Ghana
Ghana covers an area of 240,000 sq. km on the coast of West Africa. The country is dominated by the Volta River. The coast is largely lagoons and sandbars giving way to low-lying plains and rising to the Ashanti Plateau in the west and the Volta River basin in the east. One third of the country is forest.
The climate is tropical with high temperatures and increased humidity in the south-west, dry heat in the south-east and hot savannah in the north. Southern Ghana has two distinct wet seasons, April to July and September to November. In the north, a single wet season lasts from May to September. Temperatures all year round remain hot, an average of 28°C.
![]({"file":"d6dc3c63-040a-4fe0-afaf-f268a2c62171.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Ghana 0")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Exploring the famed waterfalls of Ghana can place well-meaning travellers at risk of exposure to disease and illness. Yellow Fever is a risk and proof of vaccination may be required on entry and return to Australia. Consult a travel doctor prior to departure to assess your risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans as some diseases like meningitis have a peak season when the disease is more prevalent in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
More on Yellow Fever
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Warm Climates
Travellers often spend more time outdoors while travelling in warm climates. It is important to make sure you apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated, as dehydration and heat stroke often go unrecognised.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")