Visa

You will need a visa to enter Ghana but we will help you to make this process as easy as possible. Please contact us regarding invitation letter and other practicalities.

Health

Please visit your doctor to receive all the necessary vaccinations and prescriptions you will need for your stay in Ghana. If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should bring a spare pair in case they are lost, as well as a copy of your prescription. Don’t forget:

  • Malaria prophylaxis
  • Vaccinations
  • Travel medical insurance

 

Finances

There is no ATM in Busua. The nearest ATM takes only visa and is a 10 min drive by car. If you bring currency in U.S. dollars or Euros, you will be able to exchange it at the airport when you arrive in Accra or in many large hotels/Forex bureaus in Accra and Takoradi. Takoradi (45min from Busua) also has ATM’s that accept MasterCard.

 

Safety

Busua is a peaceful place and the beach is a safe place to be even at night. However, use common safety precautions such as avoiding leaving your bag, money, camera, phone etc. on the beach unattended, and locking your doors when leaving your hotel room, and at night.

 

Life in Busua

Busua is small fishing village with a population of around 2000 people. Even though Fante (Akan language) is widely spoken in the coastal areas, Busua has its own local dialect Ahanta. Most people make a living by farming, fishing and trading. People in Busua are very friendly and open to visitors; especially the children will greet you and want to play.

 

Electricity

Power outages are frequent as Busua is a rural village, though most hotels have generators. Water and electricity are scarce commodities in Ghana, thus visitors should be sensitive to the amount of energy they are consuming and should take care to turn off lights and electronic devices and keep things unplugged when not in use.

 

Places to eat

You’ll find international dishes in several restaurants such as Okorye Tree Restaurant, African Rainbow Resort, Alaska Beach Club, Busua Inn and Busua Beach Resort. Local kitchen can be found at Florence’s place, Julidan’s place, Coconut Dream and Abidjan Chop bar (best fufu in town!). Otherwise there are many small food vendors on the street where you can eat food like rice, spaghetti, fried chicken and fried fish.

 

Portable internet modems / phone credit

You can buy an internet modem or a sim card in Takoradi at an operator’s office; just remember to bring ID for registration. You can also get wi-fi at African Rainbow hotel and Busua Beach Resort. MTN is usually considered as the most reliable network. Phone credit can be bought anywhere.

 

Travel opportunities

There are many nice places for a day trip such as Butre, Dixcove castle, Akwidaa, Cape 3 Points and Cape Coast. You will get a chance to visit one of those places as part of your Surf Camp, or go to most of them as part of your Surf Tour.

When travelling around Ghana on your own you have to allow for generous time margins and the ride isn’t always comfortable. Still, the network of buses, tro-tro’s, and taxis is pretty comprehensive, which can make getting around relatively easy and inexpensive. Tro-tro’s are small buses that pick up and drop off people along a specific route. Each tro-tro has a mate who collects money and calls the stops along the route. It is always best to check with the mate to ensure you are getting on the right tro-tro. Local people tend to be very friendly and helpful too so don’t be shy about asking around.

 

Surf gear

Rash guards and wet suits will be available for use at the Surf Shop. However, you are encouraged to bring your own surf gear, including rash guards and board shorts.

     

Other practical things to bring

  • Surfing hat (for the sun)
  • Surfing shoes (against sea urchins at point breaks – only for experienced surfers)
  • Water proof sunscreen
  • Rain jacket or umbrella (May-August and September-October)
  • Proof of your yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the country
  • Copies of your passport, visa, insurance, ID card. You should leave one copy at home and bring one copy with you, in case of loss or theft
  • Mosquito repellent: 40% DEET is your best bet for protecting yourself against mosquitoes in the evenings

 

Some cultural notes

Traditionally you are not allowed to use your left hand for anything apart from private business (toilet). Therefore, greeting anyone, eating, giving/taking money with your left hand is seen as disrespectful.

Ghanaians always take time to greet people even when they just walk past on the street, especially older people. Give it a try! Say hello, make eye contact and ask how they are doing. 

It is considered rude to take pictures of people if you have not greeted them and asked their permission. If taking pictures of children it is courteous to show them the photo after you’ve taken it.

Funerals are an important part of Ghanaian culture. It is often a multi-day event that involves lots of loud music, dancing, eating and drinking. Busua has funerals at least once a month.

Tipping is not compulsory in Ghana but you may choose to leave a small token.