A wealth of culture, history, breath taking scenerary, happiness and very few poisonous spiders! Ghana for me is equivalent to heaven on Earth. I briefly experienced ex patriot life and life of a few of the inhabitants of this beautiful country.
When exploring Ghana the first thing that stunned me were the vareity of colours. The colours of the bush (rainforest), striking purple hummingbirds, greens and blues, flowers of all colours bright and huge are mirrored by the dress sense of the people in the cities and villages.
The bridge walk at Kakum National Park 2-3hrs drive north west of Accra. Is breath taking. Walking on no more than a plank with safety nets either side, you are propelled up to 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Friends had seen monkeys on the walkways that morning and walked with the butterflies later. Our guides name was 'Still Alive.'
The people are Ghana's greatest resource. Always happy and smiling and so very polite, yet always wanting to show and teach their visitors. Be prepared to see some shocking poverty in many of the villages. Some people have nothing yet still seem so very happy. This was the case throughout my visit.
As for buying traditional goods it is always good to have someone with you who knows the market area. Bartering is very much the way of life and you need to know how. We were wary of the food, but did not refuse when offered. Always best to stick to bottled water.
Always ask permission of the chief or elders of a village before wandering around and taking photos. Treat everyone with the same respect you want to be treated with, and please bring basic books or teaching equipment for the schools.
Reminders of an unpleasant past (the slave trade in particular) scatter the coast in the form of castles and colonial towns. The towns are still very much alive and have not changed much since 1900 or earlier. Visit the Akasombo Dam which powers most of the countrys electricity. Trips up and down th Volta are cheap and fun. Ada is one of many beauty spots where the Volta meets the sea. Watch in awe as fish are speared by the skilled group work of some of the locals.
There is no time difference and the main language is English. It's a good idea to brush up on your Twe (local language) in Accra. People will be very happy even if you can just say 'squirrel' (opuro).
I recommend Malarone malarial tablets. They maybe a little more expensive than others, but the only side effect I've experienced are very realistic nightmares for a night or two. Have fun, its very difficult not to.