any of the telecos. You can make long-distance telephone calls within the country. Collect calls to the USA, Europe and Asia are also available. USA direct dial is 019900 and UK is 0194. 

Safety 

Republic of Ghana is a safe country to visit. However, pay close attention to your own safety and the safety of the people traveling with you. Use common sense when visiting tourist hotspots and avoid going to remote areas at night. Always keep an eye on your luggage and watch out for pickpockets. 

About Ghana

Welcoming and friendly, with the most vibrant energy, that’s how Ghana is described by travel agencies all over the world. With Accra, named by the New York Times as ‘Africa’s capital of cool’, visitors of the GC3B will feel at home at once. Absorb the Accra atmosphere at the GC3B!

Vital statistics of Ghana
Population of Ghana: 32.8 million
Capital of Ghana: Accra (1,8 million inhabitants)
Languages in Ghana: English, Asante, Ewe, others
Time in Ghana: GMT
International dialling code in Ghana: +233

Ghana highlights

Kakum National Park

Ghana’s most visited attraction is the Kakum National Park in Assin Attandanso in the Central Region. It has a 333-meter long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old. The canopy walk is only one of Kakum’s many delights. There are a variety of trails and guided walks that allow visitors to experience the solitude of the rainforest. Mammals include forest elephant, leopard, bongo, bushbuck and many primates, but game viewing is difficult. Kakum is about 4 hours drive from Accra. There is a treehouse for you if wish to stay the night for bird and wildlife watching. (source: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana)

Cape Coast Castle

Cape Coast Castle is the largest of the buildings which contains the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like most ancient fortifications in Ghana, Cape Coast Castle played a significant role in the gold and slave trades. But also, two significant contributions were made here: the arrival of Christianity, and the establishment of the first formal education system through Castle Schools. Cape Coast Castle will acquaint you with its many interesting features including Dalzel Tower, the slave dungeons, and the cannons and mortars used in the Castle’s defence. The West African Historical Museum is located inside Cape Coast Castle and contains a growing collection of art and cultural objects, including ceremonial drums, old muskets, shackles from the slave trade and ancient pottery. (Source: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana)

The National Museum of Ghana

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Accra, the Ghanaian capital, stands the National Museum of Ghana. The National Museum holds a unique position in preserving the cultural legacy of Ghana and Africa at large. The National Museum of Ghana is a treasure trove of objects from diverse domains such as archaeology, ethnography, and fine art. These artifacts offer visitors a rich journey from the stone age period to the recent historical past, offering a tangible connection to the diverse and layered heritage of Africa.

Beyond the borders of Ghana, the museum also houses objects from other African countries, acquired through exchange. The art gallery, though compact, presents an impressive array of contemporary Ghanaian African paintings, rendered in oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, and collages. This vibrant collection is complemented by African sculpture pieces in various media, each telling its own story of creativity and cultural expression. (Source: The National Museum of Ghana)

Labadi Pleasure Beach

This public beach is located in La, at the western edge of Accra. It has a three-km beach front that offers wide variety of activities. The beach is blessed with strong winds. The wide expanse of this sandy beach is right for Frisbee, football and beach volleyball. Changing-room facilities, restaurants, snack bars and shower rooms are plentiful on the beach. There is an entrance fee for getting into this beach. Entertainment by musicians, performers and acrobats take place here regularly and there are always vendors selling crafts.
(Source: https://www.easytrackghana.com)